How to Fix Scratches or Gouges in Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring has a bit of a reputation: it’s durable, stylish, and so easy to clean that even messy pets and clumsy humans usually can’t ruin it. But let’s be real — no floor is completely indestructible. Sharp heels, heavy furniture, pet claws, or that one chair everyone drags instead of lifting can eventually leave their mark. The result? Scratches, scuffs, or even the occasional gouge that makes you wince every time the light hits it just right.

The good news? You don’t need to rip out planks or panic over every tiny mark. With a few simple tricks and some basic supplies, you can repair scratches and gouges in vinyl plank flooring and get it looking smooth and polished again. Think of this guide as your quick fix toolkit — practical, affordable, and surprisingly easy to follow.

Types of Surface Damage in Vinyl Flooring

Not all damage is equal, and the method you choose to fix your vinyl floor depends on how deep the mark goes. Here are the most common types of surface damage:

• Light surface scratches: Thin, shallow marks that only affect the surface layer and don’t penetrate the vinyl wear layer.
• Deep scratches or scuffs: More visible marks that may feel rough to the touch or expose the underlying layer.
• Gouges or dents: Deeper damage caused by heavy items or sharp impacts — these often require filling or replacement.

Before choosing a repair method, inspect the area closely under good lighting to understand the depth and severity of the damage.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you go charging into battle with those scratches, make sure your toolkit is ready. The right gear will make the difference between a repair that looks “meh” and one that has your guests wondering if you secretly hired a pro. Depending on whether you’re fixing a baby scratch or a full-on gouge, here’s what you might need:

• Vinyl floor repair kit: Usually includes colour-matched filler, a putty knife, and little texture tools — basically, a first-aid kit for your floors.
• Microfibre cloths: For cleaning up like a pro (and for wiping your brow after the victory dance).
• Rubbing alcohol or vinyl floor cleaner: To prep the surface so your repair actually sticks and doesn’t just sit there looking sad.
• Scratch concealer or colour repair pens: The quick makeup fix for your floor — like concealer, but for wood grain instead of under-eye circles.
• Heat gun or hair dryer (optional): For blending minor marks and feeling like a flooring wizard while you work.
• Utility knife: In case things get serious and you need to replace an entire plank.
• Adhesive for vinyl planks: If you’re swapping out damaged planks in a glue-down installation.

Pro tip: repair kits are your best friend because they usually come with colour-matching fillers, making the repair nearly invisible — like floor magic, but cheaper.

How to Fix Light Surface Scratches

Good news: light scratches are like paper cuts for your floor — annoying, but not a big deal. They don’t usually dig deep, so you can erase them in just a few minutes. Here’s the foolproof, DIY-friendly routine:

1. Clean the area: Grab a cloth and some rubbing alcohol or vinyl-safe cleaner. Give the scratch a wipe so you’re not sealing in crumbs, dust, or yesterday’s pizza grease.
2. Colour it in: Use a scratch concealer or colour repair pen that matches your floor. Follow the plank’s grain like you’re tracing inside the lines of a colouring book. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to work its magic.
3. Buff it out: Take a soft cloth and gently buff the spot in little circles. This blends the repair and makes the scratch practically vanish. Bonus points if you hum the “wax on, wax off” mantra while you do it.

That’s it! In less time than it takes to make a cup of coffee, your floor goes from “ouch” to “ahh.” Light scratches, be gone!

How to Repair Deep Scratches or Scuffs

Deep scratches are like battle scars for your vinyl floor — they look dramatic, they feel rough, and worst of all, they collect dirt faster than kids collect sweets. Luckily, you don’t need to panic or rip up the whole plank. Here’s how to give your floor a mini makeover:

1. Give it a good clean: Grab some rubbing alcohol or vinyl floor cleaner and a soft cloth. Wipe the scratch so you’re working on a clean “canvas,” not one covered in dust bunnies.
2. Fill it in: Break out the repair kit. Squeeze a little vinyl filler into the scratch — pick the closest colour, or play scientist and mix shades until it blends just right.
3. Smooth it out: Take your putty knife and spread the filler gently, like you’re icing a cake. Follow the grain of the plank so it looks natural.
4. Let it chill: Patience time! Let the filler cure for a few hours (check the instructions on your kit). Think of it as your floor taking a nap.
5. Add the finishing touch: If your kit has a texture pad or sealant, use it to blend everything in. This is the magic step that makes the repair vanish into the rest of the floor.

Do it right, and that ugly scratch disappears like it was never there. Your floor goes back to looking classy — no one will know it once lost a fight with your furniture legs.

How to Fill a Gouge or Dent in LVP

Gouges and dents are the heavyweight champs of floor damage — they go beyond little scratches and leave your vinyl looking like it lost a bar fight with a chair leg. But don’t worry, you don’t need to hide the spot under a rug forever. Here’s how to fix those deeper wounds:

1. Give it a bath: Clean out the dent like you’re prepping it for surgery. Use a vinyl-safe cleaner and a soft cloth to remove dust, crumbs, or whatever mystery gunk landed in there. Let it dry completely.
2. Fill it up: Grab a vinyl floor filler or repair compound. Scoop a little onto your putty knife and smear it into the gouge like you’re buttering toast. Make sure it gets right into the gap.
3. Make it smooth: Level the filler so it sits flush with the rest of your plank. Scrape away any extra before it dries — dried blobs are not a good look.
4. Wait it out: Let the filler cure like it’s baking in the oven. Depending on the product, this can take anywhere from 2 to 12 hours. Perfect time for a Netflix binge.
5. Blend the look: If the repair is obvious, grab a colour-matching marker or a topcoat to disguise it. The goal is for the gouge to disappear into the floor like it never happened.

