What Can I Use to Fill in Holes in My Linoeleum?

Matching Linoleum Patch

• Cut out a small piece of linoleum from a corner or under the refrigerator to take to the store for matching. Locate a large patch of linoleum in the store that matches the linoleum in the home. Check hardware and home improvement stores for the correct brand and pattern. Contact the company that makes the linoleum and ask for a sample if you are unable to find a match in a store or online. The company might provide a sample even if the style of linoleum is available at stores if you explain what happened to the linoleum. If an exact match cannot be found, the next best solution is to match the color or pattern as closely as possible.

Cleaning Tools

• Clean the area of the floor where the new piece of linoleum will be placed. The adhesive for the new patch will stay in place better if the area is cleaned before the adhesive is applied. It might not stick or appear uneven if any old adhesive remains. Scrape the extra chunks of adhesive off the floor with a putty knife, and clean the area with a rag soaked in cleaner strong enough to clean glue from floors, such as mineral spirits. Ask the experts at the hardware store if you are not sure which cleaner is appropriate for the job.

Adhesive

• Buy floor adhesive made for linoleum at the hardware or home improvement store. The adhesive comes with instructions for proper usage, including directions for proper ventilation and safety. Apply the adhesive directly to the back of the new tile, and press it into the open floor area. Wipe away excess adhesive with a rag immediately to avoid drying.

Weighted Object

• Place a weighted object on the newly patched tile, and let it sit for 24 hours. Use a brick, weight or a similar heavy object to set the new tile in place. The weight of the object helps the new tile stick to the floor and dry completely. Place a piece of wax paper under the weighted object to protect the patch from damage.

Seam Sealer

• Apply seam sealer to the edges of the linoleum patch once the new tile is completely dry. The seam sealer prevents moisture from penetrating the new tile in the event of leaks or spills. Seam sealer is available at hardware and home improvement stores, and it is sold with an applicator bottle for accurate application. Follow the directions on the seam sealer packaging to use the product safely and efficiently.