Right Way to Hide Cracks in Laminate Flooring and Prevention Methods

Laminate floors are becoming one of the most loved choices by most homeowners and interior designers. This is because laminate flooring is an attractive, durable, and cost-effective option. Laminate floors have a wide array of advantages including elegance, durability, easy maintenance, scratch and chip resistance.

But over time, or with incorrect installation, laminate floors can begin to show some flaws such as chipping and deformations. Fortunately, laminate floors can be repaired easily and this is another feather in the hat of laminate floors. You can repair laminate floors with wood fillers, wood putty and wood glue.

Let us explore how to effectively conceal cracks in a laminate floor and also understand ways to prevent such damage.

Conceal Laminate Floor Cracks Effectively

Laminate floors are manufactured to be beautiful and durable. But if somehow the floor begins to chip and crack, here are some steps to repair it effectively:

1. Clean the laminate floor surface:

The first step is to make sure that the laminate floor is clean and dry. There should be no residues, dirt, or grime. Using a vacuum cleaner can be effective in cleaning loose debris. Then, it is important to mop or wash the floor. Regular dish soap or vinegar mixed with water can be an effective cleansing agent. Mop the floor with the mixture and then allow it to dry completely.

2. Identify all cracks and chips:

Once the floor is clean and dry, examine the floor carefully. Identify all cracks and chips. Identify even the small ones for complete repair. Mark all the imperfections and damaged areas that need attention. Then, choose an appropriate color for the wood filler, wood glue, or putty.

Minor imperfections can be addressed at a later stage using wax crayons that match the laminate floor's color tone. Using color swatches can be handy to match the colors accurately.

3. Sand the damaged laminate floor area:

After all the deformations, cracks, and chipped areas have been identified, it is essential to sand the damaged area properly. Remove any dirt that remains after sanding using a damp sponge. This will ensure that the floor forms a better bond with the wood putty.

4. Preparing the putty for application:

Wood putty can be purchased online or from a hardware store. Match the putty using a color swatch with the laminate flooring color before buying it. Putty is available in the form of both, premixes and fillers that need to be mixed with hardeners. Use a plastic scraper or a putty knife to mix them effectively. Wood putty hardens extremely fast, and therefore working in small amounts and applying multiple thin layers will be effective.

5. Remove excess putty:

The putty can dry very fast, and therefore removing excess putty before that is crucial. Use a plastic scraper and a damp cloth for this purpose. If somehow the putty has hardened, use a putty knife or blade to remove the hardened putty. Make sure not to add more scratches to the floor while trying to repair the existing one.

6. Allow the putty to dry before use:

Even though it appears that the putty has hardened and dried within a few minutes, you must allow it to rest and harden for a few more hours before walking on the repaired laminate flooring. This is necessary because freshly hardened putty is still prone to deformation under human weight.

Note: There are 2 main types of wood fillers: Water-based fillers and petroleum-based fillers. Water-based fillers have a rough texture that can be adjusted by adding water. Petroleum-based fillers, on the other hand, have a smooth texture and consistency.

Essential Steps to Prevent Damage to the Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is designed to look beautiful and stay durable for long periods. In order to maintain the flooring, however, proper protection, cleaning, and maintenance are necessary. Here are simple steps that can keep the laminate floor in excellent condition:

Protecting laminate flooring is essential:

To maximize the lifespan of laminate flooring, protecting it is essential. Following these steps will keep the floor in excellent condition:

• Use furniture pads or felt pads to prevent unnecessary damage to the flooring.
• Avoid moving your furniture frequently.
• Use floor mats to absorb any excess moisture at entrances.

Cleaning the laminate flooring will extend its life

Proper cleaning will help extend the life of the laminate floor. Here are some simple steps to follow:

• Use a dry mop and soft brushes on the vacuum cleaner to avoid scratches.
• Promptly clean liquid spills using a clean soft cloth or paper towel.
• Do not leave any liquid for extended periods to prevent damage.
• Chewing gums and other sticky materials can be scraped off using plastic knives
• Use detergent or an ink remover in case of stubborn marks from liquid spillage.
• To remove grease marks, use ice to solidify the grease. Then scrape it off using a plastic knife.
• Do not use bleach to clean the laminate floor since it can alter the color.
• Always use a damp cloth instead of a wet cloth to avoid unwanted swelling and gaps in the flooring.
• Avoid steam cleaners, since they can damage the adhesive that holds the laminate floor together. This can create bubbles and loosen the layers.

Surya Click: Leading the Industry with Expertise and Innovation

Surya Click is one of the finest laminate flooring manufacturers in India. Their patented click mechanism makes the process of installing laminate flooring extremely easy for amateurs as well.

Laminate flooring from Surya Click is crafted with high-quality materials and is scratch and wear-resistant. Features like anti-moisture edge protection and termite resistance also make the floor extremely durable and long-lasting.

Conclusion: Revive your laminate flooring with repair and care

Laminate flooring offers home designers a versatile option that is durable and resistant to daily wear and tear. Even with such robust features, it is not immune to damage, cracks, chips, and other flaws. The good news, however, is that the floor can be repaired by following the steps described above. Proper protection, maintenance, and care will preserve and extend the life of the flooring. Following the above-mentioned steps will ensure that the home, office, or corporate building floor enhances the appeal and aesthetic for years to come.