Can you put sealer on laminate flooring

The surface layer is essentially plastic, so there's nothing to seal, and flooring professionals recommend against it. Because it can't penetrate, the seal coat will likely peel off and it often makes the floor more slippery and dangerous. You may want to apply a waterproofing sealer in the hope that it will seep into the gaps between boards and protect the fiberboard core.

The danger with this approach is that the sealer might soak in, just as you were hoping, and in the process swell the fiberboard and produce the curling and lifting at the edges that you were trying to avoid. Even if this doesn't happen, allowing anything to soak into the seams is a risky, last-resort strategy. Most manufacturers seal the locking tongues and grooves with wax anyway, so the addition of waterproofing sealant is redundant.

If you really want to apply extra sealant to the locking mechanisms, the time to do it is when you're installing the floor. If the purpose of applying the sealer is to stave off further moisture damage, such as finish discoloration or warping floor boards, it's a bit like applying a Band-Aid to a broken bone. The moisture damage is being caused by high humidity in the room, seepage through the subfloor or improper cleaning practices.

Applying a coat of percent silicone caulk to the bottom edges of the baseboards is recommended , especially in bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms in which water is present. But all is not lost; there is a way to seal your laminate flooring! To help make your laminate flooring see also how to install pergo flooring more moisture resistant, you can apply some laminate flooring sealant.

It is best to apply this to the joints only. Make sure that the sealant does not extend to anywhere else on the flooring. It would be wise to avoid gluing your flooring consider also peel and stick to the subfloor, as it will not be able to expand and contract effectively. General wood glue can be used on the flooring joints; just be sure to wipe any excess glue off while installing. It is not always needed to seal the laminate flooring, as they feature a super-hard finish.

You can do this with sealant or glue , as we mentioned above. The caulk can also be used around cabinets and plumbing fixtures to ensure that any water does not seep under the floor and wreak havoc on the underside of your boards! As we mentioned earlier, applying a seal to the top of your laminate flooring can damage the surface. As the top layer of laminate flooring consists of melamine resins and aluminum oxide, the surface is nearly plastic.

This means there is nothing to seal, so your seal coat will sit on top instead of penetrating the flooring. Often, this leads to the seal peeling off and can make the floor slippery and dangerous.

It is advised against by flooring professionals, and we would agree with them! A seal on laminate flooring can also damage the core of the boards as well as the surface. In some cases, the sealer will seep into the laminate, often in the gaps between boards, but it can be dangerous. These days most manufacturers seal the locking tongues and grooves of your laminate flooring with wax, making any additional sealant you apply redundant. If you want to apply extra sealant to the locking mechanisms, it is best to do this when your laminate flooring is installed.

You can do this yourself or ask a professional for help if you are unsure. Start with the laminate brand before looking into other options.

When using a sealant, it can sometimes double the time it takes to install your flooring. Most types of waterproof sealants harden very quickly, so be sure to clean up any excess as soon as possible.

There are some specialty laminate sealers available. Sealant brands may also offer different colors to choose from. Often, there can be expansion gaps between walls and fixtures, especially in bathrooms. By caulking these areas, you can prevent water damage in areas that are most vulnerable to water infiltration. When a liquid is spilled, it can go down the cracks of the flooring, no matter its size.

By using silicone caulk, you can prevent liquids from soaking into cracks and ruining your floors. Because silicone is flexible, your floors will be able to expand slightly without warping or chipping. Coating your floor with polyurethane can help protect your entire floor rather than just a few sections. This solution keeps your actual floorboards safe from damage. Note that using a roller can create a lot of bubbles. Repeat the application process for at least two coats.

How many layers you add can also depend on the brand of coating you choose. Note that some people who attempt this themselves have had polyurethane damage their laminate floors. Check with local experts or the manufacturer of your laminate flooring before you decide to use this solution.

When applying your polyurethane or urethane sealant, you can use a natural bristle brush to apply sealant around the perimeter of the room. Ensure that you apply it to the area that is usually covered by the baseboard.