How to fix scratches in laminate flooring? (Detailed Guide)

Laminate flooring is a synthetic, multi-layer product kept together by lamination. A robust plastic is a top layer that withstands everyday wear and tear.

How to fix scratches in laminate flooring? Although laminate flooring is relatively resilient and made to last for many years, it is nevertheless susceptible to scratches and scrapes. These scuffs must be fixed with wax or putty because the surface cannot be sanded.

There are several ways to fix scratches in laminate flooring. One method is to use a repair kit that matches the color of your flooring, which can be found at home improvement stores. Another option is to use crayons to conceal the scratches by melting them and applying the melted wax to the scratches. You can also try using a mixture of vinegar and olive oil to buff out the scratches. There are also various videos available on YouTube that demonstrate how to remove scratches and scrapes from laminate flooring.

How To Fix Scratches in Vinyl Plank, Hardwood 

Color Coordination

To successfully repair a scratch or scrape on laminate flooring, the floor’s color must be matched. Speak with the flooring maker to get your repair kit straight from them. To assist in repairing minor damage, almost all laminate manufacturers offer repair kits that include wax pencils, colored putty, and a putty knife.

How to fix scratches in laminate flooring

Try bringing a sample of the flooring with you to the store to purchase a repair kit that matches in color if you need to know who made it. Your best alternative might be to get a repair kit that enables you to create a personalized shade of putty at home if this isn’t doable.

Minor Scratches are being filled.

Using a wax pencil in the same shade as the floor, you can cover minor dings and scratches on laminate flooring. The wax fills the scratch in and integrates into the laminate’s surface. In the opposite direction from where the scratch is moving, repeatedly rub the wax pencil tip across the scrape. Fill in the scratch using brief strokes, working from one end to the other. 

Using a soft cloth, carefully buff the repair’s edges until they match the floor after the scratch has been filled with wax.

Performing little fixes

A wax pencil won’t be sufficient to fill and fix the floor if there is an enormous scrape or more profound damage. Floor repair putty is utilized in this situation.

Spread the putty over the scrape or scratch using a wooden craft stick or a putty knife. To ensure that the scrape is wholly filled, hold the knife at a 45-degree angle to the floor and press the putty across the area from several angles. 

To level the putty and create an even, flat repair, turn the knife on its edge and scrape it across the surrounding floor and the patch. The putty will become a lasting fix after one day of drying.

Putting Major Scrapes Right

Wax or putty won’t cover deeply scratched or scraped laminate floorboards that have been scraped through the top layer. The board ought to be taken out of this situation and replaced. Pull up the baseboards until you reach the damaged one at the nearest wall, then remove the baseboard.

Reinstall the remaining boards to the wall after replacing the damaged ones with a new one. When replacing the baseboard to complete the repair, keep in mind to allow a space at the wall for growth.

How to Remove Scuffs from Laminate Flooring

The price and durability of laminate flooring are critical factors in its appeal. Since Pergo launched laminate flooring decades ago, it has become a cost-effective substitute for natural hardwood flooring since it is less expensive to buy, install, and maintain.

Laminate flooring should be preserved.

It makes sense to ensure the laminate flooring is maintained and cared for to prevent future damage before it occurs before we look at how to hide scratches and remove scuff marks, whether you know or is unsure if you have installed a quality product.

In addition, the flooring will be more resistant to scuffs and scratches if you use a laminate floor sealant, like those sold at Builders stores.

Other sure methods for shielding laminate floors from scratches and scuffs include:

• To remove dirt daily, use a dry floor sweep (mop) or a gentle sweeping brush.

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations while applying laminate floor sealant.

• Place floor mats at all entryways to capture dirt and keep it out.

• Trim your pet’s claws so they can’t scratch your floors.

Move furniture about the room by lifting it.

• Attach felt pads to the bottoms of dining chair legs.

Laminate Flooring Scratches to Cover Up

Fixing scratches on laminate flooring requires caution, especially if the laminate finish has also been torn. Any damage to the laminate covering should be addressed quickly because doing so risks damaging the decorative layer that gives the laminate its wood-like appearance.

• Candle crayons

You can buy Liberon wax sticks, available in several wood colors and used to rub over any scratches. However, these must be applied again because they are short-term fixes.

• Alcolanic QuikWood Epoxy Putty

Epoxy putty makes it simple to fix deep gouges or scrapes. First, apply the product correctly, according to the directions. Next, apply two thin coats of clear nail polish on top if the color does not match the existing flooring. If not, combine a tiny amount of craft acrylic paint with the desired color.

• Nail Polish in White

If you suspect the laminated layer has been disrupted or destroyed due to the scratch, apply a couple of layers of clear nail paint over the impacted area. Apply the nail paint sparingly; otherwise, it will be more obvious. Instead, apply a few thin layers of coating. If you still notice the difference compared to the other planks, gently scratch the nail polish’s surface with 300-grit sandpaper to dull the finish.

Sealant made of polyurethane.

Applying a polyurethane sealer will give laminate flooring not only a protective covering but also some degree of waterproofing. It is crucial to clean up any moisture immediately since any spills or moisture on laminate flooring are quickly absorbed into the sub-material. If you seal the polyurethane with a sealer, you’ll have more time to wipe up spills or moisture.

QUESTIONS THAT ARE USUALLY ASKED

Is it necessary to acclimate laminate flooring?

Yes is the quick response. The temperature and humidity in your home will determine how much your laminate floors will expand or shrink. The floors may buck and distort if installed immediately without time to adjust. So, give the floor at least 48 hours to acclimate before installing.

What Cleaners Are Best for Laminate Floors?

When mopping laminate flooring, it’s preferable to use gentle floor cleansers. One common attribute of laminate flooring is its extreme sensitivity. The floor might get damaged if you use chemicals that are too potent.