Hi Yvonne....I'm back with questions about my horrid pink tile bathroom floor. You suggested Marine Paint. Do I need to prep the floor first? Will the finish be slippery? Are there many color choices? Is it only available at boating stores? Thanks!

By Yjja123 on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 03:52 pm:

Hi Kate!
I would put a primer down. You could use Kilz or there is a marine primer. The paint does come in colors but tends to be primary colors. I see no reason why you couldn't buy the white and add a color tube (sold at home improvement stores) to make it the color you want. It is a shiny finish. I do not know if a matte finish is available. You can do an online search for marine paint. It is very durable and washable. I do not think it will be slippery. I bought mine at Outdoor World.

By Kate on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 04:06 pm:

Thank you! Where did you apply your paint? I just called some hardware stores and they don't carry it. They suggested either a two part epoxy paint (based on online searching, it costs a FORTUNE) or a floating vinyl floor. I've also heard of a few vinyls that go down with just tape! This bathroom is very small and would require very little paint or vinyl. Vinyl sounds less scary in that it's durable, I just worry about it curling upward. Marine paint sounds scary in that it's paint and could chip or scratch or be an odd finish. The epoxy scares me due to the price and the chemicals involved. I would have to mix it myself at home before applying. Yikes! I'm only looking for a white color, so that part is easy anyway! I was worried Marine paint would only be bright blue!

Completely unrelated to flooring, I wanted to say I've been teaching my five year old to read (with great success!) and will definitely be homeschooling her. She'll begin K in the fall. My other DD is not interested. She's entering fifth grade in the fall and we're still on the fence about it. We'll have to wait and see a bit more, I guess.

By Yjja123 on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 04:45 pm:

I think Walmart has it. Granted, we have a boat aisle at ours so it may be a southern thing. The paint would be a temporary option--expect it to last a few years. If you really want a new floor, I would go for it. If it is a small area, it will not be too expensive---and will be one less thing you have to do down the road. I helped a friend paint her bathroom vinyl with the marine paint. It has lasted OK and has the same shiny finish her vinyl had.
I wouldn't touch the epoxy with a 10 foot pole. Way too toxic!
I am glad you are having success with the reading! If you ever need any homeschool info feel free to email me... Or any home improvement questions too

By Yjja123 on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 04:50 pm:

The marine paint we used was $50.00 per gallon. It basically is a heavy duty enamel paint. I think you could use an enamel paint from the hardware store. Just make sure you prime first so the paint will adhere to your vinyl.

By Yjja123 on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 04:53 pm:

Here is a web page that gives step by step instruction to paint vinyl floor

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/fc_vinyl/article/0,2037,DIY_13816_2274954,00.html