1. History of Floorcloths
2. How I make Floorcloths
3. Care and use of Floorcloths

History of Floorcloths

• Painted canvas floorcloths were used as early as the 1700's and grew in popularity in the 1800's and 1900's
  as an inexpensive way to add floorclovering to earthen or old wooden floors. They were gradually replaced
  by manufactured linoleum. Painted canvas floorcloths hve enjoyed a renewed popularity in the 20th century
  as decorative accents.
  
  

• Originally, a heavy canvas was primed and painted with many layers of oil based paint and many coats of
  sealer. It was a long process requiring extended drying times between coats, to allow the layers to cure.
  Once completed, they provided a durable and perhaps colorful rug, that would last for generations. Modern
  floorcloth artists use a variety of methods, some staying strictly with methods derived from both eras.
  However, modern matrials and techniques lend themselves more readily to a wider variety of designs and
  colors. Newer varieties of sealers, some made especially for floorcloths provide more flexibility and will not
  crack with age.
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How I make Floorcloths

• METHOD- Experimentation with different weights of canvas and finishing styles have finally led me to a
  more traditional style floorcloth. Traditional floorcloths were not hemmed, but lay flat, due to the weight of the
  the canvas and the many coats of paint and sealer. Producing floorcloths in this manner but with modern
  materials has enabled me to create patterns without hemmed edges. Hemming is required when lighter weight
  canvas is used.. Heavy weight canvas does not ripple at all and lays perfectly flat.
  
  
• MATERIALS - I use canvas which is extremely heavy, and I only use environmentally safe acrylic paints and
  a special sealer that remains very flexible.
  
  
• PROCESS - The heavy weight canvas must be pre-shrunk by dipping or wetting it with hot water and letting
  it dry thoroughly. Gesso is applied to front and back, followed by a base coat of paint. Once the design is
  complete, The back and front receive a couple of coats of sealer before the trimming process. Once the
  floorcloth is cut to the desired shape, the edges are sealed and another few coats of sealer are applied.
  After each layer of paint or sealer, the rug is allowed to cure. To prevent the rugs from sliding on a smooth
  floor, the back can be sprayed with a thin coat of a rubber spray which does not come off or stain the floor
  (this is made by the company that makes the plastic dipping medium for tools.) If the rug will not have
  furniture placed on it, there is a very thin, special rubber pad that can be used..
  
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Care and Use of Floorcloths

• CLEANING - Wash or spot clean with MILD soap and water ONLY.. DO NOT use general
  purpose cleaners, they will dull the sealer and degrade the surface.
  
  
• MAINTENANCE - If your cloth is in a high traffic area, and begins to show wear, a coat of sealer
  may be applied. This is rarely necessary for many years. Some people like to use a coat of paste wax
  on the floorcloth.. this has a nice effect, but the wax may build up and removing it will make it necessary
  to reseal the rug.
  
  
• USE - Floorcloths are not suitable for use over rugs or uneven surfaces. All floorcloths will conform to
  the uneven surface beneath it.. They can be used over tiles, but be aware, that they will settle into the
  grout lines. If the edges of the tile are not rough or sharp, there are a couple of things that you can do
  to keep the rug from wearing at the edges of the tile... you can move the rug slightly occasionally and you
  can use the thin rubber pad I can provide. Caution is advised when the pad is used.. sharp objects or
  furniture legs can dent or cut the canvas.
  
  
• STORAGE - Floorcloths must be stored flat or rolled on the tube provided with the floorcloth.
  If the floorcloth has been stored rolled, allow it to acclamate to room temperature and DO NOT
  force the rug to lay flat, especially if it is cold, as it warms, it will lay flat.
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