How to remove scratches and chips from laminate at home
How to remove scratches that appeared on the laminate is a question asked by a large number of people. Three types of damage can appear on this type of flooring, ranging from light scratches to large cracks and large chips in the surface of the laminate. Be careful because this coating is considered the most difficult to use. In order to repair the damage, there are many methods, from improvised means to special devices.
Causes of scratches on laminate
Scratches on the laminate can appear for a large number of reasons, so the damage should be divided into several types depending on their severity:
- Minor damage. This item includes minor scratches that may occur after exposing the surface to abrasive detergents. It is forbidden to use such preparations for cleaning laminate flooring, as they damage its protective layer.
- Moderate defects. This category includes deep scratches as well as small chips. Such damage to the coating can be caused by animal claws, thin-heeled shoes, heavy or sharp objects falling on the surface, as well as some children's toys.
- Big damage.This includes wide and large scratches, deep chips and cracks that can run the length of the laminate. Such damage to the coating can leave frequent or too intensive movements of bulky and heavy things, the falling of heavy objects, an animal.
For the integrity of the laminate, the rules of care must be followed, otherwise not only the appearance of the coating will deteriorate. Moisture can penetrate the damage and slowly spoil the entire floor. Over time, due to excessive moisture, the fiberboard will begin to swell, warp and darken.
How to restore at home
There are many methods and special tools for repairing and removing scratches. The method should be chosen depending on the degree of damage. For minor scratches and scuffs on the surface, use:
- olive oil;
- Polish;
- WD-40.
For severe damage to the laminate, apply:
- special paste for catering;
- crayon;
- putty;
- repair kit;
- grout;
- pencil;
- plaster material and acrylic varnish.
Small scratches and abrasions
For minor scratches and scrapes, handy tools and inexpensive tools that can be purchased at a specialty store may be suitable.
Olive oil
Small scratches can be repaired using olive oil. To do this, you must observe the order of actions:
- clean and degrease the application site with a sponge soaked in alcohol;
- pour a few drops of oil on the laminate;
- rub them on the surface with a dry cloth;
- leave the place undisturbed for 2-3 days.
Special polishing
Polishes are one of the most effective ways to cover minor scratches on the floor. These substances contain:
- wax;
- silicone;
- other composite impurities.
The polish adds extra shine to the coating and removes minor scratches and abrasions. It also forms an extra protective layer on the laminate to protect the floor from repeated damage.
To use the polish, you need to dilute it with warm water in the ratio indicated in the instructions. After that, the solution is used as a detergent, rubbing it into the damaged area.
WD-40
The easiest product to use that will help remove small visible floor damage is WD-40. To do this, spray the laminate area, wait 3-5 minutes and brush the substance off with a brush.
If the damage is deep
If the damage to the floor is deep, use a wax crayon, special varnish, paste or putty. If it is impossible to repair the coating, a complete replacement of the material must be carried out.
Crayon
The wax crayon can help repair not only deep and long scratches, but also large chips on the surface of the coating. These pencils can be purchased at any stationery store or shop with drawing supplies. Due to the wide range of colors, it is enough to simply choose the right color to match the shade of the laminate. Before applying the crayon, degrease the damaged area and wipe off dust. You can use regular rubbing alcohol for this.
After that, the place is abundantly rubbed with a small dense cloth until uniformity is formed.
Layered Restorative Paste
Deep scratches and chips can be repaired with laminate paste. You can buy it at any hardware store. A spatula will be needed to use the product. The paste should be squeezed in a small amount onto the damaged area of the floor and carefully covered with a spatula.After that, all residues should be removed immediately. Otherwise, the dough will dry out and become harder to make. The place should be covered with a transparent varnish.
Acrylic varnish and plaster
Acrylic varnish and plaster of Paris will help remove any major scratches and chips on your laminate floor. To do this, apply the gypsum mixture to the required place and fill all areas of the crack or cracks with a spatula. After that, you need to let the plaster dry. As soon as this happens, an acrylic varnish should be applied, which will match the color of the coating. Leave the floor for a while until the varnish dries.
putty
Very large damage to the floor can be rubbed with a special wood filler. The product is available in 3 variants:
- solid mixture;
- creamy consistency;
- in powder form.
Which version of the mastic to choose does not matter, the main criterion is the correspondence of the color of the product with the shade of the laminate. If the desired color cannot be found, multiple fillers can be mixed for best results. When performing such a procedure, agitation should be done immediately before applying to the damage. Otherwise, the product will harden and be uneven in color.
To properly repair a scratch or chip, follow the sequence:
- Clean the damaged area of dust and grease with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
- Dilute the putty according to the instructions on the package.
- Stick masking tape around the place of application so as not to stain the floor;
- Fill a scratch or chip with the prepared mixture using a flexible polymer spatula - it can be replaced with any piece of soft rubber.
- Remove product residue around damage.
- Wait until it is dry.
- Polish the area with a dry, dense cloth.
- Cover the area with matte polish or clear wax.
How to use the repair kit
Special repair kits for laminate floors is a great tool in order to repair the damaged floor.However, it is difficult to find such a tool, since not all laminate manufacturers make them. The set includes:
- wax crayons;
- wood putty;
- special spatula.
To perform the correct repair and not further damage the laminate, you must adhere to the sequence of actions:
- The top layer of the laminate is carefully removed.
- If the damage is deep and extends to the bottom layer, it should be filled with wood putty.
- Apply glue to the panel and glue a piece of wallpaper or decorative film of a similar color.
- Cover the surface with a layer of clear varnish or wax.
Replacing a damaged card
Another option to repair damage when repair is not possible is to completely replace the board. This method is only used when there are no other options available. The replacement is carried out in the following order:
- dismantling;
- coverage area analysis required;
- board preparation;
- installation of the cover.
To perform the correct replacement, you must adhere to the algorithm:
- Small holes are drilled along the edges of the board for dismantling, and connecting lines are drawn between them.
- A cladding element is cut along the marked segments using a circular saw.
- The disposal site is cleaned of wood residues and other debris.
- Prepare the board required in size.
- Carpenter's glue is applied along the perimeter of the material and the board is fixed in the cut hole.
- Remove excess glue and other debris.
- Press down the replaced section of the laminate with a heavy object and do not disturb the board for 1 day.
Jointing
In the event that this type of coating creeps or swells, you must use a special grout. This product provides water repellent protection.It is necessary to apply the grout before laying the floor, since it is watered with the fractional and longitudinal part of the lamella and, without waiting for drying, the parts are connected. After laying the coating, all gel residues must be removed.
Pencil
There are special crayons on sale for laminate floors. When using, apply them perpendicular to the position of the scratch, remove residue with a spatula. Then polish the area with a dry cloth.
How to protect with your own hands
To prevent the floor from being damaged unnecessarily, you should apply the following preventive methods:
- lay a carpet in front of the front door so that debris from the street does not damage the integrity of the floor;
- do not move heavy objects on the floor, it is better to lift and carry them by weight;
- it is better to put special soft stops on all furniture;
- when cleaning the floor, you do not need to use products containing abrasive substances.
Maintenance rules for laminate floors
In order for the laminate to serve for a long time, proper precautions should be taken:
- remove small particles from the surface;
- periodically wipe the floor with polish or special products;
- if scratches form, they must be quickly removed or repaired so that moisture does not get inside.