[decoycarve]

Since we have a wide variety of talents and knowledge here does any one know much about painted floorcloths. We have had a lot of people recently in our shop wanting to know If we did painted floorcloths. It's funny because Anna has been thinking about trying to make a few of them. I have Googled it and found some interesting stuff and was just wondering if any one has made one.
The Goodys

[Kenny_S]

AH, the old selling of the tarp on the floor while painting the walls trick.

[Marci MN]

I did help a gal put the first layer of gesso on a painters canvas. She painted the design on herself later. I do believe we put two layers of gesso on before she drew on her design. I'm not sure on what she sealed the finished rug with. I would have thought it would curl up while on the floor.. but she says it doesnt. She uses hers in front of her kitchen sink.

With Anna's painting capabilities.. wow.. She could go a long ways with those painted rugs.

[decoycarve]

Originally Posted by Kenny_S

AH, the old selling of the tarp on the floor while painting the walls trick.

With what some people call art today you just may have something there Ken!
Goody

[Thor]

I used to teach folks how to paint floor cloths, because I couldn't make any money selling them. The classes were fun and as easy as the students wanted to make them. We always painted them spread out on the floor, but mine were painted on my big easle.

I used pre-gessoed canvas that was a #10 weight. Canvas that is thicker is more textured and shows dirt more after it's finished. Acrylic paint works really well, and then I used Pratt and Lambert non-yellowing #38 floor varnish on it to finish it, but that was kind of over-kill. You can use any acrylic sealer that you'll be able to wash. I used to turn under the edges, but that turned out to be not the best way. Just leave them as canvas selvage and cut the long edge. The gesso will hold it or you can run a seam in it with a heavy duty sewing machine.
What they are is a very big painting that can take a long time to do. Mine lasted on the floors for many years. I used to take them outside to mop them and let them sun-dry. It may have shortened their lives a bit, but that was ok at the time.
The geometric patterns were most popular, but I tried to encourage folks to try for giant fish pictures or fun whimsical greeting card type images. I once did one of the Mona Lisa wearing purple robes.
If I'm just confusing you further, then I'm sorry, but I'll try to answer questions if you have any other ones.
Thor