Solvents for Removing Burn Marks From Laminate

Scratching the Surface

• If your laminate has a minor superficial burn, don’t use an abrasive scrubber or any product that will scratch the surface. Both shiny and matte finish laminates show some scratches in the sunlight. A deep burn may require a small-blade knife or a razor blade to remove the brown damage of the burn. Don’t add to the damage -- work in the exact area of the discoloration. If the damaged area is in a seam, don’t allow the solvent to soak into the seam, as that is often the cause of swelling of a laminated countertop or floor.

Baking Soda

• Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a common kitchen product used for cooking and green cleaning. You may try removing a burn from a laminated countertop or flooring with a paste of baking soda and water. Leave the paste in place for a few minutes, and rinse with clean water. This solution will fade a light superficial or surface burn on countertops or flooring.

Sodium Carbonate

• Sodium carbonate or Na2CO3 is a sodium salt, known as washing soda, soda ash or carbonic acid. Although toothpaste often contains this product, you should wear protective eye wear and gloves to work with it, reports the Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by Science Stuff. Sodium carbonate mixed with water removes some discoloration. Repeat the process if the burn fades but isn't completely gone.

Sodium Hypochlorite or Nail Polish Remover

• Wilsonart advises not to leave sodium hypochlorite or bleach on its laminated products as this causes discoloration. Formica does not recommend using bleach. Use a cotton ball with bleach or nail polish remover containing acetone on Wilsonart products, and rub the burn area for a few minutes. Rinse the surface with clean water, and dry with a towel after working with solvents on laminated surfaces. Don’t leave any cleaning solution on the laminated floor or countertop surface.

Matching Products

• Some laminate companies have a finishing putty that matches your flooring. Once you carefully gouge out the brown areas of a deep burn, fill the area with the finishing putty and level it with the surface. If you need to sand the area, prepare a template to cover all areas except the small area of the repair. Follow the instructions on the finishing putty for drying of the product and surface finishing.