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How to Make a Rustic Leather Floor from Paper Bags!
by Kathy Wilson
Sometimes one of the toughest decorating challenged we have
when we are on a budget is replacing old, worn, or ugly
flooring. If you have vinyl flooring that has seen better
days, or you just want more of a natural or luxurious look
in your rooms, hold on to your hat! I am going to show you
how to create a faux leather floor from ordinary paper bags
from the grocery store!
Tools Needed:
- Paper bags or a roll of brown Kraft paper from
the postal supply aisle (enough to cover your entire floor,
with some overlapping)
- Gallon of water based polyurethane
- Scissors
- Old work clothes
- Strong Knees and Back!
First off, put up the "Room Closed" sign! I did my kitchen
in the evening so the last coat of sealer would have a
chance to dry well before the kids and the dogs hit it in
the morning! Even better if you can keep it closed off for
24 hours or more.
Now, clean the floor thoroughly...is a great idea here! It
is normally used on glossy paint surface, but will work well
for these purposes. Rinse well. Let dry.
Reader comment: I did this floor in my kitchen. I LOVE it!!!!!! I would however make some recommendations. If you are anything like me, prepare your paper ahead of time allowing for more than you think you need. Keep your straight edge pieces separate so you have them handy for the outsides (kind of like doing a puzzle). Allow time to finish this project. I did a 12x12 kitchen and a small laundry room and it took me all day. Take frequent stretching breaks because your back will thank you. You will love this floor. I am going to do this in my bedroom but will sponge paint onto the paper to match the colors of the room.
Tear your brown paper into irregular sections in a size that
is easy to handle. It is important to tear, and not cut, as
that will give the natural edge you need for the look. Only
use the scissors to create a straight edge on some pieces to
line up against cabinets, walls, or a change in flooring.
Now crumple each torn piece tightly, then smooth out. This
will give it texture.
Pour a small amount of polyurethane onto the floor where you
will place your first piece, and smooth it out with a brush,
although I preferred to use my hands. Lay the piece of paper
down, add a little poly to the top of the paper, and smooth
down. Kind of like decoupage! Now continue to lay down
papers each one slightly overlapping the other. Smooth out
bubbles as you go. Your hand is the best tool for this!
If you find bubbles forming underneath as the poly starts to
dry, poke the bubble with a pin, add a little more poly, and
smooth down.
Reader comment: I helped my friend do his hallway, kitchen and laundry room with this idea. He had a combination of linoleum and some of that cheap pressed wood stuff. It came out just as nice! Tear that old carpet out and prepare to be amazed! Good luck!
Once you finish covering the whole floor with paper, let the
poly dry. Recoat the poly once each hour until you have 4 to
6 coats of poly protecting your floor. This should be
allowed to dry hard, at least overnight, longer if possible.
When you notice the floor getting dull, clean and add a
maintenance coat of poly. Repairs are easily made with
another torn piece of paper bag laid right over the existing
treatment. Seal with poly.
Damp mop when necessary, and it should last you years!
Definitely not your neighbors floor, and all for the price
of some polyurethane and some hard work!
Do you want free tips and ideas for decorating your home on
a budget? Visit author and columnist Kathy Wilson at
http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com, and don't forget to sign
up for her free newsletter while you're there!
Comment on this article or submit your tip to CreativeHomemaking.com.
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