How to choose a varnish, mastic and grout for laminate
The contents
Together with the acquisition of the laminate is usually carried out purchase of special compositions for this coating. They not only help to protect the floor from the impact of adverse factors, but also to give it an attractive appearance.
When used as a grout ↑
Many of those who have purchased the laminate, do not think about buying a special composition to protect it. The first is to pay attention to the grout. It is used to protect the laminate from moisture and is applied in the following rooms:
- the kitchen,
- bath,
- children’s rooms,
- in areas with an aquarium.
You should also use a grout if there is animal. It applies in the case when a particular area of the floor has a higher load. Used sealant on pre-dried surface. For best results, application should occur during installation of the laminate. Is the grout on the other side of the chamfer, which has a long edge. Only then the panels are joined.
Sealed seams capable of quite a long time to resist moisture, prolonging the life of the laminate. Grout also prevents the swelling of the material at the joint. While it does not prevent disassembly of the cover into its component parts.
Grout characteristics:
- dries quickly and leaves no residue,
- has no color and does not distort the appearance of the material,
- the excess can be easily removed in the process of laying laminate,
- to put it may even a layman,
- it easily penetrates into small cracks, eliminating moisture penetration.
Polish for laminate ↑
Often during the beginning of the repairs in the apartment people wonder – can I paint laminate varnish? This flooring has a protective film, so the need to use additional compounds no. But the high terrain in a certain room on the surface may cause cracks, scratches or scuffs. This can be avoided with the use of nail Polish.
But to improve the surface, you first need to know what the composition is suitable for laminate. It is necessary to eliminate the varnish for parquet, as it is designed for natural wood. Typically, the laminate is covered with acrylic or polyurethane materials as its outer layer consists of materials containing such substances.
Also in stores you can find special paint for this floor covering. By applying hidden that appears on the surface scratches and is given extra sparkle. To increase the strength of the material and eliminate the appearance of small defects, is necessary to cover the surface with lacquer immediately after setting all slats.
Minus the use of such compositions is that they are not absorbed into the laminated surface and so increases the risk of occurrence of cracks.
Mastic ↑
Mastic flooring is a composition which can be applied even on parquet floors. It can be purchased along with the flooring. Apply mastic to the entire surface of the floor and promotes:
- strengthening interlocks,
- to create on the surface of the protective film.
By applying mastic floor is protected from dust, moisture and other substances. It is worth remembering that before processing of the laminate are kindly requested to clean it of any contamination. If this is not done, then the mastic can be undeleted small particles, which will result in the protective film cracks, and other deformities.
You should not cover the floor with mastic, based on natural wax. This is because such compositions are left on the surface stains. When processing is necessary to remove from the laminate, any excess of protective compounds, after drying to remove them will be very difficult.
Before you apply the mastic, you need to carefully wash the floor and wait until it is completely dry. After coating this composition you can walk on it only after the coating is dry.
Polish for laminate Royal Practices ↑
Despite the fact that the surface of the laminate is suitable for heavy loads and is resistant to wear, many people prefer to cover this material with varnish. Interested in this lineup consumers are beginning in a few cases:
- when the surface starts to appear worn and small scratches;
- for premature protect the floor.
As the laminate surface is smooth and not intended for the application of additional composition of the varnish can start to peel off and crack. but a perfectly smooth floor screed oscillation of the material minimized, so the applied part should not be deformed. In addition, a modern system of heating to maintain the room at the same temperature, thus minimizing movement of the coating.
It is worth remembering that the Lac will serve as a reliable protection from Pets, legs of chairs and other impacts. Before buying nail Polish is to ask the seller about what kind of compositions suitable for laminate.
When selecting paint, consider that if the base is acrylic, and the composition of the need to buy such. It is worth remembering that the cheapest options are often of poor quality. By purchasing them, you risk soon re-start repair.
One of the best types of laminate is the Practices of the Royal, the joints between the parts which have little or no gaps, so after coating it with varnish do not need to worry about cracking.
How to use varnish ↑
To cover the laminate with lacquer, you must:
- clean and dry the surface,
- to mask their defects by using a specialized toothpaste,
- apply a protective solution to the surface by roller or brush,
- after drying of the first layer to repeat the operation.
But what if the entire surface of the laminate has cracks and scratches? In this case, to purchase special grout for laminate.
The use of grout ↑
The main characteristics of such compositions:
- quick drying,
- no trace after application,
- protection from liquids,
- ease of use,
- easy fill cracks,
- the lack of bonding parts of the floor covering between a,
- the ease of removal of residues.
Most often the grout used for sealing of cracks, scratches and other damage. Common cause of such defects becomes a constant movement of furniture or walking on the floor on thin heels.
Before applying the grout surface thoroughly cleaned from dust and dirt, and the area around the damage should be sealed with masking tape to hit just at the place where its use is necessary. Applied with a plastic spatula that will not damage the laminate. The removal of the tape takes place only after complete drying of the damage.
If you are using grout for joints, its application should be made immediately after installation of the floor covering. This helps to prevent problems emerging during long-term operation of the material. Such a mass leaves no residue and dries quickly after application.
The use of grout occurs in the following cases:
- When the pieces of flooring are joined loosely. This usually occurs in the case when the screed is not smooth or when using cheap laminate.
- Also grout needed in the impact on the floor high mechanical loads.
- When in a certain room humidity level is above normal.
Grout scratches on the laminate does not distort the surface as the composition is colorless.
Care for laminate flooring ↑
Below on the floor there were no cracks and other noticeable defects, the surface must be constantly monitored, remembering that:
- wet cleaning should only be carried out with warm water;
- after washing with the surface should be completely remove the water;
- you cannot use products that contain abrasives, as they can leave scratches;
- nor are acid and alkali;
- not used for cleaning the metal mesh and brushes;
- polishing of the laminate can make it too slippery and hazardous.
It is important to remember that the laminate is afraid of water, so frequent it is used, the surface may begin to Slough. This becomes especially noticeable at the junction. To avoid this, wet cleaning should be carried out approximately every 4 days.
When choosing a MOP for laminate need to buy a fixture with a flat surface. If you use the normal designs, they can leave scratches on the floor. The ideal option is to buy detergent cleaner.
To prolong the service life of the laminate, it is necessary to observe following rules:
- you should not walk on the floor in shoes and especially high and thin heels;
- on all furniture legs that can scratch the surface, you should wear special rubber strip;
- in places where the floor is a large number of people, it is possible to place mats;
- on the floor if any spilled liquid must immediately be removed, otherwise it will damage the surface;
- if damaged one of the blades, you can get a similar from under the couch and mount it scratched;
- vases with flowers, use a special stand.
Applying all of these tips, you will save the appearance of the laminate for a long time.