For giant gouges that look like your floor went ten rounds with a sledgehammer, it’s usually easier (and prettier) to replace the plank altogether. Especially if it’s smack in the middle of the room where everyone can see it.

Replacing a Damaged Vinyl Plank (When Filler Just Won’t Cut It)

Sometimes a plank takes such a beating that no amount of filler, marker, or DIY magic will save it. If your vinyl looks like it’s survived a chainsaw fight, it’s probably time to swap it out entirely. Don’t panic — replacing a plank is less dramatic than it sounds, and here’s how you can do it:

1. Find out what kind of floor you’ve got: Is it a floating click-lock system or a glue-down install? This changes everything. Think of it as the “choose your own adventure” moment of floor repairs.
2. For click-lock flooring: Start at the nearest wall and gently disassemble the planks like you’re solving a giant wooden puzzle. Work your way toward the damaged piece, pop it out, slot in the shiny new one, and then reassemble the puzzle backwards. Voilà — good as new.
3. For glue-down planks: Grab a utility knife and cut the old plank into sections (don’t be shy, it’s already doomed). Peel it up, scrape away the old adhesive, and prep the subfloor. Spread fresh adhesive and press the new plank into place like you’re tucking it into bed.
4. Lock it in: Line up the pattern so the replacement doesn’t scream “I’m the new kid on the block.” Press firmly — a floor roller works best here — so it sticks like it means business.
5. Patience, grasshopper: Give the adhesive time to dry before walking on it. Check the product instructions for the exact curing time (Netflix and snacks recommended while you wait).

Pro tip: Always keep a few leftover planks from your original installation. If you didn’t, no worries — call your supplier or retailer and cross your fingers they still carry the same pattern. Matching is everything unless you’re going for the ‘patchwork chic’ look.

How to Keep Your Vinyl Floors from Future Battle Scars

Congrats, you’ve fixed the scratches and gouges — your floor is looking sharp again! But let’s be honest: the real challenge is keeping it that way. Here are some simple tricks to stop your vinyl planks from ending up in the repair clinic again:

• Stick some socks on your furniture: Okay, not real socks (though that would be hilarious). Use felt pads under chair and table legs so they glide instead of gouge.
• Give your pets a paw-dicure: Long nails + vinyl floors = scratch city. Trim those claws and your floor will thank you.
• Don’t drag, just lift: Moving your sofa? Pretend it’s a workout and lift it instead of shoving it across the room like a sled.
• Roll out the red carpet (or at least some rugs): Hallways, entryways, and other high-traffic zones are scratch magnets. Throw down a runner or rug to give your floor some armor.
• Be gentle when cleaning: Use a microfibre mop or a soft-brush vacuum. Leave the steel wool and rough bristles for, well… literally anything else.

Follow these simple habits and your vinyl plank flooring won’t just survive everyday life — it’ll thrive, looking great for years without constantly begging for touch-ups.

Conclusion

Scratches and gouges on vinyl plank flooring might look like the end of the world at first glance, but in reality, most of them can be fixed faster than it takes to binge an episode of your favourite show. From tiny surface marks to deeper dents, there’s always a solution — whether it’s a quick touch-up with a repair pen, filling with vinyl compound, or swapping out a single plank.

The key is knowing what type of damage you’re dealing with and grabbing the right tools for the job. Once repaired, your floor can look as good as new without the drama (or expense) of a full replacement. And with a few smart habits — like using furniture pads, trimming pet nails, and cleaning gently — you can stop future scratches before they happen.

If things look too tricky or you need matching planks and repair products, don’t stress. Our experts are here to help. Get in touch with our team and we’ll make sure your vinyl floors stay flawless for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vinyl Plank Repairs

Can I use a regular wood filler on vinyl planks?

Nope! Wood filler and vinyl filler are not the same thing. Wood filler won’t flex with your floor and may pop out over time. Always use a vinyl repair kit or filler designed for resilient flooring.

Do I need to replace the whole floor if one plank is damaged?

Not at all. One of the perks of vinyl plank flooring is that you can usually replace just the damaged plank without tearing up the entire room. It’s like changing one tile in a mosaic — painless if you follow the right steps.

Will scratches get worse if I don’t fix them?

Light scratches usually stay cosmetic, but deeper ones can trap dirt and moisture, making the problem look bigger over time. A quick repair now saves you a bigger headache later.

How do I prevent future scratches?

Simple tricks go a long way: put pads under furniture legs, keep pet nails trimmed, don’t drag heavy stuff, and toss a rug in high-traffic spots. Your floor will thank you for the extra TLC.