How to Remove Scratches From Vinyl Flooring

Written By
Kathy Adams
Kathy Adams
Published: Apr 30, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

On sheet vinyl in particular, popping out bad tile and replacing it with a fresh one isn't an option. Rather than letting minor scratches become darker or more obvious. repair them with a clear liquid seam sealer.

Things You Will Need

  • Rubber gloves
  • Lacquer thinner
  • Soft rag
  • Painter's tape
  • Liquid seam sealer
  1. Open all the windows in the room and turn on a ceiling fan, if there is one, to ventilate the area.

  2. Dab some lacquer thinner onto a soft rag while wearing rubber gloves. Wipe down the damaged area thoroughly with the lacquer thinner to clean it and remove residue that may prevent the seam sealer from adhering properly. Allow the area to dry completely.

  3. Place strips of masking tape closely around the scratch to avoid getting seam sealer beyond where it is needed.

  4. Pour some of the liquid seam sealer into the applicator bottle packaged with it, if it is not already in such a bottle. Squirt a small bead of seam sealer over the scratch and allow it to dry completely.

  5. Remove the masking tape.

The Drip Cap

  • Vinyl flooring, while fairly easy to maintain and clean, is prone to scratches.
  • Place strips of masking tape closely around the scratch to avoid getting seam sealer beyond where it is needed.
Kathy Adams

Kathy Adams is an award-winning journalist and freelance writer who traveled the world handling numerous duties for music artists. She writes travel and budgeting tips and destination guides for USA Today, Travelocity and ForRent, among…

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