Over time, any coating loses its shine and attractiveness. Laminate is no exception. Even with careful handling, microscopic scratches and more serious defects appear on the surface. Don’t rush into serious repairs; laminate polish will correct the situation.
When choosing a flooring option, more and more people are choosing laminate. This material has an affordable price, looks attractive, and has numerous positive reviews.
But in order for the coating to last a long time, you need to properly care for it, trying to prevent damage. In addition, to improve the appearance of the laminate and protect it, it is recommended to periodically use a polish.
Types of floor polishing compounds
Manufacturers produce polishes in different formats. These include special liquids, waxes and mastics, which differ in composition. For example, products for wooden floors are not suitable for laminate flooring and vice versa. The fact is that wax, penetrating into the wood fibers, protects it, and when applied to the surface of the laminate, it destroys the protective coating.
Wood floor polishes
Mastic
Used for polishing wooden floors. It is available in the form of a ready-made product (usually in tin tubes) or a liquid that must be diluted with water in the required proportion. More expensive products contain wax. Budget analogues are special polymers. Mastics are used immediately after laying the floor covering and periodically (2-3 times a year) to protect the wood from mechanical damage, exposure to water and ultraviolet radiation.
Also, depending on the type, mastics are divided into:
- Hot Compositions are mainly used for block parquet. The base is bitumen or rubber. The mixture must be heated to 160 degrees before use. Not suitable for home use. They are highly flammable and harden quickly after heating, so experience is required to work with such compositions.
- Cold Suitable for use at home, does not require heating. The effect is achieved due to the content of solvents or alcohol, which evaporate and leave a protective film on the surface. The main disadvantage is its heavy, thick texture and long drying time - up to 3 days.
Important: cold mastics can be diluted, but when choosing a solvent, you should carefully study the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Colored and transparent Perform only protective functions. It is not possible to tint or return the original color to the floor. If the surface has severe abrasions, scratches, or the wood is faded (often happens in rooms located on the sunny side), tint compounds are used. After application, the color of the wood is evened out, and damaged areas are not so noticeable.
- Wax-based They have excellent protective properties and emphasize texture. Increases resistance to mechanical damage and protects against exposure to detergents during cleaning. Depending on the components included in the composition, after application the surface becomes glossy, semi-glossy or matte. The only but significant drawback is a specific and rather pungent odor that will linger in the room for several days. The composition is applied to the floor using a brush. After 7-9 hours, remove any remaining product using a clean cloth. Leave until completely dry for a few more hours. If necessary, apply a second layer.
- Water-based universal compositions that, in addition to protective, cleansing properties, thanks to the components included in the composition. They enjoy well-deserved popularity due to their affordable cost. Apply to the floor using a roller or brush and dry very quickly. Therefore, water-based mastics are an excellent solution for city apartments.
- Water-soluble They are used mainly for wood that is not afraid of moisture, such as oak. The composition is diluted with water in the proportion recommended by the manufacturer. If you plan to use mastic for other types of wood, you can add a little less water. But the composition in this case will be thicker. Water-soluble mastics cannot be used for polishing birch or beech floors, as they are very water-resistant.
Wax and wax polishes
Depending on consistency they are divided into:
- liquid – the easiest to use, it’s easy to treat even hard-to-reach places;
- pasty - more dense, applied with a spatula or a hard brush;
- hard - help to mask defects, scratches and select a shade, including for light wood species.
Wax polishes containing oils are also produced. They penetrate deeply into the wood structure and have good protective properties. Important: before application, it is necessary to thoroughly remove contaminants. If you use oil first, the product consumption will be reduced.
Compositions for laminate
To polish laminate flooring you need special products. Therefore, when purchasing, be sure to look at the composition and purpose - for what kind of coating the product is intended. High-quality polishes contain silicone, which forms a protective film on the surface. With regular treatment - 2.3 times a year, the polish can increase the life of the floor covering. It will give the coating a beautiful glossy shine and disguise scratches.
Do not use wax-based polishes or mastics to polish laminate flooring. Firstly, wax will destroy the protective paint coating, since laminate is not natural wood. Secondly, it will leave stains that will be almost impossible to remove.
Laminate flooring care products are available in the form of sprays and mastics. The application technology is very simple:
- polish is applied to the clean floor;
- evenly distributed on the surface;
Afterwards, the composition is ground using a clean rag.
