Scratches on laminate flooring can appear even with careful use – due to furniture movement, pet activity, or normal daily wear and tear.
Laminate flooring
In most cases, there’s no need to replace the flooring due to minor defects. These can be made almost unnoticeable with simple solutions.
This information comes from a southernliving article.
Experts explain how to restore the appearance of laminate flooring depending on the depth of the damage.
Why laminate cannot be sanded
Unlike natural wood flooring, laminate is not suitable for sanding and re-varnishing. Its top layer is a thin decorative coating with a protective film that imitates wood texture.
If this layer is worn away, the material’s base can be damaged, and the defect will become even more noticeable.
How to remove surface scratches
The lightest scuffs and shallow scratches can often be removed without special tools.
First, it is recommended to thoroughly vacuum the floor to remove dust and small debris that may have entered the scratch. Then, gently polish the damaged area with a dry microfiber cloth.
If there are dark marks from shoes or furniture, you can try to erase them with a regular white pencil eraser.
Afterward, it’s advisable to use a special laminate care product – it will help even out the gloss of the coating and make minor scratches less visible.
Important: do not use melamine sponges (“magic erasers”). They can alter the surface gloss or damage the protective layer of the laminate.
What to do if a scratch turns white
Deeper damage often leaves a light or white streak that cannot be hidden by simple polishing.
In such cases, you can use a special marker or pencil for furniture and laminate restoration. These products are sold in hardware stores and come in various shades.
Experts advise buying several close colors at once – a lighter and a darker one. This will make it easier to find a shade that closely matches the flooring.
If the color doesn’t match, the fresh ink can be carefully removed with a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
How to repair deep scratches
If deep scratches or chips appear on the laminate, wood filler or a special wax pencil can help.
The filler is applied with a plastic spatula, filling the damage and removing excess. The wax pencil is simply rubbed into the scratch until its surface is level with the floor.
Filler generally lasts longer because it hardens after drying, while wax may require reapplication over time.
How to extend the lifespan of laminate flooring
Timely repair of scratches not only improves the appearance of the floor but also protects it from further deterioration. If damage is addressed immediately after it appears, laminate can last for several more years without needing a complete replacement.
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