The first thing you will need to do before painting your linoleum floor is make sure they are as clean as possible. Once that’s done, you’ll need to scuff it up some with a light sander or wire brush. (Note, if your linoleum pre-dates 1980 skip this step, since these floors may contain asbestos which can be released into the air by sanding. Use a high-adhesion primer instead, available at any home improvement store.)

After you’ve sanded, the floor will need to be thoroughly cleaned once again. Any debris left on the floor will become a permanent part of your floor, so don’t be too hasty here. Next, you’ll want to use an oil-based primer on the sanded and cleaned floor to give your paint a good base. A water-based primer is okay, but your painted linoleum floors will be a lot more durable if you start with an oil-base here.

Once the base coat is dry, lightly sketch your design or tape off any patterns you like, and get started painting. Solid colors work great, too, and may actually be your best bet depending on the existing colors and cabinetry in your kitchen. Whites can be particularly lovely, especially if the floor you’re painting is textured.

Once the paint is dry, the final step is a clear coat or varnish. This is an absolute must-do, as this is what will keep your painted linoleum floors looking fabulous for years to come. Follow drying times precisely, and use two to three coats for best results.