want to lay a cheap black floor

[Kalis]

Hello all,

I am trying to figure out a way to get a cheap black surface that could be used as a floor for a short 2 performance run. Basically the problem I have is that I want to paint the floor with UV paint and then blast the space with a UV cannon nearer the end of the show, thus creating a very strong closing spectrum of colors. However, the space that I'm working in is a small black box and if I paint this UV stuff onto the floor, even if I paint over it, it will still be visable in the future if another show wants to use a UV cannon.

So what I'm asking is if anyone knows a way to make a cheap, and I mean CHEAP, black surface that I can use as a floor. It only has to last the two shows. I looked at laminate flooring but in ireland its about 13 euro per square Yard, which gets quite expensive and isnt' even black so I will have to paint it anyway. Another suggestion I had was to buy cheap rolls of Wallpaper and paste them onto the floor, then paint them black (if they aren't already) and once dry then set my UV and other paints on them. However I'm worried that wallpaper might rip under the actors feet.

Does anybody have any suggestions. After the show is done the floor will be painted black once more anyway so ripping paint up isn't a problem

[sk8rsdad]

Since the plan is to repaint after the show anyway, the cheapest floor covering I know of is black paint. A floor sander will take it off and a good primer should cover up any residual traces.

Failing that, I have had some success using roofing felt as a floor covering, although seaming it can be an issue. Your local building supply should have it.

[Kalis]

Unfortunatly I dont have access to a floor sander and the budget is pretty thin at the moment. And I'm not sure if the felt would really be the best surface to paint on.

thanks for the input.

[sk8rsdad]

Roofing felt takes paint just fine. I wouldn't have suggested it otherwise.

Maybe you could apply your UV paint to plastic or paper, or unpainted wallpaper and then glue that to the stage floor like a decal instead of trying to cover up the entire floor and then paint.

[wah0808]

How about Masonite? The 4'X8' sheets can be painted then taped down... I've seen many a Theatre use this as a cheap stage covering.

[Van]

Masonite is my floor covering of choice when I want to go cheap but I prefer 1/4" MDFbut in a no budget situation either is a very expensive option.

This is just an Idea Not something I've tried!!!
This might sound a bit crazy but how about mopping down the floor with something like Future < a brand here in the States.> or some other Acrylic floor treatment. I've noticed a few times when I've used Future on set and had paint spatter get on it , the paint seems to clean up real easily. After applying two coats and allowing them to dry throuroughly, you could then paint your UV on that. The Acrylic floor covering stuff comes up with a hot water and Ammonia mopping. Should bring the paint right up with it. It's going to be a lot of mopping however.
Thing to consider; The acrylic is a High Gloss finish, anything left after mopping or not covered by another paint will be extremely high gloss.

Good luck

[gafftaper]

Masonite would be my first choice.

We did a set in college for a set of opera scenes that required two very different floor surfaces. To pull this off we purchased a large muslin drop and taped it down to the floor. At intermission we pulled the tape and a new floor appeared underneath.

You could also use a large painter's drop cloth. I see a 20'x20' online for less than $100.

[seanandkate]

Another vote for Masonite. I lay it down, and tape the seams with good gaff tape (don't use the cheap stuff--the paint will flake off!). The weight of the Meso keeps it from shifting pretty much, but a few screws will also get the job done.

[lieperjp]

When I've helped do this in the past, we have always done it in three layers: The bottom layer is large pieces of cardboard (to prevent scratching a recently redone gym floor) then a layer of 1/4 in fiber board (the the stuff you find pegboard made out of but without the holes) to combat the cushion in the gym floor and then a layer of 1/2 in masonite. Since both times I've done this the floor was grey and not black, we just used duct tape and didn't worry about flaking. However, if you are going with black, be sure to get tape that won't flake!!!

[sk8rsdad]

The OP mentioned no budget. If they can't afford to rent a floor sander they are not going to be able to afford masonite.