What paint can I use for linoleum flooring?

Candice Cleaver
by Candice Cleaver

I'm currently in the process of rejuvenating our youth club's game room, and one aspect that requires attention is the linoleum flooring.


I'm interested in exploring suitable paint options that would be both resilient and aesthetically appealing for the lively activities that take place in the space.


If any of you have experience or insights regarding paint for linoleum flooring, I would greatly appreciate your guidance and recommendations.


Thank you kindly for your assistance.

Paint for linoleum flooring

  18 answers
  • A porch/floor enamel would be best.

  • The Design Twins The Design Twins on Aug 15, 2023

    They do make paint especially for floors or exterior porches. But I have had really good experience using high quality latex paint (Benjamin Moore) and stenciling my laundry room floor (using 2 colors, a base paint and then a 2nd color for the pattern). And then sealing the paint with 3 coats of clear acrylic polyurethane. My laundry room floor is our highest traffic room (entrance from our garage) and my painted floor lasted 3 years with minimal scratching. I ended up touching it up after 3 years and then re-sealing. Note: the first time I only used 2 coats of sealer. The second time I did it I knew that 3 coats would be better. It looks great!


  • William William on Aug 15, 2023

    Clean the floor well. Prime with Kilz3 or Zinseer 123 primer. Then paint with a floor and porch enamel. A few other options.


    https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts/?filter=paint%20linoleum

  • Ultimately it's the primer that's key here so make sure to get one made for this type of flooring then seal it with several coats of polyurethane after painting. Know that painting this type of floor, especially in a high traffic area, will most likely be a temporary fix as the paint can wear.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Aug 15, 2023

    Good advice from William.

  • Betsy Betsy on Aug 15, 2023

    Hi Candice: Personally, I'd not paint the floor, as it will scratch and look really unattractive :( Until you can replace the flooring, I'd just give it a good thorough cleaning and waxing. Especially since you say that it gets a lot of use, the paint won't last no matter how well you prepare the surface. And, the floor really doesn't look all that bad :)

  • Dee Dee on Aug 15, 2023

    If the flooring is still decent I would just change the color of the grout. Maepi makes Grout Refresh. It is easy to do, and comes in many different colors. You can purchase it on Amazon. I did both my bathrooms several years ago and still looks brand new.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Aug 17, 2023

    Checkout Heirloom Traditions Paint. I haven't used it for floors but have seen several projects with good results. The only floor painting I have done was wood. I will share that I cleaned with TSP then painted with a paint especially formulated for floors. It took almost an entire day to dry but it has held up beautifully for over 4 years now. I got my paint from Lowe's.


    I also saw where someone recommended painting the grout for a fresh look. I did this because I couldn't keep my white grout clean looking, even with a sealer. I don't think it was true white. I used an artist brush and exterior paint then sealed. That was 2020 and it hasn't needed anything other than another coat of sealant.

  • Mogie Mogie on Aug 19, 2023

    Porch and Floor Enamel is the best paint to withstand heavy traffic, wear and tear and water. Designed to use indoors and out, it resists dirt and household chemicals. It is a water-based enamel fortified with epoxy. It is ultra smooth and dries to a hard, low lustre finish.

  • We painted our concrete with Benjamin Moore floor and patio paint. It can be used on a lot of different floors. It was fabulous. I would talk to a Benjamin Moore pro, but we didn't need a top coat or a primer. They actually stated it would not work well with the product. Here's a link to see: https://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2018/08/how-to-paint-concrete-patio-makeover.html


  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Aug 23, 2023

    Honestly I would look into Rustoleum's garage flooring kits as any regular paint I don't think will last very long.

  • Hi Candice! Porch and Floor Enamel is the best paint to withstand heavy traffic, wear and tear and water. Hope this helps!

  • Annie Annie on Aug 29, 2023

    There's some info listed here, hope it helps! https://julieblanner.com/painting-linoleum-floors/

  • Deb K Deb K on Sep 02, 2023

    Hi Candice, hope this helps you out. High quality porch paint works well for this

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHJ-Jng4Abo

  • The surface isn't intended to bond paint, so it isn't a long-term answer to your interior design problems. According to several experts, vinyl or linoleum flooring needs to be at least a year old in order to be painted because the surface is then sufficiently worn in. However, it is necessary to clean off any dirt, oils, and residue.

  • KainnBency KainnBency on Dec 08, 2023

    "Hi Candice! That's a wonderful initiative to rejuvenate the youth club's game room. Linoleum flooring can be a great base, but for a resilient and aesthetically appealing solution, you might want to consider vinyl flooring. Vinyl offers durability and a wide range of design options, making it ideal for high-activity spaces like the game room.


    While painting linoleum is an option, vinyl flooring tends to be more resilient in the long run, withstanding the energetic activities that take place in the youth club.


    If you'd like to explore more about the benefits and choices, check out vinyl flooring singapore price. It can provide you with valuable insights and help you make an informed decision for the game room.

  • Betsy Betsy on Dec 12, 2023

    Hi Candice: Personally, I'd not paint the floor, as it will scratch and look really unattractive :( Until you can replace the flooring, I'd just give it a good thorough cleaning and waxing. Especially since you say that it gets a lot of use, the paint won't last no matter how well you prepare the surface. And, the floor really doesn't look all that bad :)

  • Salma Salma on Dec 13, 2023

    For painting linoleum flooring, choose a high-quality floor paint specifically designed for resilient surfaces. Acrylic or epoxy paints work well on linoleum, providing durability and adherence. Ensure the linoleum is clean and dry before application, and consider using a primer to enhance adhesion. Opt for paints labeled as suitable for high-traffic areas to withstand wear and tear. Water-based acrylic paints are popular for their low odor and easy cleanup. Apply multiple thin coats for better coverage and longevity. After painting, finish with a clear polyurethane sealer to protect the surface from scratches and stains. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.