Repairing A Linoleum Floor: The Easiest And Effective Way

Linoleum floors are popular and people all over the world commonly use linoleum as their flooring material. Linoleum is well renowned because of its availability and cost-effective nature. The gorgeous outlook and beautiful design of this flooring material made it very popular among the general mass.

Sometimes you can damage the linoleum cover of your floor accidentally by cutting it or discoloring it. The fact is that you can repair it on your own very easily. All you need is to collect some necessary tools and follow some simple steps with patience to cure it. 

Using a linoleum floor for a long time can cause damage to it. In this article, I have shared my method to repair it when it is damaged. Follow the steps carefully and refit it without any hassle. 

Steps To Repair A Linoleum Floor: Easiest Way To Go

The linoleum floor increases the luxury of your house. Generally, the sheet is very durable and provides natural flexibility. But sometimes linoleum can be torn or cut. So you need to restore it or replace the linoleum when it is needed. You can follow these steps to repair your linoleum floor easily by yourself.

Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools 

You need to gather some necessary tools to repair the linoleum sheet of the floor. Carefully buy an equal patch with the same pattern and the same design. A sharp knife is needed to cut the patch. You will require a sticky glue or adhesive to apply to the cut area and join the patch.

You can use Lacquer Thinner to repair a small cut or normal scratches. Try to find a hair-dryer or heater gun to use when you cut the patch. You need to apply a liquid seam sealer to protect the joint from external damage. Then you may need to collect a flat and heavy object so that you can press it on the joint of the patch. 

Step 2: Use Lacquer Thinner

Sometimes you will find small cuts or scratches on the linoleum-covered floor. In these cases, you don’t need to replace the whole patch of that section. You can cure the scratch with lacquer thinner. All you need is to apply a little amount of lacquer thinner on the damaged surface of the floor.

After applying it, you have to wipe the floor with a clean cloth to remove all the dirt and debris from the surface. Then add a seam sealer gently on the scratch and wait till the sealer is dry. Press the restored area with a flat and heavy object so that it does not open itself when the sealer is set.

Step 3: Eliminate The Damaged Area

If the damaged area of your linoleum or vinyl floor is comparably a huge one or there is a jagged or irregular cut on the surface, you must cut out that particular portion. Mark the area with a marker pen in a circular or square shape. Use a sharp knife blade to cut the marked area.

One thing you must make sure that you have maintained a proper line while cutting the torn patch. Try to use a measuring scale so that your alignment is straight enough. Pull up the cut-out patch and remove all the adhesive glue under it. Carefully use a hair-dryer or heater gun to remove the torn part of the linoleum.  

Step 4: Resize A New Patch

First of all, you need a new patch which is a complete resemblance to the old one. The color, pattern, and design of the new linoleum patch must be the same as the cut-out damaged part. Then place the new patch on the cut-out surface of the floor. Mark the aligned area with a marker pen. Then you have to resize the new patch. 

You must use a sharp knife blade while resizing the new linoleum part. Make sure that you have not torn the patch or made a notched cut there. Prepare the new patch fit enough to be placed on the cut-out surface of the floor. You must be very careful while cutting it because any misalignment can cost you a newer patch again.

Step 5: Apply A Sticky Glue

In this stage, you need to apply sticky glue to the cut-out surface of the floor. You can use linoleum adhesives if they are available within your surroundings. Otherwise, you can use regular strong sticky glue to attach the resized patch to the cut-out surface.

Try to use a clean brush to spread the glue equally on the floor. Install a thin layer of adhesive or glue on the selected out portion. Make sure that there is no bubble in the glue. Then leave it for 5 minutes and let it get stronger with the presence of air. When the glue turns a little brown, you have to place the new patch.

Step 6: Place The Resized Patch

Once the glue has turned brown, you have to place the resized patch over the measured out portion. You should be very careful while placing it because you will face difficulties removing it again. Remember to add some glue to the corner of the resized patch before you place it. 

Hold the patch with both your hands and place it by dragging the near part down first. After replacing it, you need to press the patch with a heavy and flat object. Try to use a hardboard and press it equally. Then remove the extra adhesives that came out from the joint. 

Step 7: Let The Joint Dry

After completing the placement of the new patch, you have to wait for at least 30 to 45 minutes to let the joint dry. When the adhesive is properly set, you need to wipe the floor with a liquid of lacquer thinner. This will help the joint to be recovered quickly and fill the tiny blank spaces. 

