Add Glitter To Floor Paint For A Sparkling Finish

Adding glitter to floor paint is an option for those who want to create a vibrant or subtle shine to their floors. It is a time-consuming and challenging project that requires a smooth surface, such as cement or wood, and the right tools and materials. The process involves preparing the floor by cleaning and smoothing it, applying paint or a base coat, adding glitter, and sealing it with varnish or epoxy. The type of glitter and sealant as well as the method of application, are crucial to achieving the desired look and durability.

Glitter floor preparation: The floor must be smooth, clean, and fully dried

Glitter floor preparation is a vital step in achieving a successful glitter floor that will last. The floor must be smooth, clean, and fully dried before applying any glitter or paint. Here are the key steps to prepare your floor for a glitter finish:

Smooth the Floor

Start by assessing the condition of your floor. If you have a rough cement floor, it is recommended to smooth it out using a cement grinder. This step is crucial as glitter applied to a rough floor will result in an uneven finish. The high spots of the floor will wear down with foot traffic, while the glitter will remain in the low spots, causing it to flake and look unattractive. Filling in pits with a commercial-grade filler or using a non-water-based epoxy coat sealer are also options to achieve a smooth surface.

Clean the Floor

Once your floor is smooth, it is essential to thoroughly clean it. Remove any existing paint, dirt, or debris using a power washer, scraper, or wire brush. For indoor floors, use a pump sprayer to saturate the concrete with water, then scrub with a degreasing product suitable for interior surfaces. For outdoor floors, such as patios or garages, use a garden hose to wet the surface before applying the degreaser. Ensure the floor is free of any oil or grease stains, as this will affect the paint's adhesion.

Dry the Floor

After cleaning, ensure your floor is completely dry. Moisture will prevent the paint and glitter from adhering properly. To test if your floor is dry, place a small piece of plastic wrap on the surface and seal the edges with tape. Wait overnight, and if condensation appears on the underside of the plastic, allow the floor to dry for another 24 hours before proceeding.

Prime the Floor (Optional)

Depending on the type of floor and paint you are using, you may need to apply a primer. Consult the instructions on your chosen paint to determine if a primer is necessary. If you are painting concrete, a concrete primer will help ensure the paint adheres uniformly. For wooden floors, a clear sealer coat can be used as a base before applying the glitter.

Paint the Floor (Optional)

Before applying glitter, you may choose to paint your floor. This step is optional but can enhance the final look and help control the amount of glitter needed. Select a paint colour that complements your chosen glitter colour. For example, a golden yellow base for gold glitter or a purple base for purple glitter. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the glitter application.

By following these steps, you will have a smooth, clean, and dry surface ready for glitter application. Remember, proper floor preparation is key to achieving a durable and aesthetically pleasing glitter floor.

Glitter floor application: Mix glitter with paint or use paint as an adhesive for glitter

Creating a glitter floor is not a cheap, fast, or easy project. It is a big and potentially expensive project. There are different ways to create a glitter floor, and you can do full coverage or glitter accents. The full coverage floor is going to be a lot more work and take a whole lot longer. Before you begin, test your glitter and sealing products together.

Smooth vs rough cement floor

Some of the best glitter floors are done on smooth cement. If you have a rough cement floor, you may be unhappy with the results. What happens with pitted floors is that the clear top sealer wears off the high spots, but stays in the low areas with foot traffic. This wear exposes the glitter, which will flake and look terrible. To smooth your cement, you can rent or hire a cement grinder and make your floor smooth, or you can fill in those pits with a commercial-grade filler. You can also use a non-water-based Epoxy Coat sealer that will fill in most pits. These types of sealers usually offer an amazing shine when dry. If your floor does not need to look good for years, then the surface does not matter as much. It is the wear over time that is the issue with pitted/rough floors. Before you can glitter and seal your floor, your cement floor needs to be cured and dry. If there is moisture in the cement, it will not seal well at all, and you will have wasted a lot of time and money.

Wood/laminate floor

Wood floors can also be glittered and you will need to follow the same rules as for cement floors: make sure it is as smooth as possible. If you have stains, be sure to either sand them or seal them (especially if they are oil stains).

Linoleum

Linoleum is not recommended for heavy traffic, but it can be done. Most linoleum is not totally smooth, so you will eventually be recoating the surface when the high spots wear down. Doing some extra coats will buy you some time before needing to re-coat. Be sure to ask the salesman for an appropriate (non-water-based) sealer that is OK for linoleum.

Paint as an adhesive for glitter

If you decide to paint first, then you can use the wet paint as your adhesive. Paint an area (always keep a wet edge), then apply the glitter, paint some more, and apply glitter. For total coverage, you will be buying a lot more glitter than you actually need. You will be tossing glitter into the air and letting it drop onto the wet paint. It is best not to throw it sideways as you tend to get streaks. When the paint dries, you will take a soft brush to remove the extra loose glitter that did not stick and remove it. This is an important step, or you will be miserable when trying to seal your floor.

Mix glitter with paint

You can also mix glitter additive right in with the paint. This is a viable option, but do not use craft glitter! Glitter additives are made specifically to mix in with your paint without becoming dull, settling to the bottom of your paint, or clumping. Be aware that you will need a lot of glitter additive to cover a whole floor this way.