Complex work
In cases where it is necessary to get rid of even more complex defects, it is necessary to use a different operating principle. It requires felt, sandpaper, microfiber and toothpaste.
Work begins with dismantling the glass surface of the watch. This surface is first sanded with sandpaper and GOI paste. All movements are always smooth and uniform.
The point of the entire work cycle is to use GOI pastes of various consistencies. The composition of the pastes is largely determined by the depth of the damage. Tooth powder gives the watch its characteristic shine.
It is difficult for a person without experience to independently determine the type of glass, and then select a composition for cleaning the surface.
To ensure that the appearance of the watch always pleases its owner, it needs to be polished periodically. This will not only improve external qualities, but will also extend the life of the working mechanisms.
Polishes for linoleum
The traditional method that has always been used, applying mastic to the surface, gave good results. But over time, the coating cracked. In addition, when using mastic, it is important not to overdo it. Otherwise, you can get a perfectly smooth and shiny, but very slippery coating.
Modern polishes for updating and caring for linoleum floor coverings contain polymer additives that return linoleum to its original appearance, but at the same time maintain the elasticity of the material. Before applying the product, the floor must be washed with water with the addition of any detergent and allowed to dry. Then spray the mixture and rub in with a dry cloth. It will take at least 10 hours to dry completely. If necessary, repeat the procedure.
How to remove scratches on laminate flooring
Scratches on laminate flooring are not only an appearance problem, but also a quick deterioration of the floor covering. Wood is not as durable as tile or stone. Defects may appear due to falling objects, friction or pinpoint impacts. If they are not repaired in time, the damaged coating wears out and begins to rot. During operation, during use, any material wears out, and laminate is no exception, despite the wear-resistant coating. When scratches occur, they can be eliminated, because in addition to their unpresentable appearance, the resulting damage serves as the basis for further destruction of the floor covering. Some people, when scratches appear, begin to disassemble the floor and rearrange individual slats. But this method is very labor-intensive. In addition, it will be very difficult to find material of the same color. Because even the same laminate from different batches can have a different shade.
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Polishing porcelain stoneware or natural stone floors
Expensive procedure. You will not be able to restore the original appearance of a heavily damaged stone floor on your own. The maximum that can be done at home is to add gloss and slightly update the appearance. Specialists use special grinding equipment and polishing machines. To avoid unnecessary expenses, it is necessary to properly care for natural stone coatings and use special protective agents.
Instead of a resume
Laminate flooring is popular among homeowners due to its low cost and durability. But the appearance can deteriorate for banal everyday reasons. Moving furniture, walking in shoes, falling heavy objects - all this contributes to the appearance of scratches, chips and cracks on the laminate, which should be promptly corrected. There are both folk recipes and professional remedies for this. The success of the procedure depends on the nature of the damage and the choice of material to correct the defect. Use our tips and you will be able to keep your coating in its original condition.
What to look for when choosing
When purchasing, you should carefully study the packaging and manufacturer’s recommendations. When choosing a product for a parquet or wooden floor, pay attention to the application method, consumption per m2 and base. For example, if the composition contains turpentine, then such products are not suitable for bitumen-based flooring.
This review of the best floor polishes in 2022 is based on customer reviews. When compiling, we took into account such indicators as: cost, efficiency, economy, ease of use.
Flooding
If a large amount of water gets on the floor, you should immediately do the following:
- wipe off the water;
- disassemble the laminate, signing each board (row, serial number)
- wipe the removed boards with a dry cloth;
- tie the boards tightly together;
- leave to dry for two weeks;
- reassemble, replacing severely warped boards with new ones.
Thus, restoration of laminate flooring is not as complicated a process as it might seem at first glance.
Best Wood Polishes in 2022
Oil-wax V33
Composition V33 from the 3V3 brand contains natural beeswax. Protects wood from moisture, forms a thin film resistant to detergents. Suitable for application to untreated wood that has been pre-treated with an antiseptic.
The product does not need to be diluted. The oil is applied in 2 layers with an interval of 12 hours. After the first treatment, remove excess with a cloth (make sure that no lint remains on the surface). One package is enough for 11 m2 (2 layers). Can be used to treat any wooden surfaces. Available colors: white, black, light and stained oak.
