How to Fix Soft Laminate Hardwood Floor Dents
Laminate floors---even those topped with hardwood veneer---can end up scratched and dented, because the material under the surface is softer than that of a solid hardwood floor. But unlike solid hardwood, you can't strip, sand, and refinish laminate flooring. If your scratches or dents are very small and shallow, the fix is as simple as running a brown crayon over them. If it is a full-fledged dent or gouge, pick up some laminate repair putty at your home improvement store, and take the proper steps for repair. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Steel wool
- Rubbing alcohol
- Clean cloth
- Laminate repair putty the same shade as the floor
- Popsicle stick
- New plastic putty knife
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Instructions
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Use the steel wool to buff the dent, rubbing the inside and just around the edges. Buff it just enough to take the shine off the surface, making it dull and turning it a slightly milky color. (This will help the repair putty adhere to the surface.)
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Dab a clean cloth in rubbing alcohol. Use the cloth to thoroughly clean in and around the dent, taking up any dust left from the steel wool buffing and cleaning any grime or dirt around the area. Use the alcohol at full strength so it will evaporate immediately.
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Open your laminate repair putty. If it requires you to mix two ingredients prior to application, do so as instructed.
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Use your popsicle stick to scoop up a little more of the putty than is necessary to fill the dent. Wipe it into the dent, pressing it in completely to fill it.
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Run the flat end of your new plastic putty knife over the dent, completely perpendicular to the floor, to flatten and smooth the putty. (Don't use an old plastic putty knife, as it may have nicks in the blade that could leave lines in the putty.)
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Immediately wipe over the area with your alcohol-dipped rag. Wipe very gently and lightly, so it just takes up any excess putty on the flat surface of the laminate without digging it out of the dent. Let the putty set completely according to the instructions on the packaging before you resume use of the floor.
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Tips & Warnings
Ventilate the room before using your rubbing alcohol.
