How to Fix Scratches in LVP Flooring

Are you tired of seeing scratches in your luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring? Scratches are a common issue with LVP floors, but fortunately, they can be easily fixed using simple techniques.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring combines the high-end appearance of hardwood with the durability and easy maintenance of vinyl. However, like any flooring, it can become susceptible to scratches from furniture, pet claws, or general wear and tear over time. Fixing scratches in LVP flooring is essential not only for aesthetic reasons but also to maintain its durability and prolong its life.

This guide will offer you simple, step-by-step instructions on how to fix scratches in LVP flooring, using tools and materials that are readily available and easy to work with. Whether the scratches are shallow or deep, you’ll learn how to restore your floors to their original beauty, keeping your home looking its best.

What are the Benefits of Fixing Scratches in LVP Flooring?

Before diving into the fix, let’s first understand why it’s necessary to address scratches in LVP flooring promptly.

1. Maintains Aesthetics: LVP flooring is known for its high-end appearance and can add a touch of elegance to any space. However, scratches can significantly diminish its visual appeal and make your floors look worn out and uncared for. Fixing scratches will restore your flooring’s original beauty, making your home look well-maintained and visually appealing.
2. Extends Durability: Scratches on LVP flooring can expose the underlying layers, compromising its structural integrity. If left unattended, these scratches can worsen over time, leading to more significant damage and costly repairs. By fixing scratches promptly, you can prevent further damage and maintain your flooring’s durability.
3. Saves Money: Repairing scratches in LVP flooring is more cost-effective than replacing the entire floor. With simple tools and techniques, you can fix scratches without spending money on professional services or new flooring materials.
4. Improves Safety: Deep scratches or gouges in LVP flooring can create uneven surfaces, posing a tripping hazard for you and your family. By fixing these scratches, you’ll improve the safety of your home and prevent accidents.

These are just a few benefits of fixing scratches in LVP flooring.

What are the Causes of Scratches in LVP Flooring?

Knowing the common causes of scratches in LVP flooring can help you prevent them from occurring in the first place. Some common causes include:

• Moving furniture without proper protection on the legs or using furniture with sharp edges
• Dragging heavy objects across the floor
• Pet claws and nails
• High heels or shoes with rough soles
• Sharp or heavy objects dropped on the floor

By taking preventive measures, such as using furniture pads and avoiding dragging heavy objects, you can minimize the risk of scratches on your LVP flooring.

What Will You Need?

Before starting the repair process, gather these essential tools and materials:

• Clean cloth
• Mild soap or LVP cleaner
• Microfiber cloth or sponge
• LVP touch-up kit or color-matched markers/pencils (if available)
• Fine-grit sandpaper (if applicable)
• Plastic putty knife
• Clear lacquer or polyurethane sealer (if applicable)
• Protective gloves and eyewear

Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the fix.

10 Easy Steps on How to Fix Scratches in LVP Flooring

Step 1: Clean the Scratched Area

First and foremost, ensure that the area around the scratch is clean and free from dust or debris. Use a clean cloth lightly dampened with mild soap or a specialized LVP cleaner to wipe the surface gently. This step is crucial for preparing the scratch for repair and ensuring that no additional dirt gets trapped. After cleaning, dry the area thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or sponge before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Assess the Depth of the Scratch

After the area is clean and dry, examine the scratch closer to determine its depth. Shallow scratches merely affect the surface and are easier to fix, often requiring only a touch-up marker or crayon. Deeper scratches, however, might penetrate through the wear layer of the LVP flooring and require a more comprehensive repair approach. Assessing the scratch’s depth will help you decide the best action to fix it.

Step 3: Apply the Touch-Up Marker or Crayon

For shallow scratches, a touch-up marker or crayon that matches the color of your LVP flooring is an excellent solution. Ensure the marker or crayon is the same shade as your flooring for the best results. Apply the marker or crayon over the scratch, filling it in with light, even strokes. Wait for the color to dry completely before assessing if a second application is necessary. This method will camouflage the scratch, making it far less noticeable.

