How to remove scratches from linoleum

Even the most durable linoleum during operation can receive significant mechanical damage, leading to the formation of scratches of varying depths. Such defects significantly spoil the appearance and reduce the overall strength of the product, which shortens its service life. However, you should not immediately change the floor covering, because in most cases the defects can be eliminated yourself.

IMPORTANT. If the floor covering has multiple defects or deep enough tears, then it will no longer be possible to save it.

Scratched linoleum - how to fix it?

The most common causes for the appearance of various defects on the floor covering are: violation of installation technique, use of an overly soft lining, or mechanical impact. Then the question arises - how to remove scratches from linoleum? Before starting repair work, you first need to assess the extent of the damage. If the damage is deep enough, then a lot of effort will be required, but the holes will not be eliminated at all. To repair minor damage, you only need a few products. This:

• Large coin.
• Wax candle.
• Mastic.
• Nail polish.
• Small pieces of material with a similar pattern.

As a rule, almost all materials are available at home and repairing the coating will not require any significant financial costs.

How to repair a scratch on linoleum

There are several ways to eliminate coating defects: using a coin, wax or mastic.

How to erase scratches on linoleum with a coin

If the resulting defect has uneven fluffy edges, then you need to use a regular coin. It is desirable that it be large. To do this, the edge of the coin must be drawn along the scratch in the direction of the terry cloth. This action must be repeated until the terry becomes the same color as the floor covering. The defect will be significantly smoothed out and will not be so noticeable.

REFERENCE. If you put too much pressure on the coin, you can make the situation worse!

Using wax

For minor damage, wax or a wax candle is ideal. It must be applied in a thin layer first to the places where defects form, and then the entire surface of the floor covering is covered with wax.

REFERENCE. The disadvantage of this option is that the wax wears off over time and the procedure will have to be repeated from time to time.

Using mastic

To eliminate defects, there is a special mastic that can be purchased at a hardware store or made independently. When purchasing, the most important thing is to choose the right color, so it is advisable to take a small piece of linoleum to the store. There are also sets with mastic and tints that allow you to choose the right color at home. Removing scratches is done as follows:

• The edges of the defect must be cleaned of any existing dirt and dust.
• If there is terry, it needs to be rubbed.
• Scratches are degreased.
• If you use a variant of mastic with color, it must be prepared. To do this, you need to add a dye that matches the color of the coating. The pigments included in the set allow you to achieve a perfect shade match. To get the desired color, you can take several dyes.
• The resulting composition should be applied to the damaged areas using a spatula. Excess must be removed.
• After the composition has dried, it needs to be polished. This can be done using a cloth or sandpaper with the finest abrasive.

Mastic can also be made at home. To do this, you need to take clear nail polish and small pieces of linoleum. Using a coin, you need to make shavings from these pieces and pour them into the scratches. After which you need to apply nail polish.

REFERENCE. It is advisable to first test the nail polish on a small piece of linoleum, as it can damage the surface.

It is not difficult to eliminate defects. However, it is best to try to avoid their appearance by being careful with the floor covering.