How to fix scratches on dark laminate flooring?

Even though laminated flooring is quite attractive, it is tough when it comes to repairing scratches. As only the top coat of the flooring is colored, it is quite difficult to carry out the sanding or buffing process to remove scratches. If done so, the process would exploit excess of the surface and exposing more of the board. This can be avoided by using a laminate touch-up kit, available at any general hardware store in different varieties with manufacturer’s instruction manual.

Removing minor scratches:

-Choose a touch-up kit with the same color as that of your laminated floor. If the same color is not available, a shine can be added later. Touch-up kits usually comes with a marker, filler and a varnish.

-The minor scratches can be concealed with a marker.

-Deep scratches can be filled with pencil or crayon/putty. The manufacturer’s instruction manual can be helpful in this case.

-Using fine-grit sandpaper sand the area lightly to level the filler level with the floor’s surface. Sand the flooring to remove the excess filler and wipe the laminate repair with a damp cloth to remove dust or excess filler.

-If required, varnish can be applied to match with floor’s shine with the small applicator brush. The varnish has to be applied as a thin line and the edges should be touched for a good finish. Sand the varnish and level it with the surface after it has dried.

Removing deep scratches:

-Choose a touch-up kit with the same color as that of your laminated floor. The kit comes with seam filler, marker and a varnish. Shine can be added later with the varnish.

-Allow for ventilation. Clean the scratch with acetone. However, other solvents available in the kit can also be used.

-Apply the filler or putty material on the paper plate and mix it with putty knife till it hardens, if it is not an epoxy material. If it is, then blend the given ingredients in proportions given in the instruction manual till color becomes even.

-Apply the filler or putty material on the putty knife, and then apply it on the scratch. After the first stroke, apply the putty knife for second time in a perpendicular direction.

-The excess filler or putty can be removed with a cloth dipped in solvent. Repeat the process if the coat shrinks as it dries.

-Use a fine-grit sandpaper to sand the surface. If required touch up the scratch with a marker. Apply the varnish and allow it to dry. Sand it to get a shiny appearance.