Step 4: Sand the Area (If Necessary)

For scratches that are deeper and cannot be fully camouflaged with a touch-up marker or crayon, lightly sanding the area may be necessary. Use fine-grit sandpaper and gently sand the scratched area in the direction of the floor’s grain. This will help smooth the surface and prepare it for further repair. Be sure to sand lightly to avoid causing further damage to the surrounding flooring. After sanding, clean the area with a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or debris created during the sanding process. It’s crucial to proceed with caution during this step to ensure the best possible finish.

Step 5: Fill the Scratch with Floor Putty (If Deep)

If the scratch has penetrated through the wear layer and into the core of the LVP flooring, filling it with a specialized floor putty designed for vinyl flooring is the next best step. Choose a floor putty that closely matches the color of your flooring. Apply the putty to the scratch using a plastic putty knife, fill it sufficiently, and level the flooring surface. Remove any excess putty around the scratch to create a smooth, seamless appearance. Allow the putty to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before moving on to the next step. This method is particularly effective for deep scratches and can significantly improve the appearance of your LVP flooring.

Step 6: Apply a Clear Coat Sealer

Once the floor putty has dried completely, it’s time to seal the repair to protect it from future wear and tear. Apply a thin layer of clear lacquer or polyurethane sealer over the repaired area using a small brush or sponge applicator. Choose a sealer compatible with LVP flooring to ensure the best protection and finish. This step helps to seal the putty repair, making it more durable and resistant to water and staining. Allow the sealer to dry completely, following the manufacturer’s drying times, before walking on the area or replacing furniture. This final sealing step is crucial for ensuring the longevity of the repair and maintaining the floor’s appearance.

Step 7: Buff the Area

After the sealer has dried, buff the area to blend the repair with the rest of the flooring. Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth or buffing pad to buff the sealed area gently. This helps to smooth any potential over-application of the sealer and ensures that the finish matches the sheen of the surrounding flooring. Buff in a circular motion for the best results, and avoid applying too much pressure to prevent damaging the new sealer. This step is vital for creating a seamless look, making the repair less noticeable.

Step 8: Inspect and Touch-Up as Needed

Once the buffing is complete, carefully inspect the repaired area under good lighting conditions. Check if the color and finish of the repair match the rest of your LVP flooring. If you notice any discrepancies in color or texture, you may need to perform additional touch-ups. Use the touch-up marker or crayon again if necessary, applying it sparingly to achieve the best match. Allow any touch-ups to dry thoroughly, and then buff gently once more. This step ensures that your repair blends seamlessly with your existing flooring, maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

Step 9: Clean the Entire Floor

After completing the repair and ensuring everything matches perfectly, cleaning the entire floor to enhance its appearance and remove any residue that might have been left behind during the repair process is essential. Use a soft broom or a vacuum cleaner designed for hard floors to remove loose debris. Then, follow up with a damp mop, using a cleaner suitable for LVP flooring. Avoid harsh chemicals or excessive water, as these can damage the flooring. This step will help achieve a uniform look across your floor, making the repaired area blend seamlessly with the surroundings.

Step 10: Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is critical to prolonging the life and beauty of your LVP flooring, including the areas where repairs have been made. Implement a weekly cleaning routine that involves sweeping and mopping with an appropriate cleaner. Place doormats at entryways to reduce the dirt and grit brought onto the floor, which can cause scratches. Additionally, consider using furniture pads under the legs of chairs and tables to prevent further scratches. These simple maintenance steps will help keep your LVP flooring looking like new, ensuring that repairs remain inconspicuous and the entire floor continues to exude its original charm and durability.

With these ten steps, you can confidently repair scratches on your LVP flooring and keep it looking its best for years.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Using a Repair Kit: Many manufacturers offer repair kits designed explicitly for LVP flooring. These kits often include matching color compounds or markers that can fill and camouflage scratches, making them nearly invisible.
2. Warm Water and Mild Detergent: For minor scratches, cleaning the area with warm water and a mild detergent can sometimes lighten the scratch. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly afterward to prevent water damage.
3. Sandpaper for Finer Scratches: If the scratch is superficial, gently sanding the area with fine-grit sandpaper may reduce its visibility. This should be done sparingly and with caution to avoid damaging the finish of the surrounding flooring.
4. Use of a Vinyl Floor Sealer: After treating the scratch, applying a thin layer of vinyl floor sealer can protect the area and repair blend seamlessly with the rest of the floor. Ensure the sealer is compatible with your flooring type.
5. Preventive Measures: While fixing scratches is necessary, prevention is even more critical. Utilize protective pads under furniture legs, trim pets’ nails, and remove shoes before walking on the floor to minimize the risk of scratches.

