INSTRUCTIONS
Please read through all the instructions before you begin.

1. Using the thumbnail designs provided, plan your colour scheme, this will be your guide to the larger painted floorcloth. Decide at this stage if you prefer perfectly painted lines or a random effect and whether you want a textured or graduated colour treatment on your floorcloth, this should be the first part you paint. If you need more copies of your Floorcloth Outline because your ideas just keep comin', either photocopy the ones provided with your Floorcloth Outline, or print more from our web site.

2. Be sure floorcloth is flat, with no ripples or creases, this is important as these may remain once they have been painted. You may need to let floorcloth lie flat for an hour or so after
unwrapping it. Wetting the floorcloth with hot water and letting it dry will also remove creases.
*NOTE-Irregularities in the texture of your floorcloth are the nature of jute cloth and are not considered “flaws”

3. If you intend to apply a non slip coating to the back of your Floorcloth Outline, now is the time. You can do this by applying a coat of Liquid Latex or use clear caulking, yes...the kind you use to caulk the tub. Just squirt it on and spread it with a stiff piece of plastic (credit cards work nicely). Let the backing dry completely before you begin to paint. You can skip this step if you choose to use a rubber non-slip under pad.

4. Masking tape is recommended if applying a textured or graduated effect as the paint application tends to be less controlled. It is not necessary to mask if you are simply intending reasonably straight edges.
If masking, burnish the tape well to get
maximum contact with the floorcloth’s surface and to help minimize the paints tendancy to “bleed” under the tape.

5. It is recommended that you apply at least two coats of paint to your floorcloth.
If you are planning to use a graduated colour or mottled effect on the background, this is the stage at which it should be applied
(generally, texturing and other effects use a heavier coverage of paint, so in this case, one application should be enough).

6. Paint to the fold margin (fold area is indicated by the dotted line). You will need to touch up the edges with paint once they have been folded to create a nice clean finish. Make sure you apply enough paint to allow for wear and tear.

7. Once your floorcloth is completely painted and dried, flip it over and begin folding the edges under, gluing and using the rolling pin to flatten the fold. When you reach the corners, trim off any excess material using a diagonal cut, this is to allow for a tidier fold and eliminate "bulky corners". Be careful not to cut too close to the corner or the cut will show on the front! Touch up edges with paint as previously mentioned.

8. It's not necessary to coat the floorcloth with urethayne or any other protector if using Exterior Latex paint, it is very durable and will stand up to most conditions. If you have used another type of paint and feel you'd like to apply a protector, use a matte, or low lustre latex urethayne.

9. Stand back and admire your work of art! Congratulations! You are done! We hope you've enjoyed creating your floorcloth and we look forward to seeing your handy work, so don't forget to email us a picture! We will be posting 'Masterpiece of the Month' on our web site, so visit frequently, yours just might be there!
After you've taken the picture, your floorcloth is ready to become part of the household. If you are using your floorcloth outside, rain and sun won't damage it. If you plan to store it for the winter, just be sure it's dry before rolling it up and putting it away. ALWAYS ROLL YOUR FLOORCLOTH WHEN STORING—NEVER FOLD IT!

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES

Coloured Pencils: To plan colour scheme on the thumbnails provided.

Exterior Latex Paint: Choose good quality paint for best results.

Polyester Brushes: At least two firm bristled brushes in different widths, one should have an angled edge.

Artist Brushes: For details and "tight" areas of the design.

Sponges or Clean Rags: If you desire a "textured" effect in areas of your rug.

Masking Tape: To help maintain straight lines in design if this is the result you wish.

Container of Water: For cleaning brushes between colour changes.

Clear Drying Carpenters Glue: To glue edges under.

Rolling Pin: To flatten and obtain crisp fold when gluing edges.

Plastic Wrap: To protect rolling pin when gluing—if you intend to bake more pies.

Light Blue Coloured Pencil: If you plan to add your own elements to the design, blue pencil  is recommended as it will not  "bleed" through paint.

Liquid Latex or Caulking: (optional) If you decide to apply a non-slip backing.

Latex Urethane: (optional) If you decide to add a protective coating.
Choose clear drying, low lustre (recommended)

 COLOUR TIPS

 • Choose colours used elsewhere in the room, fabrics, trim, wall  colour etc.

 • If you plan to use the floorcloth outside in direct sun, avoid  using too much black, it gets very hot!

 • Colour schemes should be predominately warm (reds, oranges  and yellows) or cool (blues, greens, purples), avoid combinations  of half warm, half cool.