Consumption: 0.35 ml/m2; Volume – 0.75 l; Price – about 1000 rubles; Country of origin: France.
Oil-wax V33
Advantages:
- price;
- no need to dilute;
- There are several colors to choose from;
- there are no restrictions on use.
Flaws:
- No.
Ceradura Hardwax-oil glossy wax
For parquet. It contains a combination of oils and hard waxes that reliably protect parquet from mechanical stress and moisture. But at the same time they retain the natural breathability of the natural material. The composition is colorless, after drying it gives the wood a beautiful warm shade. Eco-friendly, safe and does not require dilution.
Apply to the prepared surface in 1-2 layers with an interval of 6 – 8 hours. You can walk on the floor after 12 hours.
Important: the floor covering can be fully used only after 2 days. The maximum effect occurs 10-12 days after application. Do not cover treated surfaces with film or cardboard.
Consumption 50 g/m2; Volume – 1.3, 5 l; Price – about 1300 (per 1 l); Country of origin: Italy.
Ceradura Hardwax-oil glossy wax
Advantages:
- environmental friendliness;
- safety;
- adds shine;
- has no pungent odor;
- easy to use;
- dries quickly.
Flaws:
- price;
- Does not mask scratches.
BRILL Adesiv
Suitable for wood and varnished parquet. The composition contains water and the active component polyurethane. Designed for use at home. Easy to apply, the main thing is to ensure that the layer is uniform and without drips. To give the surface additional shine, it is recommended to rub the composition with a dry, lint-free cloth. BRILL Adesiv polish perfectly masks minor scratches and evens out the color of the coating.
Volume – 1 l; Consumption – 60ml/m2; Price – 1200 rubles; Country of origin: Italy.
BRILL Adesiv
Advantages:
- dries quickly;
- hides flaws;
- It is enough to apply in 1 layer;
- adds shine.
Flaws:
- cannot be used on cork floors or in rooms with high humidity;
- freezes, loses its properties after defrosting;
- high consumption.
Replacing a damaged board
Sometimes the damage to the flooring can be so severe that the laminate will need to be replaced. Fortunately, not all of it, but only that lamella on which there is a particularly large chip. To do this, you will need to purchase a strip of exactly the same color, as well as sealant and special vacuum suction cups. To cut laminate boards you will need a grinder.
This board will have to be replaced
On a note! The closer to the wall the damaged lamella is located, the easier it is to replace it - this can be done only by partially disassembling the floor.
Laminate flooring is usually assembled without the use of glue, but there are exceptions. In this case, it will be difficult to remove the damaged lamella.
Table. How to replace damaged laminate flooring.
| Steps, photo | Description of actions |
| Step 1 | Purchase laminate of a suitable color. Packaging with open ends is located inside the room where the replacement will be made for 7 days. This is necessary so that the material adapts to its future environment. |
| Step 2 | Using a pencil, the damaged lamella is drawn as shown in the figure. |
| Step 3 | Using a grinder, the lamella is cut into pieces according to the diagram. |
| Step 4 | In corner diagonal marks, the lamella is not completely sawn - about 4-5 mm remains to the edge. |
| Step 5 | Using a chisel and hammer, uncut areas of the lamella are finished. |
| Step 6 | Pieces of the lamella are removed. It is important to act carefully so as not to damage the locks of adjacent slats. |
| Step 7 | The surface of the subfloor is cleared of debris. |
| Step 8 | The lock on the new lamella is removed from one side (the one on the bottom). |
| Step 9 | Both side locks are also removed. |
| Step 10 | The lamella with a device holding it with vacuum suction cups is tried on the prepared place and then removed. |
| Step 11 | An adhesive composition is applied around the perimeter of the recess. |
| Step 12 | The lamella is installed in place and pressed with a weight. The drying time of the glue is about 30 minutes. At this time, you cannot walk on the slats. |
| Step 13 | Remaining glue is removed with a spatula. Then the lamella is pressed down again with a weight and dried for about 12 hours. |
Replacing laminate boards
Video - Replacing a laminate panel
Best Laminate Floor Polishes in 2022
Mastic BAGI
A universal product suitable for wood, parquet and laminate. Thanks to the natural wax and polymers in the composition, it gives the coating a glossy shine and does not require additional polishing. Eliminates dust stains after repairs, fills minor scratches and damage. Applied in 2 layers, it evens out the surface. Easy to apply. Unlike analogues, it has a pleasant smell.
