Laminate flooring has taken over the world of flooring with its aesthetic appeal, durability, and easy installation. It is rightfully assumed that it is giving tough competition to wood flooring (the originally preferred choice of people) and may overtake it soon.
With the increased interest in laminate flooring, the issues arising from it also need consideration. To accurately repair the laminate floor, you must be well aware of the most common issues so you can solve them.
A misconception regarding laminate flooring is that since it is like wood, it may not experience much damage which is not true. Laminate flooring can easily be scratched, have dents, and can be damaged through moisture.
Keeping these issues in mind, we are listing down some ways that you can repair or fix your laminate flooring.
How to Fix/Repair Common Issues of Laminate Flooring
Since there are several common issues with laminate flooring, we are providing a list of solutions to repair them below.
Repair Scratched Laminate
Scratching is the most common issue when it comes to flooring. Whether you are moving furniture or wearing heels and boots, you can easily scratch your flooring with the slightest of the wrong move.
When this happens, you may wonder how to fix the laminate floor and that too economically. Well, you are not alone in this confusion. Many people face this issue when they have laminate flooring in their space and that is why we are listing down a few ways that you can repair them.
Repair Putty
Although it is not a long-term solution, it comes in handy when you need an instant fix for your laminate flooring scratches. Repair putty is an easy solution for any scratches. You just need to take some putty, rub it on the affected area with a putty knife, scrape off any excess putty, and leave it on for 24 hours to dry.
A quick tip is to cut out the excessive putty while it is soft because once it is hardened it will not be able to come off.
Repair Kit
While repair putty is quite useful, it may not always be the solution that you are looking for. In this scenario, you can visit any nearby flooring store and get a repair kit. You should find a close match.
As the name suggests, the repair kit provides everything you may need to fix and repair any scratches. Using the given tools, you need to remove the splinters of the damaged section and use burn-in sticks to fill the scratch. You may need to use fine-grit sandpaper to level it equally with the floor. Then, wipe the area with a damp cloth to prevent any bubbles forming on the surface.
The kit probably has acetone too, apply it but make sure you have good ventilation in the space. Lastly, use varnish and let the surface dry for 24 hours.
Wax Pencil
One of the most popular methods of laminate floor repair is using wax pencil. They are easy, handy, and quite cost-effective too. You can use a wax pencil in any maintenance store to fill in the scratches.
Find the exact matching color of your flooring and just like a regular pencil, use the wax pencil to fill in the scratch. Use the pencil in a back-and-forth motion and the right direction. After you have filled in the scratch, use a dry cloth to smoothen the edges.
Repairing Laminate Planks Affected by Water Damage or Swelling
Laminate flooring can also get damaged by water or any other moisture, causing it to swell. To prevent this swelling from spreading, you should change the flooring. That is the only solution, unfortunately.
When you are first installing laminate flooring in your space, always buy extra for these unexpected occurrences. Since laminate flooring comes in different designs and colors, it may be hard to find the exact design or style later. So, you should have extra for when you face any water damage to your laminate flooring.
If the water leaks are constant, replacing the laminate flooring will not help you. You need to fix the issue from its core and then replace the flooring.
Repair Laminate Peeling/Chipping
Laminate floors can easily peel or chip away at the edges. These are common as a result of heavy furniture or any sharp object coming in contact with them. You can fix the peeling of your laminate flooring by using wood fillers.
Pick a color that matches well with your flooring and coat it over the area where the laminate is peeling off. If you are unable to find the exact match, you can also mix two colors to get your required color.
Your laminate floor repair process for peeling should start with buying the matching wood filler and cleaning solvent. Secondly, scratch and remove any splinters you may have on the flooring. Apply the cleaning solvent to the affected area. Then, apply wood filler with a putty knife. You need to put a shallow layer over it and press it gently. Like any other method, remove the excess with a putty knife.
The Final Word
Laminate flooring is desired by many today due to being feasible and economical. While the designs and styles are stunning, laminate flooring can get easily damaged. In this blog, we have discussed some really common issues of laminate flooring and their solutions. Check them out and make your decision.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. How do you repair laminate flooring without replacing it?
You can repair your laminate flooring for small damages like peeling or scratches but if the damage is severe then you have to replace the entire flooring.
Q2. What is the most common problem with laminate flooring?
The most common problem with laminate flooring is scratches. Laminate flooring can easily get scratched by high foot traffic or heavy furniture.
Q3. What is the best glue for fixing laminate?
PVA-based glues are best to fix laminate flooring.
Q4. What is laminate adhesive?
It is the process of pressing two or more materials together to create a single or new material. This process is done to create a particular material that can address a certain requirement which cannot be done through off-the-shelf flooring options.
Q5. Can I use varnish on the laminate?
Absolutely. You can varnish the laminate flooring by using a special varnish.
