3 ways to make a laminate waterproof do-it-yourself
Laminate, created by special technology, is not afraid of liquids and lasts much longer. If there is no money to buy expensive material, you should think about how to make a laminate waterproof with your own hands.
Protective mastic
On sale there are funds to protect the entire floor surface, as well as castle joints. As a rule, the first are issued in banks, the second - in tubes or tubes. It is not difficult to work with them: it is enough to evenly distribute the product on the treated surface. Detailed instructions for use can be found on the packaging.
Floor protectors are capable of one or more tasks:
- protect the surface from moisture;
- reliably connect the boards together, increase the service life of the coating.
Mastic is intended for processing a laminate, therefore it is used most often. It increases the operational characteristics of the floor covering, protects it from moisture (including during wet cleaning). An additional advantage is the improved appearance of the lamellas. Mastic gives them a soft shine and the ability to reflect light. Thanks to this, the room seems more spacious.
Natural wax
Natural wax, which is applied to locks on both sides, will help protect against moisture. The tool is used as a water-repellent impregnation, simplifies the laying of the laminate, makes the joints more durable, prevents the creaking of the lamellas during operation.
Work with wax as follows:
- If the material is solid, melt it in a water bath.
- Apply the product to the joints with a thin brush. Leave for a while.
- Remove excess with a soft cloth or plastic knife.
It is forbidden to apply wax on the entire surface of the laminate. This leads to the destruction of the protective layer, the appearance of stains and smudges.
Impregnation for clothes and shoes
If there is no special product for the laminate, you can use water-repellent impregnation for shoes and clothes. Professionals say that it copes well with its task: it protects from moisture, prevents deformation, and significantly increases the service life of the coating. The only drawback of the method is its high cost: one large tube lasts no more than 2–2.5 square meters. m
Before laying, the impregnation is applied to the ends of the plates with a sponge or brush. Surplus on the front part is removed with a soft cloth. If the product has not been used previously, you need to conduct a small test: process several lamellas, dry, lay in several rows and leave for 24 hours. If the laminate behaves well, you can continue to work.
It is not necessary to treat the floors with water-repellent impregnation throughout the house. The main thing is to protect the coating in rooms where water can get on the floor (entrance hall, kitchen, balcony, bathroom). Also, a laminate with water-repellent impregnation is useful for wet cleaning lovers.
