Comments on: How To Make a Rustic Leather Floor from Paper Bags!

By: Stefanie

Stefanie — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:00:07 +0000

WE are using this on our basement floor. I saw it done 16 yrs ago and have loved it since. What’s got me stumped, is that we have seams in the concrete. I’m not sure if the floor underneath will be smooth if we fill these in with a thin-sulate mortar? Any suggestions?

By: Domestik Goddess

Domestik Goddess — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:59:53 +0000

If you’re concerned about it sticking to the laminate, if especially if the laminate is very shiny, you could lightly sand the floor before applying the paper. But I would probably test a small piece of laminate first to see if the poly would adhere without sanding, as it very well might.

By: Carson

Carson — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 03:03:24 +0000

Can you apply the paper flooring over laminate flooring? If so, would you still use polycrylic? I was concerned if it would stick to the laminate.
Thanks!

By: Kris

Kris — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 02:11:02 +0000

Could I do this over wood plank subfloor using rosin paper? There are a couple of 1/4 inch wide gaps. This is an old work shop (1815) with painted subfloor. It’s a bit out of level. I want to use it as an art studio but need to cover floor with something. The floor is relatively flat. Any info is so appreciated. Thanks

By: Tamara Cosby

Tamara Cosby — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:32:36 +0000

Is this something that can be done over subfloor? I am worried where it says to thoroughly clean the floor, I obviously cannot clean subfloor very well? Thank you sooo much!

Tamara
jtcosby@gmail.com

By: Jim

Jim — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 05:14:23 +0000

I want to apply this technique to a plain wooden cabinet, and I’d like to add a color for a stained leather effect. Would I then use the decoupage instead of polyurethane? When/how/ what would I add for coloring ?

By: domestika

domestika — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:37:58 +0000

For wall covering, decorative objects or hard furnishings (like tables), yes, Bev, I do agree: the decoupage method you describe would be my first choice, too. But can you give more detail about why you chose not to use wallpaper paste instead of the polyurethane method for a flooring application?

By: Bev

Bev — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:32:07 +0000

It’s not as simple as all that poly. Wallpaper paste decoupages the paper to the floor, then you apply several coats of poly after the paper has dried. It’s not as easy as it looks.

By: domestika

domestika — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:26:16 +0000

Toni, this technique is intended to make a durable, fairly permanent surface, so it uses polyurthane directly on the existing subfloor or old flooring. (Think in terms of covering old cracked asbestos tiles that would be an expensive health hazard to remove.)

If you want the same look for a temporary residence — like a rental apartment — I’d be inclined to lay down some cheap linoleum or vinyl flooring first, so the faux-leather finish would go onto that and not onto the “real” floor, and be really careful with the poly application around the edges.

By: Toni

Toni — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 14:43:54 +0000

Dear Domestika,

Iam thinking of doing the faux leather floors but, how hard would it be to remove this after its put down?

By: domestika

domestika — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:19:36 +0000

HI Shannnon,

I just fired you off an email… but here’s my basic take on this: all houses move to some extent, and the faux leather floor might well stand up better to movement than, say, those peel-and-stick vinyl tiles (don’t get me started on those evil things!)…

As I mentioned in my email, in the kitchen of this old house there’s a 50-60-year-old old asphalt tile floor in truly crappy condition – but I don’t dare try to tear it up for fear of asbestos if the tiles break up. I still haven’t decided whether to do the faux leather floor effect on it, but it’s certainly something I’m considering because I think it might help to hide some of the cracks between tiles (and in the middle of tiles!). It’s tempting, because I love the look and feel pretty confident that this method would work just fine for this situation. (And even with an amazing granite foundation, my house moves a bit through the seasons, just like any other…)

Please do report back in and tell us about your project, if you decide to go for it?

By: shannon

shannon — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:01:25 +0000

Yes, thank you. I guess I was just concerned it would not work if the foundation was not cement.

By: domestika

domestika — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:36:06 +0000

Shannon, yes – right over the existing sheet-vinyl flooring: but do clean the vinyl properly first (that’s what the TSP is for) so you get good adhesion.

I’m not sure what you mean about a wood foundation, though — are you concerned about your home being subject to movement because it’s on wooden piers or something, rather than a cement foundation?

If your mobile is not on a stable foundation and there’s some flex in the floors, then any kind of flooring you would use will be under some stress (not to mention the structure of the home!) so that would be the least of the concerns. You’d want do something about the foundation before worrying too much about the interior decor, anyway, if this is the case.

Don’t know if that answers your question at all – maybe you can clarify the question a bit, if not?

By: shannon

shannon — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:57:49 +0000

You can apply this flooring directly over the existing vinyl? Will this work in a mobile home that has a wood foundation?

By: domestika

domestika — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:54:20 +0000

Lindee, TSP is trisodium phosphate, a heavy-duty cleaner. Any hardware store will know exactly what to give you, if you go ask for TSP. It’s probably in the same aisle with the painting supplies.

By: Lindee

Lindee — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 19:42:26 +0000

In the directions, it’s mentioned that TSP is great for cleaning the floors.. (Now, clean the floor thoroughly? TSP is a great idea here! It is normally used on glossy paint surface, but will work well for these purposes. Rinse well. Let dry.) What is this?

By: domestika

domestika — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:43:39 +0000

@josephine, hi! Here are two ideas: You could sew a tote bag out of waterproof canvas... or get creative with recycled Tyvek. There are many great easy patterns for different styles of bags -- keep an eye out for a couple of bag patterns I'll be featuring through June, suitable for book / laptop bags or even beach totes; there may be a bag pattern that appeals to you!

By: josephine

josephine — Fri, 16 May 2008 00:05:40 +0000

how do you make a waterproof bag for a bookbag