Glitter floor sealing: Seal the glitter with varnish or epoxy to avoid it getting loose

Glitter floor sealing requires a few steps to ensure the glitter is secure and won't get loose. Firstly, it's important to note that a glitter floor is not a cheap, fast, or easy project. It requires a lot of time and effort to achieve a professional-looking finish. Here are the steps to follow for glitter floor sealing:

Preparation

Before starting, ensure your floor is smooth, especially if it's a cement floor. Rough cement floors can result in an uneven finish, as the clear top sealer wears off the high spots but stays in the low areas with foot traffic. This will expose the glitter, which will then flake and look unappealing. To smooth a cement floor, you can rent or hire a cement grinder to make it smooth, or fill in any pits with a commercial-grade filler. Ensure your floor is also clean and completely dry before moving on to the next steps.

Painting

If you wish, you can paint your floor a colour that matches your chosen glitter. For example, if you're using gold glitter, you can paint the floor a golden yellow colour. This helps to enhance the glitter effect, and means you may be able to use less glitter. It will also ensure that any small spots where the glitter didn't attach are less noticeable. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Applying Glitter

There are a few different methods for applying glitter to your floor. One way is to use the paint as an adhesive for the glitter. Paint an area, then apply the glitter before moving on to the next section. You can also mix the glitter into a portion of the sealer and apply that mixture (you may need to do multiple coats). If you choose this method, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for multiple layers.

Another method is to mix the glitter with a clear resin or epoxy and spread it evenly over the surface for a glittery finish. This way, the glitter won't get lost in the colour of the paint and will offer a nice shine.

Sealing

Once you've applied the glitter, you'll need to seal it with varnish or epoxy to avoid it getting loose. There are various products available for sealing glitter, including Mod Podge, spray fixatives, glues, and epoxy coatings.

Mod Podge is an affordable, water-based all-in-one sealant, glue, and finisher. It dries clear with a gloss finish and is suitable for a range of surfaces, including floors. However, it can sometimes dry with a little tackiness, so you may need to apply an acrylic sealer over the top.

Spray-on glaze sealants, such as the KRYLON Triple-Thick Crystal Glaze Spray, are also a good option for sealing glitter. This particular product dries quickly and provides a high-gloss finish. It is suitable for use on various surfaces, including floors.

If you're looking for a more heavy-duty option, a pour-on epoxy coating like the ENVIROTEX Lite High-Gloss Epoxy is a good choice. This product is heatproof, water-resistant, and solvent-free, making it suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It provides a professional, glass-like, smooth finish. However, please note that it requires mixing two parts and can yellow if exposed to sunlight over time.

Whatever sealant you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying times. It's important to allow adequate time for each layer to dry before applying the next, to ensure a smooth, even finish.

Glitter floor maintenance: A regular mop can be used to clean the floor

Glitter Floor Maintenance

A regular mop can be used to clean a glitter floor, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results and to make the process easier.

Firstly, it is important to note that glitter floors can be quite challenging to maintain due to the nature of glitter. Its tiny size and lightweight properties make it difficult to remove once it has spread. Therefore, it is crucial to take preventive measures to minimise glitter dispersal. Designating a specific area for glitter-related activities and using protective coverings, such as plastic tarps or disposable tablecloths, can help contain the mess and make cleanup easier.

Regular cleaning sessions are essential to prevent glitter buildup. A quick sweep with a broom or a vacuum cleaner can go a long way in maintaining your glitter floor. When using a vacuum cleaner, ensure that it has a hose attachment and a brush nozzle to effectively remove glitter from the floor and hard-to-reach areas.

For more thorough cleaning or to address glitter that has adhered to surfaces, a lint roller or sticky tape can be used. Gently pat the surface with the lint roller or sticky tape to lift off the glitter particles. A damp microfiber cloth can also be used to wipe down surfaces and remove any stubborn glitter remnants, but be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to avoid streaks or potential damage to the floor.

Additionally, it is important to choose the right cleaning solution for your glitter floor. Opt for a gentle yet effective solution that is suitable for your type of flooring. This will help you maintain the cleanliness and shine of your glitter floor without causing any damage.

By following these maintenance tips and adopting a regular cleaning routine, you can keep your glitter floor sparkling and pristine while minimising the hassle of dealing with glitter dispersal.

Glitter floor cost: This project will take time and a bit of investment to do right

The cost of a glitter floor will depend on the type of glitter you use, the size of the room, and the method you choose to apply it. Here are some estimates and tips to help you plan your project:

• The type of glitter you choose is important. Avoid cheap craft glitter as it may not be epoxy-coated, which can cause issues. Look for solvent-resistant and epoxy-coated glitter designed specifically for floor applications.
• Glitter is typically sold in 1 lb. bags, and you can expect to use around 2 oz. of glitter per gallon of topcoat. For a heavily glittered floor, you may need to use more.
• If you want a more subtle sparkle, you can use ultra-fine glitter, which will require less quantity.
• The method of application will also affect the cost. Tossing glitter onto wet paint or mixing it with a clear varnish or epoxy will require multiple coats and more glitter to achieve full coverage.
• If you choose to mix the glitter directly into the paint, you will need a lot of glitter additive, and it may not provide even coverage.
• The surface you are applying glitter to will also impact the cost. Concrete, wood, and linoleum floors will require different preparation and may need additional materials such as a cement grinder, filler, or primer.
• It is recommended to test your products and consult with professionals before starting your project to avoid wasting time and money.
• The total cost of your glitter floor project will depend on the above factors, but you can expect to spend a few hundred dollars or more, depending on the size and complexity of the project.

Overall, creating a glitter floor is a time-consuming and costly project, but it can be a fun and rewarding way to add a unique touch to your space.

Frequently asked questions