Knowing how to repair vinyl sheet flooring is an inexpensive way to improve the look of your floor. Repair vinyl sheet flooring when it suffers damage in high-activity kitchens and baths, and other areas. You don't need to replace the whole floor — just patch the damaged section.
Gather your tools: Patch cut from scrap of vinyl flooring, masking tape, utility knife, putty knife, pencil, floor adhesive, T-square, mineral spirits, rags, rolling pin.
Be sure that the patch is larger than the damaged area.
Tape your patch over the damaged area, matching the pattern exactly.
The tape ensures that the scrap won’t slip.
Use the T-square to draw a square on the patch; make this square slightly larger than the damaged area.
If possible, use the pattern on the vinyl to minimize the visibility of cut edges.
Cut through both layers of vinyl at once, the scrap and the flooring.
Use the straight edge of the T-square as a cutting guide.
Remove the patch and damaged vinyl.
Use the putty knife to get under the old vinyl flooring.
Use mineral spirits to soften the old adhesive on the floor.
Mineral spirits work great to dissolve the adhesive.
Scrape away the old adhesive.
Use your putty knife or a scraper to scrape away the gooey adhesive.
Double-check the pattern and the fit, trimming as needed.
Before you apply adhesive, double check the pattern and position of the patch. Trim with a knife and sandpaper to adjust the fit.
Trowel on some adhesive to the new patch.
Coat the underside of the patch with adhesive.
Put the patch in place.
Be sure to get the tile positioned just right.
Wipe up excess adhesive off the seams.
A rag dampened with mineral spirits will clean up any adhesive around the edges of the tile.
Roll the patch with the rolling pin.
Press hard as you roll the pin to get rid of any trapped air pockets, which can cause the patch to lift up.
Clean up excess adhesive.
Dirt, pet hair, and more will stick to any bit of residual adhesive, so clean thoroughly.