Step 8: Seal The Joint

Lastly, you have to seal the joint with a liquid seam sealer. Sealing the joint is a very important part of repairing a linoleum floor. So, fill a tube or a spray bottle with the liquid and apply it gently to the joint of the new portion. You can use a paintbrush to apply the sealer also.

Make sure that you have filled every inch of the joint with the sealer. Then wait to let the sealer dry for at least 30 minutes more. After that, you can polish the joint with an electric polisher or a microfiber cloth. Polishing the joint will increase the durability of the adhesive you used under the newly installed patch.

Mistakes You Should Avoid When Repairing A Linoleum Floor

You need to be very careful while repairing a linoleum sheet on your floor. A simple mistake can cause you to restart all the proceedings from the beginning and waste your valuable time. For this reason, try to maintain the aforesaid steps properly and avoid making the following mistakes.

• Never Cut Unmarked Area

You should be very careful while cutting the damaged area out. Remember that you are using a sharp blade to cut the part out. Try to do it in daylight or fill the place with proper lighting. Run the blade precisely and don’t cut any unwanted part beyond your marked area. That can cost you to repair another portion of the floor again.

• Try Not To Misalign The Patch

If you fail to cut the new patch accurately, you may have to buy another one and that can cost you an extra amount of money. So do not misalign the patch while resizing it. Try to confine your knife or blade within the marked area and resize it precisely. Do not cut any extra layer that can cause any defect in your restoration of the linoleum floor.

• Do Not Misplace The Patch

Be patient and careful while placing the new resized patch on the selected and measured surface of the floor. Misplacing the patch will waste your time by repairing it again. You will have to pull out the glue and add it again if you misplace the resized patch. So, hold the patch carefully and place it accurately.

• Never Harm Yourself

Whatever you may do, you must ensure your safety first. You need to work with a sharp knife blade, strong sticky glue, and a hair-dryer or fire gun to repair a linoleum sheet on the floor. If you don’t handle them carefully, they can cause any kind of damage to your hand or body. So don’t harm yourself with these dangerous tools.

5 Tips To Take Care Of Your Linoleum Floor For A Long:

Proper care of the linoleum floor will decrease the possibility of getting the cover torn or cut in a significant manner. So, you need to take proper care of it regularly. The following tips will help you to take care of your linoleum floor and protect it from any external damage.

Tip 1: Always Use Soft Cleaner

If you want to take proper care of your linoleum floor you must use soft cleaning products while cleaning it. Try to avoid harsh acidic or alkyl products to clean the floor.

Harsh cleaners will cause erosion to the cover and fragile the layer of linoleum on the floor. On the other hand, a soft cleaner will help you to wax the floor when it is needed. 

Tip 2: Avoid Using Sharp Tools

Most of the time using a sharp tool on the linoleum floor causes damage to it. The main reason behind the tear and scratches on the floor is using sharp tools carelessly by the kids of the house over it. So, do not let the kids damage the floor with a sharp tool. As well as you should avoid using any sharp tool to work on the floor.

Tip 3: Mop The Floor Gently

You should be very careful while mopping the floor. There is a huge chance of tearing the linoleum unintentionally if you harshly mop the floor. So, always be patient in wiping out the cleaner from the floor and make sure that your harsh movement does not cause any damage to it.

Tip 4: Polish The Floor Regularly 

One thing you should regularly maintain is to polish the floor at least once a week. Polishing the floor will thicken the density of wax on the linoleum-based floor. This will make the cover more flexible and increase its resistance. Use a soft paintbrush and polish the floor gently.

Tip 5: Use Disinfectants 

You can take care of your linoleum cover of the floor by spraying disinfectants on it every time after mopping the surface. Spraying disinfectants regularly will protect the floor from the attack of bacteria and germs. This will increase the endurance and stability of the floor in a significant way. 

Related Questions:

How Long Does It Take To Repair A Linoleum Floor?

You will have to spend almost two hours repairing a linoleum-covered floor. First, it will take about half an hour to cut the damaged patch out. Then you can resize the new patch within another 20 to 30 minutes. Applying the glue or adhesive to the space and letting it brown will take 10 to 15 minutes.

After that, the installment of the new patch will cost you another 15-20 minutes. You have to let it dry for 30 more minutes. Then sealing and polishing the joint of the floor will cost you almost half an hour more. Hence approximately it will cost you about two hours to repair the floor. 

