| How to Repair Laminate Floor Scratches Posted: 13 Apr 2021 05:00 PM PDT Laminate flooring is very scratch-resistant, but even the toughest floorboards need a touch-up now and then. Scratches can occur when you move heavy furniture or drop items on the floor. Shallow scratches from these sources are easy to repair by rubbing a repair pencil over the floor. If the scratches extend below the floor surface, fill them in with wood putty. You can also melt wax burn-in sticks to fill and blend in stubborn scratches. Color and smooth scratches with care to make your laminate look pristine again. [Edit]Coloring Scratches with a Pencil or Marker - Purchase a floor repair pencil or marker. These products are the easiest way to touch up a laminate floor. They come in a range of shades, so pick the one that most closely matches your floor color. Repair pencils and markers are the same wax-based products despite their labeling, so it doesn't matter which kind you get.[1]
- Find repair pencils and markers online or at your local home improvement store.
- These repair pencils and markers are often useful on wood and vinyl, too. If you can't find one specifically labeled for use on laminate, check for ones that work on wood.
- Clean and dry the floor before repairing it. Dirt and debris spoil a repair, so take care of any scratch before laying down filler material. Sweep the floor clean with a dust mop or a vacuum. If you're facing a stubborn stain, use some warm water and a mild detergent safe for laminate floors.[2]
- If you're in a hurry to get to the repairs, dry the floor off with a clean microfiber cloth after washing it with water.
- Apply the filler across the length of the scratch. Using a floor repair pencil or a marker is a lot like coloring between the lines on a picture. Start at one end of the scratch, then gradually work your way to the other. Move the pencil or marker in short, controlled strokes to ensure you cover the entire scratch.[3]
- The more filler you apply, the darker the material looks. Use it as sparingly as possible at first, then go back over the scratch to fill it and match its color to the rest of the floor.
- Rub the edges of the scratch with a soft cloth to blend in the filler. Select a clean microfiber cloth, then begin working from one end of the scratch to the other. Move the cloth slowly around the scratch to buff it, smoothing out the wax filler. Continue doing this until the scratch and the repair material is well-hidden on the floor.[4]
[Edit]Applying a Putty to Moderate Scratches - Buy a repair kit or a bottle of putty that matches your floor. If you get a repair kit, it usually includes several different colors of dye along with any applicators you need for the repair. Pre-colored putty is also sold separately, but you have to match it with the color of your floor. The pre-dyed putty often comes in a squeezable container that makes it easier to apply.[5]
- Check for repair kits and putty online or at your local home improvement store.
- It may also be labeled as laminate paste or filler.[6]
- Putty is better than pencil and marker fillers for fixing moderate scratches and gouges. If the scratch isn't surface-level, you probably need putty.
- Clean the scratches out with a microfiber cloth, soap, and water. Get rid of any debris in the area before trying to cover up the scratches. Wipe out as much dirt as possible with a clean microfiber cloth, then scrub the remainder with soap mixed into a bucket of hot water. Try using of a mild dish detergent or baby shampoo to avoid damaging the laminate.[7]
- Let the floor dry completely when you're done or wipe it dry with another clean cloth. Make sure you don't see any debris left in the scratches.
- Mix the dye in with the putty to color it if needed. If you have a colorless putty or one that doesn't match your floor, alter it before applying it. With a kit, all you have to do is place some of the putty in a small container, add a few drops of dye, then stir it it with a putty knife. Pre-dyed putty is already colored, but you can add additional coloring to it so it better matches your floor.[8]
- If you don't have dyes, try using acrylic or oil-based paint from an art supply store.
- Use dyes sparingly. Add a few drops at a time, mixing the putty to see what color you get. Then, add more if you need to darken the putty.
- Spread the putty over the scratch using a putty knife. Use a plastic knife since a metal one might cause additional scratches on your floor. To apply the putty, pick some of it up with the edge of the knife, then hold the knife at about a 45-degree angle to the floor.[9] Rub the knife over the scratch a few times, getting more putty as needed to fill the entire scratch. When you're done, turn the knife on its side and scrape it across the scratch to level out the putty.[10]
- Run the knife over the scratch in a few different directions. Doing this ensures the putty applies as evenly as possible.
- Fresh putty is very easy to clean up, so don't worry about overfilling the scratch. You are better off overfilling the scratch a little bit to ensure you use enough putty to fill it.
- Remove the excess putty with a dry paper towel right away. The putty begins solidifying within 30 minutes, so take care of anything outside of the scratch as soon as possible. Carefully rub the area around the scratch with a paper towel to blend it in with the rest of the floor. If the putty begins hardening before you're done, dip the paper towel in some of the soap and warm water you used to clean the floor.[11]
- Old wood putty is difficult to remove. Once the putty hardens, it has to be scraped off with tools like a chisel and scraper blade.
