Patching a vinyl floor
This Is a Hammer
Q: There’s a scorch mark on my kitchen floor caused when my son dropped a lighted match (don’t ask, it was a teenage thing, I guess) on it. I tried scrubbing it out, but it seems to be melted into the vinyl. How can I fix it? — Jeri in San Antonio
A: Extreme heat and solvents are enemies of the vinyl floor — they can eat right into the surface and are difficult to repair or cover up. It may be better to replace the damaged section, and it’s one of the easier home repairs.
If the floor is vinyl tile, then loosen the damaged tile (a heat gun will soften the adhesive) and pry it up with a putty knife.
Soften the old adhesive with mineral spirits (being careful not to contact the surrounding tiles) and scrape away. Spread new flooring adhesive and press a new tile into place, wiping away any excess adhesive that oozes out of the edges.
A floor that has sheet vinyl (the vinyl flooring was rolled out in one big piece and trimmed to fit the room) can also be patched. First, get a patch of matching vinyl — if you don’t have any extra, “steal” a piece from underneath an appliance or from the inside of the kitchen pantry if the flooring extends there — by cutting out a square using a sharp utility knife.
•Place the patch square over the damaged area and trace around it to mark your cutting area.
•Remove the patch.
•Using the utility knife (change the blade if possible), cut along the lines. Use a putty knife to pry up the damaged section. As above, clean away old adhesive, apply new adhesive and press the patch into place. To make sure it holds, cover the patch with wax paper and stack some books on top for at least a day.
Finish the patch by applying liquid seam sealer around the patch edges.
HOME TIP: Liquid seam sealer is great for quick repairs to vinyl floors. Apply it over small cuts and scratches to hide damage and protect the floor.