How to repair and replace damaged laminate panels

Laminate panels are a great choice for flooring, furniture, and countertops due to their longevity, affordability, and various appearance. However, laminate panels may get damaged because of heavy use, tear, and water damage over the years, and finally, you will need to repair or replace them. In this article, you will learn how to repair or replace damaged laminate panels without a significant investment. 

Assessing the laminate panel’s damage

The first step to deciding whether to repair or replace the damaged laminate panels is to assess the level of laminate damage. Here are levels of damage that may happen to the laminate boards and the suitable action that can be taken to remove them:

• Minor scratches: Tiny scratches and dents can be removed with polishes and touch-up kits.
• Chips or gouge: Larger damages like chips or gouges may need refilling and resealing.
• Severe damage (warping or cracking): If laminate damages are severe, replacing panels may be required.

Tools and materials needed for repairing and replacing laminate panels

Here are list of necessary materials and tools for repairing and replacing laminate panels that you will require if you plan to do it yourself:

For repairing laminate panels:

1. Laminate repair kit (includes filler, putty knife, and sealant)
2. Touch-up markers
3. Sandpaper
4. Cleaning cloth
5. Mild cleaning product
6. Clear topcoat or sealant (optional)

For replacing laminate panels:

1. Replacement laminate panels (matching the original style and color)
2. Circular saw or laminate cutter
3. Adhesive (if applicable)
4. Spacers (for flooring panels)
5. Hammer and tapping block
6. Pry bar
7. Measuring tape

Steps for repairing damaged laminate panels

Here are the steps of repairing damaged laminate panels of different levels. You can follow the steps below to repair minor damages that can be removed with some steps.

Fixing minor scratches:

1. Clean the laminate panel: To start, you need to clean the surface of the laminate panel to remove dust and dirt using a damp cloth and a suitable cleaning product.
2. Use a touch-up marker: Choose a marker with the same color as the laminate. Apply it on the scratches until it blends the surrounding area.
3. Seal the repair (optional): To finish the scratch repair, you can apply a clear sealant or laminate polish for better protection and a shiny surface.

Filling chips or gouges:

1. Clean the laminate panel surface: It is necessary to clean the area before starting the repair process. Use a mop with a suitable laminate cleaning substance to remove dust and grease.
2. Apply laminate filler: From a laminate repair kit, find and mix the filler to find the matched laminate color. Then apply the filler using a putty knife on damaged areas to fill them. 
3. Sand and smooth: When the filler is dried, use sandpaper to sand the area for an even and smooth area.
4. Apply protection coat: For better protection, it is necessary to apply a clear coat on the newly repaired laminate panel.

Fixing peeling laminate:

If laminate panels are peeling but they are still usable and intact, you can use a small amount of contact adhesive for the underside of the laminate. Then press it down using a heavy object until the adhesive starts working.

Steps for replacing damaged laminate panels

If laminate damages are severe and they are not repairable, the solution is to replace them. In the following instructions, you will learn how to replace damaged laminate panels in flooring, furniture, and counterboards.

Replacing damaged laminate panels in flooring:

1. Find the damaged laminate panel: Identify the exact position of the damaged laminate panel in the flooring.
2. Remove damaged panel: By using a pry bar, remove the baseboard or molding around it. For floating boards, you can disconnect the surrounding panels from the damaged panel.
3. Cut new panel: Measure the damaged laminate panel dimension and cut a new laminate board with the exact dimensions. Make sure the new panel is fully aligned with the other panels in the laminate flooring.
4. Install new panel: Place the replacement panel and lock it with the existing panels. You can use a tool like a hammer to tap on the panel without damaging the edges to secure it.
5. Reinstall baseboard: After replacing the new panel, reinstall the baseboard or molding to complete the process.

Replacing laminate panels on furniture or countertops:

1. Remove damaged laminate: To start replacing the damaged laminate on your furniture or countertop, you need to first remove the damaged panel. Heat the damaged board using a hair dryer to soften it. Then you can use a tiny tool like a putty knife to lift and peel the damaged section away. 
2. Clean the surface: After removing the damaged laminate board, clean the surface to remove any remaining adhesive using a damp mop.
3. Cut new laminate board: measure the exact dimension of the damaged panel to use it for cutting the new board. Cut the new panel using a laminate cutter for a precise result.
4. Apply adhesive: Apply contact adhesive on both the laminate panel and the underlying section.
5. Install new laminate: carefully align the laminate panel with the edges of the surface, then press it down carefully. Use a roller or a flat tool to remove any remaining bubbles.
6. Clean the new surface from extra adhesive: remove any extra adhesive or any other substances from the laminate surface using a sharp tool.
7. Seal the edges: For more protection, you can apply a clear sealant on the laminate board surface.

Tips for successful laminate repairs and replacements

Here are some tips that help you have a successful laminate repair or replacement:

1. Match colors and patterns: try to find the most matched laminate repair tool kit that best matches the existing laminate panels.
2. Work slowly: To see a perfect result at the end, you need to work slowly and precisely. Patience is the key to success. 
3. Use protective equipment: wear protective gloves and glasses, especially when working with tools and materials like adhesive or hammer.
4. Test products first: before using products like filler or touch-up kits, test them on a hidden place to ensure they best match your current laminate boards.
5. Maintain your laminate: The key to the long-term laminate panel is the right laminate maintenance and cleaning. Try to clean your laminate surface (flooring or furniture) with suitable products and avoid water exposure.

When to call a flooring professional for laminate repair or replacement

Although laminate repair or replacement can most of the time be done by yourself without the need for professionals, some situations need assistance from experts in laminate repair and replacement. Here are some possible conditions:

1. Large-scale laminate damages like severe warping.
2. Complex laminate installation like complicated laminate pattern matching or custom countertops.
3. Difficulty in finding matching replacement laminate panels.

In the situation above, it is necessary to contact a professional laminate installer to do a perfect job without spending much time and money on it. MA Flooring, a flooring service in Melbourne, offers the best laminate panels with a wide range of patterns and colors for a most matched replacement. In addition, you can have a professional laminate repair or replacement with the help of our experts.