Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for many homes and businesses due to its durability, water resistance, and affordable price point. However, vinyl can be susceptible to scratches and scuffs over time with regular use and traffic. When vinyl flooring gets scratched or scuffed, it can detract from the look of the floor and make a space appear worn. Knowing what to do when vinyl flooring gets scratched is important for maintaining its appearance and lifespan.
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What causes scratches on vinyl floors?
There are a few common causes of scratches and scuffs on vinyl flooring:
- Dragging furniture or other heavy objects across the floor
- Not using floor protectors under chair and table legs
- High traffic areas getting scratched from shoes
- Pet nails scratching the floor
- Dropping sharp or heavy objects on the floor
Vinyl flooring is designed to be durable, but it has a clear wear layer on top that can get damaged from scratches over time. Areas like entryways, kitchens, and hallways tend to get the most scratches since they see the most foot traffic. Being aware of what’s causing scratches and taking precautions can help prevent extensive damage.
How deep do the scratches have to be to damage vinyl floors?
The depth of a scratch determines how much it will affect the look and integrity of vinyl flooring:
- Surface scratches: These light scratches only affect the clear top layer of vinyl and don’t penetrate through the decorative layer. They tend to show up as hairline scratches or scuffs that can be buffed out.
- Deep scratches: Scratches that cut through the clear top layer and into the decorative vinyl layer will be more visible and harder to repair. The depth of the scratch will determine if the damaged area can be repaired or needs replacement.
- Gouges: Deep gashes and punctures that go all the way through the vinyl layers cause the most damage. They may require cutting out and replacing that section of vinyl flooring.
As a general rule, scratches that catch your fingernail likely go through the wear layer into the vinyl and will require fixes beyond just buffing.
What to Do About Scratched Vinyl Floors
If you notice scratches on your vinyl floors, there are a few do-it-yourself repair options depending on the severity.
For surface scratches:
- Vinyl floor cleaner and microfiber mop: Regular mopping with vinyl floor cleaner can help get surface dust and dirt out of fine scratches to diminish their appearance. Be sure to use a microfiber mop and not a string mop which could snag on scratches.
- Vinyl floor polish: Applying a vinyl floor polish per the manufacturer’s instructions can help hide surface scratches by adding a protective coating. Be sure to use polish made specifically for vinyl.
- Scratch repair pen: There are colored wax sticks made specifically for filling in surface vinyl scratches during touch ups in between more extensive repairs. Match the color to your vinyl flooring.
For deeper scratches:
- Vinyl scratch repair kit: These contain fillers you can apply to deeper scratches, then buff smooth once dry. They provide a more extensive fix than floor polish alone.
- Replacing planks: If the scratch damages a whole plank beyond repair, you may be able to replace just that plank if you have leftover flooring or can find matching planks.
- Professional resurfacing: For extensive scratching, a professional can sand down and resurface the damaged section of vinyl to renew the protective wear layer.
To help prevent future scratches:
- Felt pad floor protectors: Apply felt pads to the bottom of all furniture legs to prevent scratches when moving.
- Area rugs: Place area rugs in high traffic zones to prevent shoe scuffs and scratches.
- Trim pet nails: Keep pets nails trimmed to minimize scratches if they run across the floor.
- Lift heavy furniture: Refrain from dragging and always lift furniture when moving to avoid large scratches.
Taking protective measures can minimize surface scratches that occur with normal wear and tear over time. But accidents can still happen, so being prepared with repair strategies helps maintain vinyl floors.
Factors That Determine Severity of Scratch Damage
There are a few factors that influence how much scratches will show or detract on vinyl floors:
Vinyl wear layer thickness
| Vinyl Thickness | Scratch Susceptibility |
| 6 mil | More prone to show scratches |
| 12-20 mil | Hides minor scratches better |
Thicker vinyl wear layers provide more of a protective buffer before scratches penetrate the decorative layer. 12-20 mil vinyl stands up to surface abrasions the best.
Vinyl texture
| Vinyl Texture | Hides Scratches? |
| Smooth glossy | Scratches appear more visible |
| Matte or textured surface | Disguises scratches better |
The more texture a vinyl floor has, the less visible surface scratches become. Matte or textured vinyls hide abrasions well compared to smooth gloss.
Vinyl color
| Vinyl Color | Scratch Visibility |
| Dark colors | Hide scratches more |
| Light colors | Scratches stand out |
Darker vinyl colors like grays, browns, and blues conceal scratches better than light tan or white vinyls. Lighter vinyl shows more visible marks.
Vinyl floor location
| Vinyl Floor Location | Likelihood of Scratches |
| Low-traffic area | Lower risk of scratches |
| High-traffic area | Higher risk of scratches |
Entryways, kitchens, hallways, and main passage areas tend to get scratched the most easily due to constant foot traffic and activity. Choose more scratch-resistant vinyl for high-traffic zones.
Conclusion
Vinyl flooring will get scratched eventually with regular use. But the severity can vary based on the depth of abrasion, vinyl wear layer, texture, color, and location. Knowing remedies for repairing scratches as they occur helps preserve vinyl floors in the long run. With proper care and maintenance, vinyl can maintain its durability and appearance despite surface scratches over its lifespan. Implementing protective measures can also help minimize daily scratching and scuffing.