For the best and the most satisfactory results, try repairing the scratches before they get too deep. One of the common ways of repairing your laminate flooring is by applying melted crayons on the scratched area.
Another simple way is to apply masking pencils and markers to make the scratches unnoticeable. Whichever way you choose to repair your scratched laminate, It is key to make sure you match the color of the existing floor.
Laminate flooring is made of multiple layers from wood bi-products, which are joined together through lamination. The upper layer is made from a tough plastic-like layer which is meant to minimize daily wear and tear. This makes it a very durable type of flooring but is also subject to scratching if not properly taken care of.
Sometimes accidents may happen and In such cases, you have to be aware of ways in which you can be able to remove the scratches and restore your floor’s aesthetic value in a cost-effective way, with materials that are already at your disposal.
Cost-effective Ways of Removing Scratches from your Laminate Flooring
Whenever you notice scratches and scrapes on your floor, it is best to reach out to your floor manufacturer or your supplier and order a repair kit directly from them.
Almost all manufacturers have their own repair kits tailor-made for the floors they manufacture. In some cases, these kits might be expensive or maybe out of your budget, but not to worry.
Here’s an outline of cost-effective ways on how to remove scratches and scrapes on your laminate flooring without the need to hire a handyman to do it for you.
The materials you need are readily available and might even be lying somewhere in your basement.
Also note, Laminate flooring should never be sanded, abrasive products increase the scratches on your floor.
1. Melted Crayons Matching the Color of the Floor
Melted crayons are effective for filling minor scratches. You have to make sure to choose a crayon that matches your floor.
There are two ways you can fill the scratch:
One, rub the crayon back and forth in the opposite direction that the scratch is moving until the scratch is filled, and wipe using a soft cloth to buff the edges of the area being repaired until it blends with the rest of the floor.
Two, chop the crayons into small pieces and place them in a bowl. Warm them a little until they melt, carefully pour on the scratch, and let it cool down. Rub with a soft cloth to match the profile of the existing floor. In case you don’t find a crayon with a color matching your floor, you can use a darker shade.
2. Colored Floor Repair Wood Putty
Putty floor repair is best for repairing deeper scratches and wide scrapes. You will need a putty knife for spreading putty evenly on the scratch.
Evenly apply putty, with a plastic putty knife held at a 45-degree angle, and wipe away excess putty as soon as possible. Do not use a metallic putty knife, It will scratch your laminate flooring.
If the putty shrinks as it dries, apply a second coat making sure your windows are open to allow ventilation in the room because acetone has a strong smell. If the scratch is not as shiny as before, apply a thin coat of varnish.
Also, If you don’t find a close match to your floor, add some paint in the making process.
There’s a difference between wood putty and wood filler. Make sure not to confuse while purchasing.
What’s the difference between wood putty and wood filler?
Wood putty is also referred to as plastic wood and is used to fill imperfections such as nail holes in wood prior to finishing. It is the most common wood filling product used in wood pieces. Wood putty comes in different colors and makes it a versatile filling agent.
Wood filler, on the other hand, is used to create smooth surface repairs to holes in wood. Wood filler dries after about 10 minutes of application and makes many people use it because everybody wants to save time.
Wood putty and wood filler can be used interchangeably, but what makes wood putty the best option?
Wood putty dries relatively slower than wood filler, but what makes it better to fill scratches on your laminate flooring?
First wood putty is more cost-effective. A small container can last long and even if it dries, you only need a small amount of acetone to refresh it.
Unlike wood fillers, wood putty can also be used outdoors. Wood filler does not expand instead, they break when the wood expands and contracts
Lastly, wood putty comes in a wide range of colors. This makes it easy for you to find a match for your laminate flooring.
- Masking pencils and markers.
The application of masking pencils or markers is not really meant for repairing scratches but rather used as a short-term mode of hiding the smallest and simplest scratches on your laminate flooring.
Allow the floor to dry completely, then apply a colored pencil, and marker on the area affected. Make sure not to forget because these minor scratches if not dealt with earlier might turn into larger scratches.
How do you repair major scratches and scrapes on your laminate flooring?
There’s nothing that can be done on extremely damaged laminate flooring, and the best way is to replace the affected laminate planks with ones that match the existing ones.
Instead of sitting and waiting for scratches to seem extremely large, it is best to first protect them where necessary. In cases of accidents like glass falling, deal with the scratch immediately.
Avoid walking in high heels with sharp ends, avoid dragging heavy objects like the ridge, use floor protectors below the furniture, and if you own pets consider using floor mats.
Always make sure to regularly vacuum your laminate flooring. Grit and large dirt particles contribute to scratching your floor. Keep your floor clean.
