7 Best Ways To Fix Peeling Laminate Floor (Must-Try!)

Laminate flooring is one of the most durable and long-lasting types of flooring available on the market today. When installed, it gives the illusion of wood flooring. Laminate flooring is cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally friendly.

While it is durable, it does have some weaknesses. It can still be scratched, damaged, chipped, or peeled by moisture despite looking like wood. Do not worry if your flooring starts peeling.

You can repair laminate floors without calling in a professional, and it is an easy task.

To find out which method is best for you to fix your peeling laminate floor, continue reading this article. These DIY fixes are simple to follow. Additionally, this article will give you a few tips on maintaining laminate flooring and preventing damage.

First, you need to understand why your laminate floor is peeling?

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Why is Your Laminate Floor Peeling?

Moisture is the most common cause of peeling laminate floors. Water damages laminate flooring by accumulating layers on the surface, causing the wood materials to peel away.

When the floor absorbs enough water, it seeps into the joints that hold the boards together. It causes them to wrap, stretch, and weaken the glue at the joints, causing the boards to separate.

The humidity in the air may also cause your laminate floors to peel. Avoid spilling water on your laminate floor, and if you do, don’t let it sit for too long; wipe it up immediately. Water can also cause them to bubble and swell.

How to Fix Peeling Laminate Flooring?

Using Glue or Epoxy Gum

When your laminate is at its initial peeling stage, glue is the most effective method of fixing it. However, the glue may not be the most effective solution for extensive peeling.

Corners are the first to peel, so if you notice peeling, apply adhesive (superglue or epoxy gum) where necessary.

Be careful not to overuse adhesive. Apply the glue beneath the peel using a toothpick or matchbox dipped in the adhesives. By doing this, you will get enough bonds under the peel for it to be more effective.

Sanding and Painting

If the peeling is too far gone, the glue may not be effective. In such a case, you will need to remove the peeling laminate. Use sandpaper to sand off that floor area, and you can proceed to paint or replace the board.

Using Laminate Repair Kit

Using a DIY laminate repair kit is best to fix a chipped laminate floor. You can get a laminate repair kit at any home improvement store with a sample of your laminate flooring or can buy one online.

Consider a kit that has a wide range of color options and a color chart to match your flooring color as closely as possible.

Locate the closest color on the color chart, and mix the colors accordingly. With the applier, apply a generous amount of the color you have mixed. Gently wipe away any excess color. To speed up the drying process, use a hairdryer on low settings and add several layers until you’ve reached the perfect finish.

Note: You should have a damp paper towel or cloth around if you need to clean things.

Using Wood Putty

It is recommended to use wood putty when you have a quarter-inch or larger hole on your laminate floor to fill. There are a variety of colors and amounts available. If you cannot find a wood putty match for your floor, you can spice up the decor of your home by mixing two colors.

With wood putty, you can easily fill gaps and coat laminate floors. In addition to your wood putty purchase, you will also need a cleaning solvent.

Remove all the wood splinters from the hole using a knife before filling. After cleaning up the chipping or peeling area with a cleaning solvent, use a putty knife to apply the wood putty there.

Apply a shallow layer of wood putty and gently press it before it dries completely. Afterward, use a putty knife to wipe off the excess putty completely.

Using Hard Wax for Filling

using hard wax to Fix Peeling Laminate Floor

It is more convenient to use wax than wood putty. Since wax fillers are ready to use once set, they’re a very quick option. Because there’s no drying, setting, or curing time to worry about. As a bonus, waxing laminate flooring is more permanent than wood putty, but otherwise, they are pretty much the same.

To fill a hole with wax, clean the damaged area, then apply the wax using your soldering iron. Make sure you use the closest color of wax that matches your flooring. Once the wax has cooled, remove it with a spatula and level the surface.

Pro Tip: Painting the same structure of your flooring on the surface with wax is the best way to get the perfect finish.

Replacing the Boards

In some cases, all these remedies may not be enough if the chipping or peeling is too much or recurs at the same spot; you may need to replace the board. Installing a laminate flooring section is straightforward because there are no nails or glues.

Whether you have laminate floors in your home or plan to install them, always keep an extra box of flooring if you need to replace a section.

Start by removing the baseboards and one plank at a time until you reach the damaged area. Replace the peeling plank with a brand-new one and replace the undamaged planks with new ones.

If the peeling plank is in the middle of the room, replacing the plank will be more difficult. Try to repair the area rather than replace it to avoid damaging more floor areas.

However, if you have to replace it, consult with an expert and find out the right way to do it. Unlocking planks from the floor takes some effort, but it is not difficult. Ensure the planks are placed correctly during the replacement process and reinstalling molding.

Changing a Board in the Middle of the Flooring

Tips to Maintain Your Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a low-maintenance flooring option. Keeping it clean with no scratches may seem challenging, but it is not. Here are a few ways you can keep your flooring in pristine condition:

Clean spills immediately: When a spill stays on the floor for some time, some moisture seeps between the planks causing warping, peeling, and other defects.

Avoid scratching and dirt: Dragging furniture on laminate flooring can lead to scratching, which damages the floor. Protect your floors by putting felt adhesive furniture pads on furniture bottoms. This way, you can drag the furniture comfortably.
Please Make the necessary repairs: Always have a repair kit around to deal with damages as soon as they occur. It helps prevent the damage from becoming worse. Always look around the floor to ensure no defects, such as everyday scrapes and scratches.
Avoid abrasive tools: Heavy tools can easily damage the laminate flooring coat and easily damage or displace the boards. It would be best if you also avoided acidic cleaners.

Read More on Laminate Floors

7 Best Ways to Fix Peeling Laminate Floor (Must-Try!)

Why is Your Laminate Floor Peeling?