Floorcloths have been used for centuries as functional and decorative elements in the home. Designing and using your own floor cloth is a unique and creative way to display your artwork in an unexpected place. Nearly any sturdy, paintable fabric may be used to make a floor cloth. This project uses remnant vinyl flooring, which is inexpensive and does not require special preparation such as hemming or gluing. After painting your design with durable water-based enamel craft paint, you can apply several coats of sealant to protect your artwork for a lasting functional art piece.
Instructions
1. Sketch your floor cloth design on paper according to the desired dimensions. Include central and border designs, as desired. It may be helpful to try out different color combinations on paper with colored pencils before applying paint to your floor cloth.
2. Turn the vinyl flooring face down. Measure and mark the flooring to the desired size. If you are making a rectangular floorcloth, use a T-square to draw the corners so they are precisely 90 degrees. Use heavy-duty shears to cut out your floorcloth. Place your floorcloth on a protected flat surface in a well-ventilated area.
3. Apply primer to the floorcloth with a paint roller. Cover the floorcloth evenly from edge-to-edge. Place the roller in a plastic bag and seal it so you can use it again without washing the roller. Allow the primer to dry, according to the manufacturer's directions. Apply a second coat of primer to your floorcloth and dry.
4. Sketch your design on the floorcloth, using a pencil. If you are using a border design, measure and mark the positions of the borders. Use masking tape to form a barrier between the border area and the interior part of your design. After applying the tape, smooth it onto the floorcloth. Use artists brushes and water-based enamel paint to fill-in the interior portion of your floorcloth. For adequate coverage, two coats of paint may be necessary. After the paint has dried, paint pens may be used to clean the edges of your design or to add detail.
5. Paint your border design, if desired, by first removing the masking tape, then filling-in your sketch with paint. Once you are satisfied with your finished painting, allow the floorcloth to dry thoroughly. Use a paint roller to apply a clear sealant. If you plan to use the floorcloth in a high-traffic area, apply at least three coats of sealant. Allow the sealant to dry, according to manufacturer's directions, between coats.
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