MyAway build - Updates for space usage & organization

[S. Heisley]

I will walk on it after 7 days. I'm using the Minwax polyurethane that is a water-based, oil modified mixture. The can says it can be used as a floor coating substance. People have been using polyurethane instead of wax on floors for a good 25 years or more with great success. They just don't tell others about it. As a bonus, paper floors are easy to repair. You just add another piece of paper and coat with another layer of polyurethane.

The down side is how long it takes to lay the paper flooring. It took me a full day to mask, paste the paper and leaves, and put on the first coat of polyurethane in that small trailer. That doesn't include creating the 'leaves', which I did while watching television nor am I including the last 5 topcoats of polyurethane.

[CAJUN LADY]

Lady, you are kicking butt with your build! I love the floor idea - very unique and original! Keep the pics coming.

[S. Heisley]

Thanks, Becca and Ratkitty. I thought it was important to get this one out on the build because it is something that others can do creatively and save money; and, I'm guessing, save weight on their trailers. I would think that, if you can walk on it, you could also use it to get creative with your galley countertops. You might have to watch where you put hot pots; but, you have to do that with laminate, also.

[mcspin50]

Sharon,
That floor is AHHH-MAZING!!! You're one creative lady!

[S. Heisley]

Thanks, Lil.

[Paul Kinneberg]

Fantastic!!

[IASCOTT]

Sharon that's just too cool. The talent and ideas this place shares has always amazed me.

Scott

[doug hodder]

Really a COOL idea Sharon! I like the look of it a bunch! Do you scuff sand between coats, maybe I missed that. Doug

[Ageless]

Well, talk about parallels! During my trips this summer, I have been collecting and pressing leaves to laminate onto my tabletop.

Looking good!

[S. Heisley]

Thanks, Paul and Scott.

Doug:
Minwax recommends lightly sanding with 220 grit sandpaper between coats if you're applying it to wood; however, sanding in this application would definitely damage the paper, even with a fine grit like 220. The various paper-laying instructions that I have read do not suggest sanding either; but, they do mandate that each of the 4 to 6 coats of polyurethane be put on in rapid succession, as soon as the previous coating is dry. Once all coats are on, you do not disturb the surface in any way for at least 24 to 72 hours, longer being better. Minwax instructs not to use throw rugs on it or walk on it for 7 days. From that, I am assuming that a full cure takes 7 days and, chemical bonding can take place during that time. I have known people who mopped coats of polyurethane over vinyl kitchen flooring with no sanding and they have had no problems with that application.

Ageless:
I collected the leaves but elected to use hand-made copies of the actual leaves for a couple reasons: 1) any dampness still in the leaves could be problematic once encased in polyurethane and, most importantly, 2) since mine is a walked-on surface, the weight of people might eventually pulverize actual leaves. Your leaves will look great on a tabletop!

[bdosborn]

Sharon,

That's really cool. I bet you get a lot of people copying this idea.

Bruce

[bve]

I do them My…Ah…way.

That's funny




That floor just rocks my world!!
VERY NICE!!!

[S. Heisley]

Thanks Bruce. I hope so. It just fits with what we do here, on the forum.

BVE: I should have know a sharp person like you would enjoy the "My...Ah...way" joke. Unlike me, you're not a caboose or an EOTD! ...Glad you like the floor.

[Steve_Cox]

Sharon,

Nice Calflora Quercus kelloggiis

[S. Heisley]

Steve Cox wrote:

Nice Calflora Quercus kelloggiis