Knowing how to repair vinyl sheet flooring is an inexpensive way to improve the look of your floor. Repair vinyl sheet flooring when it suffers damage in high-activity kitchens and baths, and other areas. You don't need to replace the whole floor — just patch the damaged section.
Gather your tools: Patch cut from scrap of vinyl flooring, masking tape, utility knife, putty knife, pencil, floor adhesive, T-square, mineral spirits, rags, rolling pin.
![Gather your tools: Patch cut from scrap of vinyl flooring, masking tape, utility knife, putty knife, pencil, floor adhesive, T-square, mineral spirits, rags, rolling pin.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82995.image0.jpg)
Be sure that the patch is larger than the damaged area.
Tape your patch over the damaged area, matching the pattern exactly.
![Tape your patch over the damaged area, matching the pattern exactly.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82997.image2.jpg)
The tape ensures that the scrap won’t slip.
Use the T-square to draw a square on the patch; make this square slightly larger than the damaged area.
![Use the T-square to draw a square on the patch; make this square slightly larger than the damaged area.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82999.image4.jpg)
If possible, use the pattern on the vinyl to minimize the visibility of cut edges.
Cut through both layers of vinyl at once, the scrap and the flooring.
![Cut through both layers of vinyl at once, the scrap and the flooring.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/83001.image6.jpg)
Use the straight edge of the T-square as a cutting guide.
Remove the patch and damaged vinyl.
![Remove the patch and damaged vinyl.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/83003.image8.jpg)
Use the putty knife to get under the old vinyl flooring.
Use mineral spirits to soften the old adhesive on the floor.
![Use mineral spirits to soften the old adhesive on the floor.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/83005.image10.jpg)
Mineral spirits work great to dissolve the adhesive.
Scrape away the old adhesive.
![Scrape away the old adhesive.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/83007.image12.jpg)
Use your putty knife or a scraper to scrape away the gooey adhesive.
Double-check the pattern and the fit, trimming as needed.
![Double-check the pattern and the fit, trimming as needed.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/83009.image14.jpg)
Before you apply adhesive, double check the pattern and position of the patch. Trim with a knife and sandpaper to adjust the fit.
Trowel on some adhesive to the new patch.
![Trowel on some adhesive to the new patch.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/83011.image16.jpg)
Coat the underside of the patch with adhesive.
Put the patch in place.
![Put the patch in place.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/83013.image18.jpg)
Be sure to get the tile positioned just right.
Wipe up excess adhesive off the seams.
![Wipe up excess adhesive off the seams.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/83015.image20.jpg)
A rag dampened with mineral spirits will clean up any adhesive around the edges of the tile.
Roll the patch with the rolling pin.
![Roll the patch with the rolling pin.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/83017.image22.jpg)
Press hard as you roll the pin to get rid of any trapped air pockets, which can cause the patch to lift up.
Clean up excess adhesive.
![Clean up excess adhesive.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/83019.image24.jpg)
Dirt, pet hair, and more will stick to any bit of residual adhesive, so clean thoroughly.