This page contains affiliate links, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases (with no extra cost to you). Learn more
Let’s assume you need to move some furniture, and instead of lifting it, it drags across your vinyl floor, scratching it. Even if vinyl is scratch-resistant, it can be scratched if enough force is applied to it.
Having a large scratch on your floor can make it look dirty and unsightly. So you’re likely wondering how you go about fixing this.
If you have lighter scratches on your vinyl flooring, use nail polish or a touch-up marker in the same color tone as your floors. If the scratches are deep, you can sand them down or use a specific vinyl floor repair kit and try removing them.
Can you Scratch Vinyl plank flooring easily?
No, nowadays, vinyl flooring is treated with a surface coating that makes it scratch-resistant. However, this does not mean that it cannot be scratched under certain circumstances.
For instance, if a heavy piece of furniture is dragged across the floor and too much force is applied then the finish may get scratched.
How to Remove Scratches from Vinyl flooring?
Scratches can be removed from vinyl flooring by using a few different methods. The method to use and its success depends on the type of scratch, the age of the scratch, and where exactly it is located.
How to remove lighter scratches from vinyl floors?
Say you have a scratch from your pets clawing at the floor or dropped something that made a scratch. Those usually don’t go too deeply into the Vinyl floor, so you have two options.
Using Nail Polish
Nail Polish is quick, easy, and affordable. Nail polish works well because it’s made to be used on surfaces that are porous. You can find a matching color of nail polish at your local store or buy the same brand as the furniture you have.
It should work well enough to cover the scratch-up for now, but you will probably need to get a darker color of nail polish and touch it up in a few months.
Use Touch-up markers
Touch up markers work well for light scratches. They come in a variety of colors. Simply choose one that matches or comes as close as possible to your existing floor.
The mark will be permanent, so practice on an inconspicuous area first. Make sure it matches exactly and then apply to the scratched-up surface.
Both are easy to obtain and are viable to use right away. I’ll explain to you how to use each item.
How to use Touch-up Pen?
A touch-up pen is used to help cover up and fix minor scratches on wooden floors and is helpful on vinyl. Especially vinyl that looks a lot like wood flooring.
Step-by-step:
- First, determine which color is closest to your Vinyl floor. If unsure, always go for the lighter shade if on a light-colored floor.
- Make sure the area you are about to work on is swept and mopped before working on.
- Now, with the area cleaned, use the pen to draw across the line to make sure it fills in the scratch.
- Use a dry paper towel to wipe it off first after applying the touch-up to get off the residue.
- Then use a wet one to clean the remaining from scratch then let it dry.
- Then allow it time to dry, and the area should be relieved of scratch marks.
How do you use acetone to remove scratches?
Acetone is most often used to remove furnish and nail polish. It is also helpful in getting rid of top layer scratches. Acetone isn’t something to use too often since it can damage the floor, but it’s useful in a pinch and very easy to use.
Step-by-step:
- First, make sure the area has been cleaned by sweeping and mopping.
- Then get a paper towel making sure to coat it with enough acetone that it’s a bit damp but not soaked.
- Then wipe the area, not too roughly, just in smooth circles up and down the scratch until it is all gone.
How to remove deeper scratches from vinyl floors?
Maybe there was a loose metal underneath the fridge that just cut deep into the floor. A touch-up or acetone won’t fully restore your floor. In the worst-case scenario could only make the scratches more obvious.
So now you can use the repair kit or try sanding it down to an exact length. Sanding it down might be a very effective method in evening out the floor, but you need to buy everything separately. At the same time, a repair kit gives you everything you need to take care of the scratch.
How to sand down the vinyl floor?
Now sanding vinyl is a prevalent practice, especially for scratches on records and applicable on the floor. What you will need to sand down the floor are fine-grit, medium-grit, and coarse-grit sandpaper.
Step-by-Step:
- First, make sure to clean the area of any dirt as trying to sand it while it’s dirty will only create more scratches. So sweep and mop.
- Now you need to sand the area of the scratch, starting with the fine-grit sandpaper. Avoid moving in a large area and keep the sanding to where the scratch is located.
- Then use the medium grit then coarse grit to slowly sand it down until it is smoothed out.
- Make sure to clean the area after sanding and then check by touch. If smoothed and not visible, then you have completed it.
- Once completed, you will want to clean and wax the area. Then your floor will have returned to its original flow.
Tip: This is a very time-consuming method, so it isn’t a quick fix and takes time before you get the results, so take it slow.
How to use the Vinyl floor repair kit?
Now is when you have to invest in a more expensive kit. Dr. Schutz’s brand is handy for this, and you can buy the complete kit. You have to make sure you follow the instructions thoroughly. Or the floor might not come out in the way you desire.
Step-by-Step:
- First, make sure to clean the area and scrub it with a brush gently. So there is nothing in the groves.
- Then rinse the area with clean water to remove the cleaner.
- After making sure there is no cleaning residue, dry the area with a dry sponge or towel.
- With the grey pad in the kit, carefully scuff the scratched area. Don’t be too harsh, or you will end up causing more damage. You’re just trying to even out the scratch to the level of the rest of the floor.
- Now wipe the area clean or any residue from the scuffing. You can use the white cloth in the kit for this. But if you don’t feel it is cleaned enough, carefully use a separate microfiber rag.
- Now using the spray, make sure to shake it vigorously before you use it.
- Then start by lightly spraying the scratch length-wise. Then spread crosswise along with the scratch as you want it fully coated. So repeat if needed. Alternatively, spray one coat, then wait ten minutes to dry before another coat until the scratch is gone and fully covered.
- Then allow drying making sure nothing walks on top of it and damages the flooring.
How do I prevent any future scratches on vinyl?
If you keep scratches from happening in the first place, then you won’t have to worry about removing them later.
- Remember to keep your floor clean, be it just a quick wipe down or a deep clean with a mop and a floor cleaner.
- Use non-scratch broom and dustpan – I love those with bristles made from plastic.
- Place doormat at the entryway to minimize the amount of dirt that enters your home.
- Don’t drag furniture across the floor
- Place protective pads under furniture feet if possible when moving it.
- Take extra care when placing furniture on your floors.
Realted Questions
Can you use these methods to get rid of scuffs?
Scuffs aren’t the same as scratches made from people dragging furniture or animal claws. In contrast, scuffs tend to be caused by rubber shoes or rubber objects leaving residue. These methods won’t eliminate the scuff marks as that requires more of a cleaning method than repairs. The best bet is some detergent and sponge to remove it roughly.
What if none of these methods work?
It might be a deep crack instead of a scratch if none of these methods work for you. In that case, you might have to do a partial replacement to fix the problem. However, this is very rare as most scratches should be gone from any of these methods.
