How to Paint a Winter Guard Floor

A winter guard program is not complete without a floor. The purpose of a winter guard floor or tarp is to protect the gym floor from color guard equipment, and protect members' feet and bodies from things on the gym floor. It can also be as a background, giving an audience a visual backdrop for the choreography. Painting a winter guard floor can be difficult in order for the paint to adhere.

Things You'll Need

  • Large, well-ventilated area
  • Winter guard floor / tarp
  • Masks and gloves
  • Brooms, mops, rags, water and dish soap
  • Paint and/or ink appropriate for your floor type
  • General painting supplies
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine what kind of floor you have (polyethylene or vinyl), and buy your paint, ink and other supplies.

    • 2

      Secure a well-ventilated area, such as a warehouse, to paint the floor. If you must use your school's gym, ask the janitorial staff to turn on the overhead vent fans and bring in freestanding fans to diffuse the fumes. If your winter guard is located in a temperate climate, you could even paint the floor outdoors, though you do risk getting dirt and debris in the paint because of wind.

    • 3

      Sweep the floor with a clean broom, and then use a solution of dish soap and water to wash it. If the floor is new or not that dirty, you can spot clean with some rags. If it is an old floor that needs a complete overhaul, use a mop. Rinse all the soap off with plain water. Don't soak the floor when washing or rinsing it-just use a damp rag/mop.

    • 4

      Dry thoroughly. Wipe up any excess water with dry rags, and then let it air dry at least 24 hours after cleaning it before attempting to paint it.

    • 5

      Lay down paper under the edges of the winter guard floor to protect the real floor underneath it from paint spillage. Many newspapers and paper goods companies sell end rolls at cheap prices, and those are excellent for this purpose.

    • 6

      Paint the floor. If you are painting a design onto the floor, sketch it out in chalk before painting.

    • 7

      Let it dry thoroughly-a minimum of 48 hours in a well-ventilated area.

    • 8

      Dust it lightly with cornstarch baby powder. Sweep off any excess powder.

    • 9

      Fold the floor (see related eHow, "How To Fold a Winter Guard Floor").