How to Patch Vinyl Flooring

Knowing how to patch vinyl flooring ensures that you can repair burns and cracks without difficulty. The most difficult part of this project will be finding vinyl flooring to replace the damaged areas. If you are lucky, whoever installed the vinyl flooring will have saved the scraps. If not, you will have to source the vinyl flooring before attempting to patch the flooring. Save any scraps for future repairs.

Step 1: Clean the surface of the flooring around the area you intend to patch thoroughly with a standard floor cleaner.

Step 2: Cut a piece of replacement vinyl flooring that is 2 inches wider than the area you intend to cover.

Step 3: Line up the patch over the damaged area, making sure to match any patterns. Tape the patch firmly into place with masking tape.

Step 4: Use a utility knife with a metal straight edge to cut out a rectangle that encompasses the damaged area, cutting through both layers of vinyl. If possible, try to align the cuts to match the pattern of the flooring. This will help conceal the patch.

Step 3: Remove the new piece of vinyl flooring from the floor.

Step 4: Heat the area of damaged vinyl flooring with a blow dryer. When the vinyl adhesive has been softened, use the utility knife to pry up and remove the damaged piece of vinyl flooring.

Step 5: Scrap away any remaining adhesive with a metal edged putty knife. Again, you can use a hair dryer to further soften the adhesive.

TIP: Be sure to remove all of the adhesive and any other debris before continuing. Imperfections on the sub floor will telegraph to the surface of the patch over time.

Step 6: Use a putty knife to apply new adhesive to the floor. Press the vinyl floor patch you cut into place. Use a rolling pin to apply even pressure to remove air bubbles.

Step 7: Remove any adhesive that seeps out of the cracks with a damp sponge. Allow the patch to dry completely.