Packaging: plastic container with a screw-on lid. There is a scale on the side that shows how much product is left.
The mastic is applied with a roller to a clean surface. The old coating must be removed from waxed wood or parquet floors. Do not walk on the floor until the mastic has dried.
Volume – 500 ml; Cost – 500 rubles; Country of origin: Israel.
Mastic BAGI
Advantages:
- versatility;
- economical consumption;
- levels the surface;
- certified;
- economical consumption;
- shelf life – 60 months.
Flaws:
- No.
Ludwik Emulsion for laminate
Gives the coating shine and does not require additional polishing. Increases service life and imparts water-repellent properties. After application, the surface remains smooth, and thanks to special components, it has anti-slip properties.
Apply with a sponge in the direction of installation. Dries in 30 minutes. To achieve maximum effect, it is recommended to apply the emulsion in several layers.
Volume – 500 ml; Price – 350 rubles; Country of origin: Poland.
Ludwik Emulsion for laminate
Advantages:
- acceptable price;
- dries quickly;
- does not require polishing.
Flaws:
- for dense coverage you will need 3-4 layers;
- high consumption.
Astonish
The polish is designed to protect laminated floor coverings, as well as linoleum and ceramic tiles. Gives a glossy shine. After drying, it leaves a water-repellent non-slip film on the surface. Permanently extends the service life and maintains the attractive appearance of the floor covering. The smell is specific - a chemical version of the aroma of orange and cinnamon.
User reviews are generally good, but the main drawback is the need to remove the protective coating after 4 applications. The instructions indicate that polish can be removed from the surface only with ammonia.
Volume – 750 ml; Price – from 500 rubles; Country of origin: Great Britain.
Astonish for laminate
Advantages:
- renews coverage;
- extends service life;
- can be used in rooms with high humidity.
Flaws:
- it is necessary to periodically remove the product from the surface.
METHODS SUITABLE FOR MINOR DAMAGE
VEGETABLE OIL
This is one of the simplest methods that will allow you to easily and without additional expense hide all small scratches. Just wash the floor in the right place, dry it with a dry cloth, and then rub a little vegetable oil applied to a sponge or cotton pad into the scratches that have been cleared of debris and dirt. Olive oil is most often used for these purposes. The effect of this treatment will become apparent within 20 minutes.
Advice! You can try rubbing small scratches with a walnut kernel. It is buttery and has a nice hint of color.
POLISH
If you don't want to use regular oil, buy a special laminate polish. It is sold in the hardware departments of stores and comes in the form of a liquid or aerosol, sometimes a mastic. Liquid options are diluted in water and used for cleaning floors. They not only remove existing minor defects, but also create a protective layer that prevents the appearance of new ones.
More dense compounds need to be rubbed into the laminate; they are quite thick. But the effect from them will last for at least a year, and the effect is noticeable instantly and very obvious. They need to be rubbed into the surface in a circular motion, after which, after waiting a while, rub the floors with a dry cloth.
Attention! For laminate use only special polishes. Other compounds may leave a mark on the coating that cannot be washed off.
WD-40
For minor scratches, you can also use WD-40 lubricant - every motorist definitely has it. You need to apply it like a polish: spray it on the desired area of the floor, wait a while, and then rub it in. The composition helps to easily cope with very minor defects.
FURNITURE MARKER
You can disguise scratches using a special furniture marker. You can match it to the desired tone and simply paint over the scratches. It does not fill cavities, so it is used only for minor damage. You can buy such a marker in a special store.
Best Polishes for Stone Floors for 2022
Mellerud
The polish is suitable for caring for floor coverings made of natural, artificial stone and marble. Removes scratches, adds shine and color, and highlights the pattern of natural materials. Apply to a dry, clean surface and polish with a clean rag. If necessary, for example, if there is severe contamination, apply a second layer.
Volume – 0.5 l; Price – 400 rubles; Country of origin: Germany.
Mellerud for stone
Advantages:
- ease of use;
- safe for natural stone;
- certified.
Flaws:
- No.
