Laminate Floor Scratch Repair should not be an overwhelming task. When your laminate floor spots a few scratches, it’s a good idea to deal with them as soon as they occur.
Scratches can range from very minute ones to others that are noticeable to any visiting guests. There are 3 major ways that you can fix laminate flooring to avoid embarrassment. The 3 methods are:
- Using a marker
- Applying a putty
- Using wax
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How to Repair Laminate Flooring Scratches: Which Method to Choose
The method you use largely depends on the size of the scratch. A marker is useful when the scratch is small and maybe if it goes against the grain while wax is good for deeper scratches. Read on to find out how to repair your laminate flooring scratches using the 3 methods
Using a Marker
For very small scratches, you can use a marker or pencil to cover up the scratch. When you set out to buy a marker, choose one that closely resembles your floor. If you don’t get an exact color, choose two different colors, a light and a dark one, and mix them until you achieve your preference.
In case you don’t find markers that are specific to laminate flooring, pick the ones designed for wood. They will give the same results with no side effects. Steps you can follow when using a marker:
- Clean your floor. Even if you are in a hurry to do your repairs, don’t work on a dirty floor. Clean it with soap and water after sweeping thoroughly. Any dirt will mess up the end result hence the need for removal. After cleaning dry the area.
- Apply the pencil. When your floor is clean, it’s time to cover up that scratch. Starting from one end to the other, apply the filler with controlled strokes. Cover the entire scratch while using the marker sparingly. The more you use, the darker your floor becomes. You can reapply if necessary.
- Rub the edges to get rid of smudges. In case there are spots that got more filler, use a microfiber cloth to wipe along with the scratch until it blends well with the floor.
Applying Putty
Laminate Floor Scratch Repair the scratches on your floor are quite noticeable, a putty will be the next best choice. You can get a repair kit or just buy pre-colored putty but make sure you match it to your floor before purchasing. If you are in a hurry, the pre-dyed putty will be easier to apply. Steps you can follow when applying a putty:
- Clean your floor. Always start with a clean surface. In this case, make sure the scratch has no dust or any debris inside. You can clean using a microfiber cloth with soap and warm water. Dry the area when you are done.
- Mix the dye with the putty. If you have bought the repair kit or you have putty that doesn’t match your floor, mix the dye to get the color that you want. This step applies if you don’t have pre-colored putty.
- Apply the putty. When everything is ready, take a plastic putty knife and use it for application. Put some putty on the edge of your knife and at an angle of 45 degrees to the floor, apply the putty to the scratch. Repeat until the scratch is full and well covered. Scrape of the excess using the plastic knife.
- Remove excess putty. If there is any excess, remove it immediately to avoid it drying on the floor surface. If any nearby spots get some putty, use soap and water to remove them. The scratch will take up about 24 hours to dry completely.
Using Wax
The wax comes in the form of solid burn-in sticks. Even if they resemble marker fillers, you should note that they take a little bit more effort than the previously mentioned procedures.
If you buy the repair kit, the only additional item you will need will be a lighter. Just like the other methods, make sure your wax fillers match your laminate flooring colors. It is best for deeper scratches that pencil fillers cannot handle and are a good substitute for putty. Steps you can follow when applying wax:
- Slightly unwrap the wax and melt it. Using the burn-in knife, heat the sticks that you want to use. If you don’t have the knife from the repair kit, you can use a lighter to provide heat for melting the wax.
- Rub the melted wax into the scratch. Press the knife against the melting sticks and rub into the scratch. Ensure precision as you do so that the wax fits into the scratch well. Apply as much as you need to cover up the scratch.
- Level out the wax using a plastic knife. When the scratch is well covered, use a plastic knife to remove any excess and level out the surface. Ensure it is smooth and blends in well with the rest of your floor.
The items that you need to repair your laminate floor are readily available and you can purchase them from many stores near you.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to make sure that you choose colors that resemble your floor. The pencil markers come in all shades of wood like walnut, black, mahogany and many others.
Since laminate flooring is made to resemble wood, you can easily repair it with products that are useful for wood. Repairs are easy to do considering the long-lasting effect of lamination. You will not need to replace your floor because laminate flooring will last you a number of decades with proper care.
Conclusion
Laminate floors boast excellent wear and moisture resistant and hence you can keep them for a long time. With a minor scratch or a slightly visible one, you can repair it to look almost new.
Always, carry out repairs as soon as you see them not just for aesthetics but to make sure the floor serves you for a long time. So the next time your laminate floor gets a scratch, don’t worry, just apply the above steps and you will be good to go.