- The filler may require up to 24 hours to dry completely.[12]
[Edit]Filling Deeper Scratches with Wax - Purchase a repair kit or separate wax filler sticks. Wax sticks are similar to filler pencils and markers except they are solid blocks that take a little more effort to apply. Kits typically include different colors of wax blocks you have to mix together to match your floor color. They also include a handheld burn-in knife or a similar applicator that melts the wax. If you buy your own wax filler sticks, make sure you get one that matches your floor color.[13]
- Kits and filler sticks are available online as well as many home improvement stores. If you're getting separate filler sticks, look for products called burn-in sticks. Any wax advertised for use on wood also works on laminate floors.
- If you can't find the exact color of wax you need, get the closest colors. Get a lighter brown and a darker brown, for instance, to mix to the shade you need.
- Wax sticks are the best way to fill in deeper scratches and gouges, especially if you can't find a putty in the right shade you need. It is harder to apply than a putty, but you have more of an opportunity to adjust the filler's coloring.
- Unwrap the wax and turn on the melter. The wax comes in a solid bar that melts only after you heat it. Take some of the wrapping off of each bar you plan on using to fill in the scratch. Then, turn on the burn-in knife if you have one. If you don't have a melter, find an alternative way to melt the wax, such as by warming up a knife or by holding a butane lighter or torch close to it.[14]
- Another way to fill in gaps in the floor is by using a crayon. Remove the wrapper, then melt it in the microwave. Rub the melted wax over the gaps for an easier but slightly less effective way of repairing scratches.
- Rub the melted wax into the scratch using the knife. Press the burn-in knife against the wax bar to melt a little bit of it, just enough to cover the tip. After you have some wax, press the knife's tip down on the scratch. Smear the wax across the scratch to fill it. Keep applying more wax as needed to fill in the damaged area.[15]
- If you need to color match the wax to your floor, start with the lightest color and work up to the darkest. Apply the wax a little bit at a time to get it to the color you desire.
- You can mix different colors of wax directly in the crack. If you wish to do a test run first, mix the wax in a small container or on a scrap piece of paper, then move it into the scratch.
- Level out the filler with a credit card or another tool. Most kits come with a special tool you can rub over the scratch without scraping your floor. If you don't have this, get something solid, such as a stiff card or a putty knife. After waiting about 30 seconds for the wax to cool, hold your scraper on its side and brush it across the wax to remove the excess.[16]
- Try to flatten out the scratched area as much as possible. Leaving a little overflow is okay, since you can always remove the excess wax before it dries.
- Buff the area with a paper towel to remove excess wax. Take your cloth and work carefully around the filled-in area. Wipe along the edges of the scratch and the applied filler. Doing this removes any excess wax left over while also blending the scratch in with the rest of the floor.[17]
- Check your work by standing up and looking at the repair from a few different angles. If you repaired it well enough, you won't be able to spot it very easily. Make sure you got all of the wax outside of the scratch.
- Fix scratches as soon as you notice them to prevent them from getting worse. Surface-level scratches are much simpler to repair than deeper ones.
- If your floor has very deep scratches or gouges in it, you may need to replace damaged panels. Cut out the panels and fit new boards into the open slots.
- To protect your floorboards from damage, lay down floor mats and floor protectors. Put them underneath furniture to avoid a common cause of scratches.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Coloring Scratches with a Pencil or Marker - Floor repair pencil or marker
- Dry dust mop
- Mild dish detergent
- Soap
- Water
- Microfiber cloth
[Edit]Applying a Putty to Moderate Scratches - Laminate filler putty
- Microfiber cloth
- Mild dish detergent
- Water
- Putty knife
- Paper towel
[Edit]Filling Deeper Scratches with Wax - Wax filler sticks
- Burn-in knife
- Scraper tool or credit card
- Paper towel
[Edit]References |
| How to Read with Good Posture Posted: 13 Apr 2021 09:00 AM PDT If you've ever sat up after getting lost in a good book for a few hours and discovered that your neck, back, or legs were sore, you're not alone. It's easy to get caught up in what you're reading and end up shifting into an unhealthy position that feels right at the time, but is ultimately not very good for your body. The goal of reading with proper posture is to maintain a neutral spine where your back is lined up perfectly over your hips to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your body. Remember to take frequent breaks while you're reading for an extended period of time. If you don't, you may get sore or strain a muscle regardless of the position you're sitting in. [Edit]Sitting Correctly - Maintain a straight spine while reading to avoid back pain. The straighter that you can keep your spine, the less pressure you're putting on your lower back. If you're sitting, rest your butt against the junction where the back of the chair meets the seat. Alternatively, if you're lying down, keep your spine level with your neck. This will make it easier to keep your spine straight without even thinking about it![1]
- This will also make it impossible for you to lean too far back if you're in a chair, since your tailbone will be directly underneath your spine.