These are just a few additional tips and tricks to help you maintain the appearance of your LVP flooring.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on your LVP flooring, as they can damage and discolor it.
2. Abrasive Tools: Similarly, avoid using abrasive tools such as steel wool or scrub brushes to fix scratches, as they can leave permanent marks on the surface of the flooring.
3. Too Much Pressure: When sanding or applying vinyl floor sealer, be sure to use a gentle touch. Applying too much pressure can cause more damage to the flooring.
4. Excessive Water: While using warm water and mild detergent may help with minor scratches, avoid excessive water usage as it can seep into the seams and cause swelling or warping of the planks.
5. Ignoring Deep Scratches: It may be tempting to ignore deep scratches, especially in less noticeable areas. However, ignoring them can lead to further damage and compromise the integrity of your flooring. It’s essential to address all scratches, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.

By avoiding these common mistakes and following preventive measures, you can keep your LVP flooring looking new for years. Regular maintenance and proper care are vital to preserving the beauty and longevity of your floors.

What is the Best Coating for LVP Flooring?

Various options are available for coating your LVP flooring. Some manufacturers offer pre-coated planks ready to install out of the box. These coatings often provide added protection against scratches and wear and tear.

Alternatively, you can choose to add a coat of finish or sealer yourself. When choosing a coating, be sure to select one that is compatible with your specific type of LVP flooring. Additionally, consider the level of traffic and wear and tear in the area where the flooring will be installed. For high-traffic areas, a more durable coating may be necessary to ensure the longevity of your floors.

In addition to protecting against scratches, some coatings offer benefits such as water resistance and UV protection. Be sure to research and compare different coatings to find the best option for your needs.

What is the Difference Between LVF and LVP?

While they may sound similar, some key differences exist between Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF) and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). LVF is a broad term that refers to all types of vinyl flooring that mimic the look of natural materials like wood or stone. This includes LVP and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), which mimic the look of ceramic or stone tiles.

LVP, on the other hand, refers explicitly to vinyl planks that resemble hardwood flooring. They are typically longer and wider than traditional vinyl planks, giving them a more realistic appearance. LVP also tends to be thicker and more durable than LVF options.

When deciding between LVF and LVP, consider your preferences regarding aesthetics and durability. Both options offer the benefits of easy maintenance and water resistance, making them popular choices for modern flooring solutions. So, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your space. 

Why is Your LVP Bouncy?

If your LVP flooring feels bouncy or spongy underfoot, it could be due to an uneven subfloor. Before installing LVP, it’s essential to ensure that the subfloor is level and free of any debris. Uneven areas can cause the planks to shift and create a bouncy feeling.

Another possible cause could be using low-quality or thin underlayment. Underlayment helps smooth out and level the subfloor’s surface before installing the LVP. Using a thin or low-quality underlayment can result in an unstable foundation for your flooring, leading to a bouncy feeling.

If you are experiencing bounciness in your LVP flooring, it’s best to consult a professional for advice on how to address the issue. Ignoring the problem can lead to further damage and potential safety hazards.  It’s always best to address any concerns or issues with your flooring as soon as possible for optimal performance and longevity. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, how to fix scratches in LVP flooring requires a gentle approach and attention to detail. From using a fine-grit sandpaper for superficial marks to applying a suitable vinyl floor sealer for added protection, the key is to proceed with caution to preserve the integrity and appearance of your flooring.

Remember, preventative measures such as using protective pads under furniture and maintaining a proper cleaning routine are essential in minimizing the risk of future scratches. By avoiding common pitfalls like harsh chemicals and abrasive tools and addressing both minor and major scratches promptly, you can ensure that your LVP flooring remains a beautiful and durable feature of your home for years to come.

It is equally important to consult with flooring professionals if you encounter challenges beyond simple DIY fixes, as this will help maintain the quality and longevity of your flooring investment.