Tears in linoleum can be repaired using a loose piece of tile.
Linoleum tiles and flooring are regaining popularity among builders and homeowners. Linoleum is an alternative to vinyl tiles, which can be more difficult to repair. If linoleum has a small tear, rip or cut in its surface, it can be repaired by using a loose piece of the same colored linoleum. The new tiles can be used to form a patch in the old one--and once sealed the repair is virtually undetectable.
Instructions
1. Sand down the surface of the loose piece of tile with a belt sander. Carefully collect the loose material that the sander removes from the linoleum and set it aside. Sand enough off of the loose linoleum to fill the tear on its own.
2. Mix the loose linoleum particles with a small amount of clear glue. Stir with a paint stick until the linoleum is incorporated into the glue. If the mixture is too dry add more glue--it should spread easily with an even amount of linoleum throughout the glue.
3. Spread the linoleum and glue mixture over the rip in the linoleum with the paint stick. Let it settle for one minute and add more mixture if it sinks. Scrape the surface of the repair with a razor blade to ensure the repair is flat and level with the rest of the tile. Let the tile dry overnight.
4. Seal the repair and the surrounding linoleum with a clear, acrylic topcoat sealer. Brush on the paint sealer with a foam paintbrush to ensure even coverage--let the acrylic sealer dry overnight before putting any pressure on it. Once it's dry, the repair will be stable and the tile durable.
