That old linoleum floor might not look desirable. Maybe you don't like the pattern; maybe you don't like the color. Of course you can just rip it out and replace it; or you can use a low cost alternative by painting it. Even though it is not a quick and easy thing to do, it is a project even the less experienced can execute.

First you should inspect the condition of the linoleum floor in question to make sure it is still in good condition. For this purpose you have to thoroughly clean it. Make sure you scrub it well. You should get all the floor wax off and might have to use an industrial strength cleaner available in home improvement stores to get the job done. When the floor is dry, check it for holes and cracks. A magnifying glass would be a good tool to use to ensure you find even the tiniest flaw in your linoleum floor.

Use a small needle or pin to test how deep the hole or crack is. If it is deep and or easily chips around the borders, you are probably better off replacing it. If the flooring slightly moves in some areas, when you move or walk over it, the material underneath your linoleum floor is most likely deteriorating, which also indicates replacement is the better way to go.

If your floor is in good condition, you can proceed with the next step. You now have to lightly sand the surface of your entire linoleum floor. Make sure you sand the entire linoleum floor including the corners, edges, and under the appliances. Along the way remove any final traces of wax and rough and or high spots. The lightly rough surface is necessary for the paint to adhere to the floor. Fill in the cracks and holes with standard wood filer as needed. Make sure to sand down anything that might rise above the floor after you have filled those holes.

Once you are done, thoroughly clean the floor again. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove the sanding residue and then a damp sponge to wipe down the floor.

Wait until the floor is completely dry. Next you have to apply the primer. You should choose an oil-based one. Your primer and top coat should be oil-based, which will aid in the floor cleaning, because it is water repellent. Additionally, the top coat should be labeled as 'floor paint'. You want to make sure that your paint will be able to endure the heavy duty traffic it might face in some areas of the floor. You can apply the primer to the floor just like you would to a wall. Apply a thick layer of primer, which will aid in masking any imperfections that might have been left after the previous treatment step. If you are unhappy with the evenness and texture of the surface area, you might have to sand down the floor again and apply another coat of primer.

Make sure you read the instruction on the primer can. You should apply the first top coat in a time frame indicated by the instructions on the primer can. Let the top coat dry as long as needed based on the instructions on the top coat can. A second top coat might not be necessary but should be applied to ensure uniformity and durability of the floor coloring. Before you apply a second layer of top coat you should lightly sand the floor again to ensure uniform absorbance. Don't forget to clean of the sanding residue before you proceed with the application of the second top coat.

The top coat should dry for about five days before you apply the urethane. The urethane should be labeled for floor use, not furniture use. You should use a lambs wool applicator tool to apply the urethane. You might have to apply two or three coats of urethane to ensure a durable finish.