Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Using Record Album Covers and Clear Coat as a Floor

March 10, 2012

Q. Saw your postings on the bottle cap tables and thought I might get a little advice on this project that we have going on. This is a Lounge floor where the band and small dance floor is located, about 600 sq ft. We have album covers cut so they are just the tops, so they are one thickness of cardboard . Currently it is a ceramic tile floor that is slowly disengrating. Plans are to take up the tile and smooth out cement floor under neath . I live in Northern Wi so the floor is rather cold right now . I tried a small sample area with urethane and the floor temp kept it from getting tacky enough for the albums to lay flat, edges and corners wanted to come up. Did finally get it to lay with some sticky blue gum they use for putting up posters . So I had one coat for tack coat and one to fill between album gaps and 3 coats on top . The look isn't there, the album sucked up most of it. it looks ok but I would want to get a little depth to it. That would take 30 coats. It is supposed to be put on at 3-4 mils per coat which is really light and the lounge is closed only 2 days a week. I know this will take a period of time. So finally the question: is there a glue one can put this down with that is tacky enough to hold down on a relatively cool floor; and what top coating can I use to give it a little more depth and still be rather durable? I know I will have to buff or recoat once a year to keep it looking good that's not a problem. So it all comes down to a decoupage look and be durable. I have 650 albums waiting to be put down. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks --Bill.

Bill Himebauch
- Shawano, Wisconsin, USA