How to repair clear coat spot on wood floor panel?

Lori Sproat
by Lori Sproat
I'm a renter. The hall floor is I believe fake wood and clear coat top. Someone hung a hot oil plug in upside down. The warm oil peeled off a spot of the clear coat on the floor (picture attached). I want to repair only the spot not entire top coat. So they don't charge me when I move. Thanks
  8 answers
  • Chas' Crazy Creations Chas' Crazy Creations on Apr 05, 2018

    Here is a video that might help - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDPa8K6z8Hk

  • Amy Ogden-Paparone Amy Ogden-Paparone on Apr 05, 2018

    Hi Lori,

    First lightly sand the effected area and wipe clean. Sand at least an inch past the spot you're working with on all sides. If the color is no longer matching you can get a furniture pen and match the color of the floor. Then get a small can of polyurethane in the finish of the floor, matte, gloss or high gloss. and lightly apply the first coat with a loose brush. Continue until it matches up with the rest of the floor.

    comment photo
  • DesertRose DesertRose on Apr 05, 2018

    I would try an old remedy for furniture, for covering such spots. It is called Old English and works great. It comes in dark or light and from the photo it would appear you would want dark. You can find it where furniture polish is sold. It is more of a wood stain / cleaner for furniture, but works on any wood surface. It certainly would probably work on that spot to hide it very well. Put a little on the rag and rub it in. Hope this helps.

    • See 1 previous
    • DesertRose DesertRose on Apr 05, 2018

      The clear top coat will appear to be done, because the Old English will leave about the same shine as the wood has. It has an oil base (it is not greasy, but does moisturize the wood) so it should not be noticeable at all. Rub it in good. It does not take much, just a dab on a clean dry rag.

  • Chas' Crazy Creations Chas' Crazy Creations on Apr 05, 2018

    I hope it helps - good luck :)

  • Zac Builds Zac Builds on Apr 08, 2018

    Hey Lori, unfortunately to properly repair any flooring it's going to be a pretty labor intensive job. Some other hometalkers have given you good advice on how to do it.


    But, before you go to all the effort of repairing what looks to be a very small defect, I'd check your local renting/landlord rules and regulations. In most areas floors are considered a wear item and expected to degrade with regular use.

    • Lori Sproat Lori Sproat on Apr 09, 2018

      I have been here going on 5 yrs. I'm very familiar with how this complex "views " wear and tear. If it wasn't just one place on that floor I could maybe get away with that. Great suggestion for newer renter! This place definitely will look for anything beyond carpet and another coat of paint ;)

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Dec 13, 2023

    For the Old English, rub it in with the grain of the wood.

  • Betsy Betsy on Dec 26, 2023

    Hi Lori: I, too, recommend Old English. Be sure to go with the grain of the wood and maybe do a couple coats.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 27, 2023

    Try using a Sharpie pen to colour in the grain of woof again!