- Don't worry if this feels a little goofy at first. Many people naturally develop poor posture over the years, but it's nothing some good habits can't change. You'll get used to this over time.
- The term "straight spine" is a little misleading, since you have some natural curvature in your back. You know that your spine is straight if your shoulders are directly over your hips and your back is firm and upright.
- Keep your head straight and avoid tilting your neck. Keep your neck aligned with your spine and move your eyes to read from line to line instead of moving your entire head. Unless you're deliberately stretching your neck out, tilting your head at an angle will result in neck strain. It will also throw your center of gravity slightly off, which may inadvertently put some light pressure on your back.[2]
- If you've got a cushion on the top of your chair, use it as a headrest to keep your head still.
- Hold the book up a little under eye-level to avoid slouching forward.[3] Keep your elbows bent and hold the book up a little beneath your eyes. If you hold the book down near your lap, you'll bend your neck down while reading, which will strain your neck and upper back muscles while you enjoy your book.[4]
- Resting your elbows on a table or armchair will make this easier to do over a longer period of time. Otherwise, you can rest your elbows against your sides and bring the book a little closer to your eyes than you normally would.
- If you prefer to use an e-reader, opt for a lightweight model to make it easier to hold up in front of you.
- Read in a seat that allows your feet to reach the ground if possible. It is difficult to maintain proper posture if your feet can't touch the ground.[5] For ideal posture, choose a comfortable seat with a straight back that will allow you to rest your entire back against the chair. Any chair, sofa, or bench can work so long as you can sit with your knees at a 90-degree angle and your feet flat on the floor.[6]
- Recliners are great for maintaining good posture—especially if they have a footrest. Tilting your spine back 15-30 degrees while keeping your knees at a 90-degree angle is a great way to ensure that your spine stays straight. It tends to be a little harder to hold a book up in one of these chairs, though.
- While it may seem counterintuitive, a straight-backed chair is actually better for your posture than a soft sofa. You can still put a cushion on the straight-backed chair to make it more comfortable if you'd like.
- If you're reading in bed, prop yourself up against the headrest or wall with a pillow behind your back for more support.[7]
- Set your device on a small table or stand if you use a laptop or e-reader.[8] Get a laptop stand or small adjustable table and set it down in front of you. Set your laptop or e-reader on top of the stand or table so that the screen rests a little under eye level. If the device is on a platform, you won't need to slump forward to look at it, which can cause neck pain.[9]
- There are plenty of cheap options for e-reader stands and using one will keep your arms from getting tired from holding the e-reader up. When your arms get tired, you're bound to lower them eventually which will cause you to tilt your head down.
[Edit]Staying Comfortable and Preventing Strain - Keep the room well-lit to avoid straining your eyes or moving your neck. If the room is dark, you'll struggle to focus your eyes on the text. This means that you'll naturally squint your eyes and lean forward a little to get a better look at the words. If you're leaning forward, your spine won't be straight and your neck will be tilted over your lap. This can lead to a sore back and neck, in addition to strained eyes.[10]
- If you're using a digital e-reader or laptop, make the brightness of the screen lower than the brightest light in the room. It's relatively difficult for your eyes to focus on a bright digital screen against a dim background. If the digital screen is the brightest source of light in the room, it will strain your eyes and lead to headaches or eye pain.[11]
- Prop your feet up to keep your spine straight if you're sitting and need support. You can sit with your feet planted on the floor at a 90-degree angle, but if you're struggling to keep your spine straight, prop your feet up a little. Get a small footstool or ottoman and rest your feet on it so that they're raised off of the floor. Keep both feet flat on the surface of the platform.[12]
- Slide a rolled-up towel behind your lower back if it gets sore. For some people, it's more comfortable to cushion the lower back and brace it with additional support.[13] If your back is getting sore while you're seated, grab a small towel or cloth and roll it up. After sitting down, slide the towel behind your lower back, just above the edge of your tailbone.[14]
- You can use a small pillow instead of a towel if you prefer.
- You're not harming your posture by adding a cushion or towel. If you're comfortable, it's a good sign that your posture is correct!
- Giving the lower back additional cushioning is a great way to make sure you aren't leaning forward or back as well, since you'll be able to feel the towel sliding down if you lean forward, or compressing against the chair if you lean back.