Is Repairing A Linoleum Floor Worth It?

Repairing or curing the damages of a linoleum sheet on your floor is worth it. Generally, you can have your floor repaired for almost $30 to $40. On the other hand, if you choose to buy a newer one and install it, it can cost you more than $300 and even more in some particular cases.

But you can repair the damaged part of the floor by following some simple steps without facing any major difficulties. All you need to buy is a measured sheet and some necessary tools. You don’t have to change or replace the entire sheet from the floor. That will save a huge amount of money.

How Do You Fix Small Tears On A Linoleum Floor?

First, you need to mop the outer part of the tear carefully. Then spray a little amount of lacquer thinner on that part of the floor. You can use a paintbrush too. Wait a while to let the liquid dry. When the liquid is completely dry, apply a liquid seam sealer on the torn part of the floor.

Apply the seam sealer gently and make sure that every portion of the torn area is filled with the sealer. Let the sealer dry for a while. When the sealer is set, polish the area with an electric polisher. Then wipe out the area with a soft microfiber cloth. Don’t let anything touch the area for 3 to 4 hours.

How Do You Fix Gouges In The Linoleum Floor?

Collect some necessary tools like a soft microfiber cloth, a liquid seam sealer, a car wax, a paintbrush, and a hairdryer. Firstly, warm the place with the help of the hairdryer. That will increase the flexibility of the damaged area. Then apply a thin layer of liquid seam sealer. 

Use a paintbrush and spread the liquid equally over the area. Wait for about 30 to 40 minutes and let the sealer set. When the sealing is done, polish the damaged part with a polisher. Apply a little amount of car wax while polishing it. After polishing the floor, wipe it out with a clean and soft microfiber cloth. 

How Do You Repair A Bad Linoleum?

Repairing a bad linoleum will cost you some extra time and money. Identify the portion where you need to replace the entire portion of the linoleum sheet. Then cut out those portions according to the measurement of the damage. Try to cut them in a square or circular shape.

Buy some new patches with the same design and same pattern. Place the new patch on the formed out part of the floor and measure the size of the patch. Resize the patch and place it on the surface. Before placing it, apply sticky glue to the floor. Remember to seal the joint with a liquid seam sealer. After that, polish the whole area.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Whole Linoleum Floor?

The cost to repair a whole linoleum cover of the floor may vary between $40 to $60. It will depend on the size of the damaged and torn apart part of the sheet. You need to buy some equally designed sheets of linoleum with the same pattern, which will cost you almost $10 to $15 per sheet. This may vary depending on the color, pattern, and design of the sheets.

Then, you will have to spend almost $10 to buy a bottle of lacquer thinner and a liquid seam sealer. You may have to buy a sharp knife blade if it is needed. Moreover, it will depend on how much damage you are repairing and you need to buy essential instruments accordingly. 

How Long Does A Linoleum Floor Last?

The linoleum floor is a long-lasting flooring sheet. It can last over 15 to 25 years if you maintain and take care of the floor properly. The specialty of linoleum is that it will never be discolored if you don’t use any harsh acidic or alkyl floor cleaner on it. 

You may cause any damage to the floor by tearing or cutting it or even scratching it; but until you do so, the durability of the floor will never be decreased in almost 20 years. Hence, try to avoid sharp tools and harsh cleaners on your floor.

What Is The Best Adhesive For Linoleum Floor To Repair?

Henry 356 MultiPro High Strength Paste Carpet & Sheet Adhesive is one of the best available linoleum floor adhesives that you can use to repair your floor. This acrylic-based floor adhesive is budget-friendly and effective adhesive. The strong and sticky nature of this glue will last long.

Moreover, the molecules of this adhesive do not get affected by the temperature. A thin layer of this adhesive is well enough to attach your linoleum patch to the cut-out surface of the floor. Thus, you can save time as well as money by using this fantastic floor adhesive.

Final Thought:

Repairing a linoleum floor is a simple and effective task to maintain the sheet of your floor. This will save you money without replacing the whole linoleum sheet. In addition, you don’t have to waste a huge amount of time on this. Following some simple procedures can result in a repaired floor without facing any hassle.

Hopefully, reading this article will make it easy for you to restore the damage to your floor. Just keep patience and take proper care of the floor regularly. Good luck with your linoleum floor!

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