How To Repair Damaged Vinyl Flooring
If you have a vinyl or an old
linoleum floor, you probably know that the material is soft and fairly
easy to damage. Gouges, dents and tears are an unfortunate fact of life
with vinyl. Drop a can in the kitchen, walk across the floor in heels,
slide a heavy piece of furniture and you risk damage to the floor. Vinyl
floors can be repaired, ideally in small sections, by cutting out the
damage and gluing in a new piece.
First, you will need a piece of scrap to use as the replacement material.
If you don't have a scrap piece, and cannot buy more of your pattern,
then you may be able to remove a piece from an inconspicuous location.
You may be able to scavenge material from a closet, under the fridge
or under the washing machinel. The problem is that if it is
well glued down, you may not be able to get a usable piece. Cut out a
piece a little larger than the damaged area. Warming the material may
make it easier to remove (pour boiling water into a cool pot and place
the pot on the vinyl until the vinyl has warmed. Cut around the area,
through to the floor. Peel up a corner and use a sharp bladed putty knife
to gently lift the vinyl. If you cannot obtain a matching piece, another
option is to use a colorful or patterned piece to create an accent in
the floor. If you place a few accent pieces around the room, you will
hide the repair and add an interesting feature to the floor.
If the flooring has a pattern, align your patch piece so that the pattern
matches the surrounding area. To hide the cuts, make them in the pattern
or embossed depression along lines and depressions. Tape the patch piece
in place. Use a new, sharp blade in a razor knife to cut through both
pieces at the same time. In order to control the knife, make initial
cuts lightly through the top layer then go back over the cuts to slice
all the way through to the floor. By cutting both at the same time, the
patch should be the same size and shape as the piece being removed. Hold
the knife straight up and cut through both pieces all the way to the
floor. If the blade is held at an angle, the pieces will not be the same
size. Use slow even pressure to avoid the knife going off the mark. Use
of a straightedge or carpenter's square will help to control the knife.
After making the cuts, move the patch out of the way. Peel up a corner
of the damaged vinyl, insert a putty knife and pry up the material. Avoid
lifting the surrounding vinyl. Scrape any residue to leave a smooth floor
exposed.
Test fit the patch, and make any trimming adjustments until it fits
snuggly in place. Apply vinyl adhesive to the floor using an application
tool. Use too much adhesive and it will squeeze out and may leave lumps
under the vinyl, use too little and the edges of the vinyl may curl or
tear. If you use too much, clean the excess, cover it with wax paper
and place a flat, heavy weight on the patch. Do not step on the patch
or you may squeeze out too much adhesive and leave a depression. Remove
the weight after a couple minutes and clean the surface of all adhesive.
To complete the repair, apply seam sealer around the seam of the patch.
The sealer will help to hide the repair, fill the seams and keep it looking
good.
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