Small streaks and scratches in laminate floors greatly reduces their aesthetic value. Learn cost-effective approaches for how to remove scratches from laminate floors, and you can accomplish the task on your own.
As compared to wood, laminate is a much sought after flooring material owing to its high durability, low-cost, elegant appearance, and resistance to stains, color fading, burns and scratches. However, the functionality of any floor material depends upon the provided care and maintenance level. For example, accumulation of dust and grit particles, pulling heavy weight objects and dirt under furniture all contribute to scratching of the laminate floor surface. For minor scratches, you can adopt simple tips to repair laminate flooring properly.
Tips to Remove Scratches from Laminate Floors
In order to get satisfactory results, try repairing scratches and chips before they become too deep or difficult to cover with a filler. Preferably you should purchase a laminate floor repair kit online or from your local home improvement center. While buying the kit, make sure you take your floor shade into account and select the one that matches your floor color perfectly. Besides this obvious approach, another method for temporary repairing laminate floor scratches is to apply melted crayon. Explained below are some of the possible ways for how to remove scratches from laminate wood floors.
Apply Masking Pencils and Markers
Just like scratch removal from wood, the simplest technique for hiding minor scratches in laminate flooring is to apply a filling pencil or marker. If you already have one for using in similar colored wood flooring, you can use the same for laminate floors too. Coming to the application part, clean the floor areas that you will be using this filling pencil or marker. Allow it to dry completely, and apply pencil and/or marker gently to make the scratches unnoticeable.
Try Using Burn-in Sticks
These are colorful sticks that come along with the laminate floor repair kit. Prior to using them, go through the user manual thoroughly. The application steps may be a bit tough for newbies. The procedure calls for applying the filler with the help of an electric operated knife with proper control. Although they are not so easy to use, these burn-in sticks are effective for repairing major laminate floor scratches, dents and similar damages.
Melted Crayon Method
Another simple technique to do away with scratches from your laminate floors is filling them with melted crayon. First choose crayons which shade is same with your floor. In case of non-availability, a one shade darker color will also do. Remove the paper wrapping and break into small pieces. Or else, you can shave it with a knife. Warm it slightly in a microwave safe bowl, until melted. Let it cool down and rub crayon over the already cleaned scratches.
Make Use of Colored Putty
Use of putty is applicable for correcting deep scratches and chips. Strictly follow the directions mentioned in the repair kit for preparing putty. In case of unmatched color, you can add some paint in the making process. Ensuring that the color is perfect, take some and fill the deep scratches and gouges (after cleaning) by using a putty knife. Get rid of excess putty as soon as possible, or before it gets dried.
Dealing with Prominent Scratches
If your concern is about getting rid of major scratches from laminate flooring, the only alternative left is to replace the plank as a whole. There is nothing that can be done to mask or cover extreme streaks and scratches. What you can do is, order laminate floor boards of specific sizes that match the existing floor color. Then, follow the do-it-yourself (DIY) instructions for installing laminate floor without disturbing the adjacent planks.
Instead of going through the hassles of removing scratches from laminate floors, you can prevent them at the very first instance. Just follow the tips for cleaning laminate floors suggested in the manufacturer guidelines. Consider using floor mats at the door entrances to collect dust, avoid dragging heavy furniture or alike objects, and most importantly, lay floor protectors below the furniture. Last but not the least, never keep the floor wet, as it increases the chances of damages manifold.
