How to Fix Scratches on Laminate Flooring – Episode 6

This article is about how to fix scratches on laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is resistant to wear and easy to maintain but even in these conditions minor scratches might occur from time to time. Either you have moved furniture on the laminate floor without using rug pads or you have dropped a heavy object, you can repair the scratches easily if you read our step by step guide and follow our tips. Nevertheless, if the scratches are too deep the only solution might be to replace the damaged laminate flooring planks.

If you want to prevent laminate flooring scratches, you have to install rug pads to the furniture legs, when moving them inside your house. In addition, make sure the shoes are perfectly clean before walking through the rooms, as the dirt particles can create many unattractive scratches. Clean the laminate flooring regularly, using only products recommended by the manufacturer.

Before purchasing the laminate flooring repair kit, you have to make sure you are able to fix the scratches by using these products. Assess thoroughly the damaged area, as to make sure the repair is possible, otherwise take in consideration replacing the planks with new ones. The easiest fix for laminate flooring scratches is to use wax crayons (for minor scratches) or floor putty (for deeper scratches). See more step by step laminate flooring projects HERE. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

In order to fix scratches on laminate flooring, you need the following:

Materials

• Laminate flooring repair kit
• Scratch repair pen
• Professional kit

Tools

• Vacuum cleaner
• Putty knife

Tips

• Make sure the repair kit matches the color of your laminate flooring
• If the scratches are too deep, you have to replace the damage laminate planks

Time

• 15 minutes to repair a few scratches

Related

• Episode 1: Preparing the Surface
• Episode 2: Installing the underlay
• Episode 3: Installing laminate flooring
• Episode 4: Installing the baseboard
• Episode 5: Fixing Laminate Flooring Gaps
• Episode 6: Fixing Laminate Flooring Scratches
• Episode 7: Replacing Laminate Flooring 

How to fix scratches on laminate flooring: Wax Crayons

Step 1: Buy the wax crayon whose color is similar to your laminate flooring. On the market (your local home improvement store or diy web sites) there are many types of wax crayons, therefore you should find easily the one to fit your needs and tastes.

Step 2: Use the pencil to fix the minor scratches. Clean the scratches with a vacuum and color them with the wax crayon. Next, use a dry cloth to remove the wax around the scratch. Nevertheless, if you aren’t satisfied with the result (the scratch is deep), you could try to fill it with floor putty.

How to fix scratches on laminate flooring: floor putty

Step 1: Take a piece of your laminate flooring and go to your local diy store to buy a repair kit that matches its color. Choose the best kit that you can afford, especially if the scratch is deep.

Step 2: Use a putty knife to fill the scratches on laminate flooring with the paste. We recommend you to practice on a spare laminate board, before trying on the actual flooring, to make sure the paste matches the color of the planks. Clean the excess compound with a clean cloth and leave the area for a couple of hours to dry out. Make sure you follow the whole Laminate Flooring Series.

Best Tips for Fixing Scratches on Laminate Flooring

Scratches on laminate flooring happen, but don’t worry—there are some easy fixes that can help your floors look good as new. First up, for light scratches, a laminate repair kit is your best friend. These kits usually come with putty or wax that matches the color of your floor. Just fill in the scratch, smooth it out with a putty knife, and let it dry.

For deeper scratches, try using a colored laminate filler or even a matching wood marker to fill in and blend the scratch with the surrounding area. And here’s a DIY trick: if you’ve got a tiny scratch, sometimes rubbing a walnut over the area can help fill it in and disguise it.

Finally, always seal your repair with a clear coat or laminate floor sealant to make sure it stays protected and blends with the rest of the floor. With these simple tips, your laminate flooring will look fresh and smooth again in no time!

Fixing Scratches vs. Relacing Boards

When it comes to dealing with scratches on laminate flooring, fixing them is often a much easier and budget-friendly solution compared to replacing the boards. Small scratches can usually be repaired with a laminate repair kit or wood filler, which blends right into the surface and takes just a few minutes of work.

On the other hand, replacing an entire board means pulling up surrounding pieces, navigating tricky clicks and locks, and hoping you have a perfect match for the original color. Plus, fixing a scratch allows you to maintain the continuity of your floor without the hassle of swapping out boards. So, unless a board is badly damaged, a quick repair is almost always the faster, cheaper, and less disruptive way to go!

How to Prevent Scratches on Laminate Flooring

If you’re like me, you want to keep your laminate flooring looking as good as the day you installed it. The good news is, there are some simple things you can do to prevent scratches from showing up in the first place. First off, furniture pads are a must! Stick them on the bottom of your chairs, tables, and couches to prevent any dragging damage when you move things around. It’s a quick and affordable fix that’ll save your floor big time.

Another tip: don’t forget about rugs and runners in high-traffic areas like hallways or entryways. These will help absorb the impact of constant foot traffic and catch dirt and debris before it gets ground into your floors. Also, try to sweep or vacuum regularly (with a soft brush attachment) to keep tiny rocks and dirt from acting like sandpaper underfoot. And if you’ve got pets, keeping their nails trimmed will also help minimize any accidental scratches. A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to keeping your laminate floors looking awesome!

Thank you for reading our article on how to fix scratches on laminate flooring and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. Don’t forget to SHARE our articles with your friends, by using the social media widgets. LIKE us to be the first that gets our latest updates.

 PRINT PLAN

EXPLORE MORE IDEAS: