Vinyl planks or tiles are an absolute game changer. This wood-resembling material is an excellent choice for bathroom flooring since it is water-resistant and budget-friendly.
If you're still new to vinyl flooring, you're probably wondering how you should seal it, so we researched the answers to help you.
Follow this simple guide to sealing vinyl flooring in a bathroom:
- Prepare the vinyl flooring by removing debris and any obstructions.
- Wipe the flooring with a microfiber cloth.
- Vacuum the seams to get rid of leftover debris and dirt.
- Apply ample vinyl plank seam sealer on a floor finishing tool or lambs wool pad.
- Slowly wipe the finishing pad onto the vinyl flooring in a back-and-forth manner until the whole flooring is coated.
- Allow the sealant to dry overnight.
- Wipe the first coat using a clean microfiber cloth.
- Give the flooring a second coat if necessary.
We will go into a more in-depth discussion about this topic. We will also give you tips on properly installing vinyl planks or tiles. Then, we will look at the pros and cons of vinyl flooring, so stick to the end of this post to learn more. Let's get right into it!
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How To Seal Vinyl Flooring In A Bathroom
Bathroom renovations can be a bit more complex and expensive than the rest of the house, mainly if you still use traditional flooring materials.
Good thing vinyl planks and tiles are here to make things easier! This next-level type of floor-covering material interlocks with each other, is made of several layers of vinyl and is perfect for humid areas of your home.
There's been a myth about vinyl planks and tiles not needing to be sealed for the material to breathe. However, no matter how tempting it is to believe in, it is entirely false.
Although vinyl planks or tiles have a layer of protective coating, you can still apply a vinyl sealant onto them for additional protection.
Over time, even if you did not apply any sealant on your vinyl planks or tiles during the initial installation, the original coating will still wear off, and you will need the help of a vinyl sealant to preserve the materials.
If vinyl flooring seems too foreign for you yet you want to use it to cover your bathroom floor, here's a simple step-by-step guide you can follow when sealing it.
1. Prepare The Installed Vinyl Planks Or Tiles
Preparing the workspace is the easiest yet crucial step when sealing any flooring. Before sealing the vinyl planks or tiles, you first have to clean the seams and surfaces.
Make sure that you remove any obstructions that may get in the way while sealing the flooring. If you have plants or other movable stuff inside the bathroom, it is best to take it out until you're done working on the project.
You can use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the surface. After cleaning the vinyl planks or tiles with a cloth, plug your vacuum cleaner and give the seams a sweep to eliminate the remaining debris, dust, and dirt particles.
2. Apply The Vinyl Flooring Sealant
After ensuring that the surfaces and seams of your bathroom flooring are free from dust and dirt, it is time to apply the vinyl flooring sealant.
You can use an application tool such as a lambswool pad to do the initial coat of your chosen vinyl floor sealant. Put enough sealant on the pad and wipe it on the vinyl flooring in a forward and backward movement.
Do the application gently and precisely to ensure that all flooring parts will be coated. Once you're done applying the sealant, let it dry overnight. Avoid walking over it when it is still curing, or you might ruin the coating.
Grab your lambswool pad and vinyl sealant for another coat when your first coat is already dry. All you need to do is repeat the process you did for the first coat.
Some homeowners want to make a thicker coating. You can have a third coat if you wish to or when deemed necessary.
Check out this vinyl flooring sealant on Amazon.
How To Install Vinyl Planks And Tiles On Your Bathroom Floor
Unlike ceramic and porcelain tiles, vinyl is lightweight and easy to install.
It interlocks with each other to create a floating floor effect, but if you fail to install them on your bathroom floor correctly, you might not enjoy the benefits of using this material.
Good thing vinyl is such an easy material to work with. It is easy to cut, snaps together, and doesn't require you to apply any bonding to secure it in place. Vinyl flooring is by far the easiest to do by yourself.
Before we proceed to the step-by-step installation guide, here are the things you need to prepare:
- Vinyl planks/tiles
- Spacers (1/4 inches)
- Pliers
- Knife
- Saw (fine-tooth)
- Tape measure
- Steel square
- Hammer
- Nails
- Drawbar
- Straightedge tool
Other optional materials:
- Sander
- Sandpaper
- Leveling compound
- Concrete Mixture
See these vinyl plank samples on Amazon.
1. Look At The Floor Layout
Before installing the vinyl planks or tiles, try to find the first wall that your eyes see when you enter the bathroom. The part of the floor closest to your prominent wall will be your starting point when installing the planks or tiles, and then you will make your way towards the door.
2. Get Rid Of Bathroom And Door Trims
To lay the planks or tiles perfectly on the floor, temporarily remove any obstructions such as bathroom and door trims.
It would be best to detach the door from the hinges while working on your flooring so it won't get in the way.
3. Check The Evenness Of Your Floor
Although vinyl planks or tiles can be installed on top of existing ceramic tiles or wood flooring, you can still treat it like a regular tile that can be put on an unfinished floor.
Before you install the vinyl planks or tiles, check the evenness of the floor to see if there are any lumps. If there's any, sand it first until the floor is evenly flat before proceeding to the installation.
Also, do not forget to fill any cracks and gaps using your concrete compound.
4. Install The First Layer
Begin at the center as you install the first plank or tile, and make your way to the sides. Place the spacer between the wall and the plank or tile to establish a 1/4 gap.
Cut the plank or tile according to the needed size, but try to evenly cut each piece to make the flooring pleasing to the eyes.
5. Snap The Pieces Together
Using the fold-and-lock feature of the edges, interconnect each piece to secure them in place. Lay the pieces by completing every row before connecting the next one.
Make your way to the doorway until all pieces cover the entire flooring.
6. Seal The Vinyl Flooring
After laying all pieces together, it is time to seal the flooring using a vinyl flooring sealant. Different sealants are available in the market, so choose the brand that suits your preference.
Apply the sealant on the flooring until the entire floor is coated correctly. Although sealing the vinyl plank or tile is optional, it is best to coat it with two to three layers of sealant for additional protection.
Is Vinyl Tile Better Than Ceramic Tile?
If you're asking yourself whether vinyl or tile might be better, it all depends on your preference and priority. Both flooring material is known for their durability.
However, ceramic tiles can last up to 40 years, while vinyl tiles can only reach a lifespan of up to 10 years. Note that vinyl cannot resist heat as much as ceramic can, but ceramic is prone to cracking and damage, and replacement is a bit more challenging than vinyl.
When it comes to the cost, vinyl is relatively more budget-friendly compared to ceramic tiles.
In addition, vinyl tiles are easier to install and work with than ceramic. Since it's easy to install, vinyl is also easy to replace if you want to renovate.
Our Final Thoughts
The flooring can make or break the overall look of your bathroom. Before sealing your vinyl planks or tiles, ensure that every piece is laid correctly flat and interlocked. Also, proper care for your vinyl flooring can help prolong its lifespan, so maintain it well to preserve the material.
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