How to Fix Scratches in a Plastic Tile Floor

Plastic, also known as vinyl, floor tiles are simple to install, since most of them come in peel-and-stick form with adhesive already applied to the back of each tile. They are also easy to care for, and require little more than a quick scrubbing with soapy water to stay clean. However, plastic floor tiles are prone to scratching through everyday use, and are not as sturdy as their ceramic tile counterparts. Repairing a scratched plastic floor tile requires some work since the damaged tile must be removed and a new one inserted in its place.

Aluminum foil
Hair dryer
Putty knife
Mineral spirits
Rag
New plastic tile
Plastic tile adhesive
Brick

Instructions

- 1
  Tear off a section of aluminum foil that is large enough to cover the damaged tile. Lay it over the tile. Plug in a hair dryer and set it on hot. Aim it at the tile for five to 10 minutes to loosen the glue holding the tile to the floor.
- 2
  Hold the putty knife so that the blade is parallel to the floor. Work the edge of the knife under the edges of the damaged tile at a 45-degree angle. Pry the scratched plastic tile off of the floor, heating it with the hair dryer as needed in order to get the tile off of the floor in one piece. Discard the scratched plastic tile.
- 3
  Pour a quarter-sized amount of mineral spirits onto a rag. Rub the rag over the adhesive to remove as much of it as possible. Scrape off any remaining adhesive with a putty knife.
- 4
  Peel the backing off of a new peel-and-stick plastic tile, or spread a thin layer of plastic tile adhesive on the back. Place the tile, sticky side down, over the spot where the scratched one was. Press down. Place a brick over the new tile and leave in place for 24 hours so that the adhesive can set.

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