Looking for a replacement for your wash-every-week kitchen mats? Follow along as resident DIY expert Justine Hand teaches us how to create a Swedish canvas floorcloth.
Materials:-Heavy-duty cotton canvas-Acrylic primer or gesso-Paint roller and tray-Liquid acrylic paints-Polycrylic varnish-Double-sided carpet tape-Several different sized paintbrushes-Painter's tape-T-square and measuring tape-Heavy-duty scissors-Pencil-Sharpie-Lightweight sandpaper
Step 1: After figuring out the size of rug you want, measure and mark the perimeter in pencil on your canvas. Then add three inches more on each side.
Step 2: Once you have your measurements, cut the canvas to desired size, remembering to include the extra several inches on each side.
Step 3: Using heavy-duty tape, firmly secure your canvas to your work surface so that the edges won’t slip while you paint. Then, if you didn't purchase pre-primed canvas, apply one coat of primer over the entire surface of your cloth and let dry.
Step 4: Map out your desired pattern.
Step 5: Using your yardstick or tape measure, determine the center of your cloth. Using your T-square to insure a straight line, begin to tape out your striped pattern.
To avoid confusion, mark which taped areas should be painted and which should be left blank.
Step 6: Using a fairly stiff brush, paint in between your tape. Allow to dry. It may be necessary to apply a second coat.
Step 7: Once your paint is dry, remove the tape. Perform any touch ups with your primer.
Step 8: Apply two coats of varnish with a synthetic fiber brush. If necessary, lightly sand in between each coat.
Step 9: Cut your double-sided carpet tape to the width of one end of the finished cloth. Lay at one end.
Step 10: Fold your edge and secure by pressing down. Trim the corner. Repeat steps 9 and 10 on all four sides.