What you’ll need
- Vacuum
- Mop
- Water
- Linoleum floor polish
- Lambs wool mop
- Sandpaper, rough grade
- Linoleum piece
- Small bowl
- Wood glue
- Popsicle stick
- Putty knife
- Damp rag
- Acrylic floor sealer
- Paint roller
Step 1 – Clean the Floor
Vacuum your floor to remove dust and fine debris. Clear residual dirt with a wet mop. It is vital that you have a clean floor before you proceed with the repair. Use an old terrycloth to absorb moisture from the floor. Allow the floor a couple of hours to air-dry.
Step 2 – Small Scratches
Apply a thin coat of floor polish with a lamb’s wool mop. For best results, apply the polish in back and forth motions. Allow 1 hour for the polish to set before you apply another coat. This is sufficient to clear small scratches on linoleum. For bigger scratches, proceed to the next step.
Step 3 – Obtain Linoleum Powder
Look around your home for a leftover piece of linoleum. If you fail to get one, purchase a few pieces from a flooring dealer. Be sure to obtain as close to an exact match as possible. Use rough grade sandpaper to obtain some powder from the linoleum. Hold the linoleum over a large cardboard as you sand. You should aim to obtain enough powder to allow you to fill the scratches completely.
Step 4 – Create a Paste
Pour the linoleum dust into a small bowl. Add a small amount of wood glue into the bowl to make a thick paste. Mix the dust and glue thoroughly with a popsicle stick. Once you obtain a uniform color, the paste is ready to be used.
Step 5 – Fill the Scratches
Scoop a small amount of the paste with the tip of your putty knife. Apply the paste carefully inside the scratch. Firmly press the paste into the scratch. Use a damp rag to wipe away excess paste from the linoleum. Allow at least 24 to 48 hours for the paste to set completely.
Step 6 – Apply Sealer
It is a good idea to apply a sealer to complete your repairs. Obtain a suitable sealer for linoleum floors from a flooring store. Apply 2 thin coats of sealer onto the treated linoleum. Allow the first coat to dry for the specified amount of time before applying the second coat.
Step 7 – Protective Steps
It is best not to wear shoes as you walk on your linoleum floor. The abrasive action of the shoes contributes to frequent scratches and scuffs. Avoid dragging heavy items across the floor. Ask somebody to help you carry the items instead to avoid scratches on the floor.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
