Blog>Expert Advice>How to repair vinyl floor like the experts
Last updated: 16 June 2023
How to repair vinyl floor like the experts
Did you know, it is possible to repair vinyl floor? Yes, you don't have to live with that frustrating gouge or scratch any longer! Read on to learn how to repair vinyl floor like a pro.
It's not uncommon to have a damaged vinyl floor, but that doesn't stop it from being a frustrating eyesore. The good news is, it is possible to repair vinyl floor, and we're going to show you how.
Can you repair vinyl floor?
Whether you're dealing with a scratch, gouge, or tear in your vinyl floor, don't panic, it can be fixed!
Vinyl floor is a popular choice for homeowners due to its affordability and variety of styles. It's a much more cost-effective way to achieve a similar look to wooden or stone flooring at a fraction of the price.
However, vinyl flooring can be damaged by heavy furniture, appliances, or other weighty objects, causing tears, scratches, or gouges in the material.
Daily wear and tear can also lead to the need to repair vinyl floor. So let's get into it - how do you restore your vinyl floor with professional results?
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How to tackle vinyl floor scratch repair
Vinyl is generally quite a resilient material, however, vinyl floors can still suffer from scratches from things such as:
Furniture being scraped across it
Footwear, especially high heels and hard soles
Pets leaving claw marks
Debris. e.g. grit or small stones that can be dragged across the floor underneath your shoes
To repair a scratch on your vinyl floor you will need:
Clean cloths and kitchen roll
A sponge scourer pad
WD-40
Vinyl floor polish
Step-by-step:
Lightly go over the scratch with the rough side of your sponge scourer pad. This will take off any rough edges or loose fibres
Next, wipe the area over with the soft side of the scourer pad to remove any debris
Apply a small amount of WD-40 to a clean cloth or kitchen roll and rub it into the scratch
Blend in to remove any excess residue using another clean cloth
Apply a vinyl floor polish to the entire floor surface to provide a protective layer and enhance the overall appearance
Scratch still visible?
For deeper scratches, you can purchase a stain pen or repair kit. A repair kit contains all the tools and materials needed to repair vinyl floor yourself, even those with variations in colour and texture.
Tip: to help prevent scratches and tears in future, use furniture pads and place a door mat by the front door. Regularly sweep or vacuum your vinyl floor to remove any debris.
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How to fix a gouge in vinyl plank flooring
It's possible to repair a gouge in vinyl plank flooring by removing the damaged plank and replacing it with a new one.
This does require more DIY experience. If in any doubt, contact an experienced professional.
Depending on the type of vinyl plank flooring you have, you'll use one of two methods.
1. Floating floors
Floating floors are snapped into place as opposed to being glued down.
You will need:
Some basic tools
A replacement vinyl plank
Step-by-step:
Starting at the wall closest to the damaged plank, remove the skirting board or molding
Lift the vinyl plank nearest to the wall and continue removing planks until you reach the damaged one
Remove and replace the damaged vinyl plank
Click the planks back into place until you reach the wall
Replace the skirting board or molding
2. Glued-down floors
If an adhesive has been used to install your vinyl plank flooring, you'll need to take a slightly different approach. Rather than being connected to each other, the planks are glued to the floor.
You will need:
Some basic tools
Vinyl adhesive and a brush for application
A scraper
A dustpan and brush
A replacement vinyl plank
Step-by-step:
Using a sharp, flat tool, reach underneath the damaged plank to remove it from the floor
Scrape the old glue off the floor
Clean the exposed area where the plank was previously glued to the floor
Use a brush to apply adhesive to the floor and allow it to go tacky
Place the new vinyl plank in place and press down
Leave some weighted objects across the new plank to make sure it sticks effectively
Use a damp cloth to clear away any excess adhesive
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Fixing a tear in your sheet vinyl flooring
Depending on the size of the tear in your vinyl flooring, you'll take one of two approaches to fix it.
1. For small tears
For minor rips or tears, use this method to repair your sheet vinyl flooring.
You will need:
A sponge
Decorator's tape
Putty knife
Dustpan and brush
Vinyl floor adhesive
Step-by-step:
Clean away any dirt or debris
Wash the damaged area with warm water and a sponge and allow it to dry
Use a vinyl floor adhesive and a putty knife to apply some adhesive under the edge of the torn piece
Press the torn piece firmly into place and cover the tear with tape
Place a weighted object on top and leave it for the recommended time on the product instructions
Finally, remove the tape and admire your handy work
2. For larger tears
If you have a larger tear in your sheet vinyl flooring, you'll need to use a custom-cut vinyl floor patch to replace that area.
You will need:
Vinyl floor patch
Utility knife
Decorator's tape
Putty knife
Scraper
Dustpan and brush
Vinyl floor adhesive
Seam roller
Step-by-step:
Find a larger piece of the same vinyl, either from an offcut after the original install, or a hidden section under an appliance or piece of furniture
Lay the vinyl floor patch over the damaged area (aligning the patterns between the two pieces) and tape it down to secure it in place
Use a utility knife to cut through both pieces of vinyl. Where possible, cut in a less obvious part of the pattern, e.g. the 'grout lines' or 'joins'
Use a putty knife to remove the damaged vinyl from the floor, pulling it away from the adhesive
Scrape off the old adhesive from the floor and clean the area
Use a putty knife to apply a fresh layer of vinyl adhesive and place the new vinyl floor patch in position
Press firmly to encourage the adhesive to stick properly; refer to the product instructions for the recommended drying time
Use a seam roller to blend the edges together
Find an experienced and approved vinyl floor specialist in your area
If you're not able to tackle the repair of your vinyl floor yourself, don't hesitate to call in an expert.
Find trusted and reliable flooring specialists, checked and approved by Checkatrade, by entering your postcode into our search.
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