Formica flooring is a popular type of laminate flooring. It is one of the most fashionable and durable choices you can make for your home. The floors are made from high density wood fiber boards. They come in various patterns and colors, which makes them especially suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. Formica floors are low maintenance. They don’t attract dust or dirt easily. All that is required is to sweep or vacuum regularly, to keep your floor in good shape. Once in a while, you can use a formica floor cleanser to clear stubborn dirt. The floors can handle a high volume of foot traffic. However, like most floors, cracks are possible on formica. However, you need not be discouraged by this. Below is a simple guide to help you restore the fine appearance of your floor.
What You'll Need
What You'll Need
- Grease pencil
- Sandpaper, 60-grit and 220-grit
- Soft brush
- Rubbing alcohol
- Soft cloth
- Formica floor filler
- Plastic putty knife
- Damp mop
- Formica floor polish
- Buffing cloth
- Dust mask
Step 1 – Inspect the Floor
It is a good idea to carefully inspect your floor before you embark on repair. While some cracks may be clearly visible, fine cracks are harder to detect. When you repair all cracks at the same time, it helps to protect your floor. It also spares you from having to undertake the same repair soon. Use a grease pencil with a color that stands out against your formica floor. Circle all cracks as you identify them.
Step 2 – Smooth the Crack
Put on a dust mask to keep dust out of your nose. Fold a piece of sandpaper into half. Use the sandpaper to smooth within the crack as far as you can. Smooth the edges of the crack as well. Use a soft brush to clear dust from the crack.
Step 3 – Cleaning
Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a soft cloth. Wipe within the crack with the cloth to clear away dust and debris. Proceed to wipe the surface as well.
Step 4 – Fill the Crack
Obtain a formica floor filler from a hardware store. Be sure to obtain one that matches the color of your floor exactly. If you’re unable to get an exact match, buy a filler that comes with a separate color toner. This allows you to create the color of your choice. Scoop some filler with the tip of a plastic putty knife. Place the filler within the crack to fill it completely. Press the filler into the crack with your knife to ensure it compacts well. Allow the filler to cure within the crack for a period of 24 hours. Proceed to fill in any other cracks on your floor in this way.
Step 5 – Sanding
Use 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the dried formica filler. Sand until the entire area is very smooth. Use a damp mop to clear dust and fine particles from the floor.
Step 6 – Polish the Floor
Apply formica floor polish over the repaired area. Use a buffing cloth to shine the area. This makes the repair less conspicuous. It also gives your floor a uniform appearance.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