- Take a 5-minute break every hour to avoid muscle strain.[15] After 60 continuous minutes of reading, stand up and walk around for a few minutes. Do some simple stretches or callisthenic exercises. You don't need to work up a sweat or anything, but a little bit of movement will stretch your muscles out and make it less likely that you get sore while you're reading.[16]
- Jumping jacks are a great simple way to work your body out for a minute or two.
- Stretch your arms, roll your neck around the stretch the muscles out, and bend over to touch your toes. You don't need a full workout or stretching session; a few simple stretches will do the tricks just fine
- Stretch your legs out in front of you periodically to keep the blood moving. While seated, your legs will be prone to falling asleep and stiffening up. To keep them from tightening up, stick your legs out in front of you and roll your ankles around in the air. Doing this for 5-10 seconds every once in a while will keep your legs from cramping up or falling asleep. A little physical movement will also help your body stay comfortable while you're sitting for a long period of time.[17]
- If something is uncomfortable for you, change the way you're sitting or lying down. If a certain position is unpleasant, it's better to break proper posture and be comfy than it is to maintain proper posture and be in pain.[18]
[Edit]References |
| How to Write Fractions on a Calculator Posted: 13 Apr 2021 01:00 AM PDT Calculating numbers that contain fractions can be tricky, even when you're using a calculator. You may be able to write a fraction on a calculator using the fraction button. If your calculator doesn't have this feature, use an online calculator if you're allowed to do so. As another option, you might turn the fraction into a decimal or turn the fraction into a percent. [Edit]Using a Fraction Button on a Scientific Calculator - Switch your calculator to math mode, if necessary. Push the mode button to open a menu. Select "math" from the list to start math mode. Check that your screen says "math" to make sure you're in math mode.[1]
- Your calculator may not have a math mode.
- Some calculators will use a fraction button even if you don't have a math mode.
- Push the fraction button to enter your fraction. Look for a button that has a black box over a white box, x/y, or b/c. Push this button to open the fraction feature on your calculator.[2]
- When the fraction feature is on, you should see a fraction template on your calculator screen. This will look like 2 blank boxes, one on top of the other. There will be a horizontal line separating the boxes.
- On some calculators, the boxes are separated by an "L" that acts as the horizontal line.
- Enter the numerator in the top box. Your cursor will start out in the top box on the fraction. Use the keypad on the calculator to type in the numerator, which is the top number in the fraction.[3]
- For instance, let's say your fraction is 4/5. You'd type "4" into the top box.
- Push the down arrow to move your cursor to the lower box. Find the arrow buttons on your calculator's keypad. Then, type the arrow that points down to move your cursor to the lower box in the template.[4]
- If your template uses the "L" to separate the boxes, you may need to hit the arrow that points to the right to move the cursor. Try that arrow if the down arrow doesn't work.
- Type the denominator into the lower box. Use your keypad to type the denominator, which is the lower number on the fraction. Then, check that your fraction looks right on the calculator screen.[5]
- For instance, if the fraction is 4/5, type "5" into the lower box. Then, check that your fraction accurately depicts 4/5.
[Edit]Using an Online Calculator - Do an online search for a fraction calculator. An online calculator may be the fastest, easiest way to calculate fractions if you're allowed to use the Internet. Type "fraction calculator" in to your favorite browser and click search to find online calculators.[6]
- Insert the first fraction in the top box on the calculator. Most online calculators have 2 boxes so that you can add, subtract, multiply, or divide 2 fractions. Type the first fraction into the top box on the calculator.[7]
- Each online calculator has different instructions. Follow the directions on the online calculator you're using.
- Type the numerator followed by a forward slash and the denominator. Use the keypad on your keyboard to type the top number on your fraction, which is the numerator. Then, hit the forward slash key. Finally, type the bottom number, which is the denominator.[8]
- Select add, subtract, multiply, or divide. Use your cursor to click on the type of operation you want to do. Pick add, subtract, multiply, or divide. Make sure the circle next to your choice is highlighted.[9]
- If the calculator you're using requires you to type in the operation you want to take, use the keypad to insert the operation.
- Put the second fraction in the bottom box. Use the keypad on your keyboard to enter the numerator, then type a forward slash. Type the denominator to complete the fraction.[10]
- Check your fractions before you click the calculate button to make sure you've entered them accurately.
- Click the "calculate" button to get your answer. After you hit the "calculate" button, the calculator will perform the operation for you. This will give you your answer.[11]
- The calculate button might have a slightly different name, depending on the calculator you're using. For instance, it might say "calculate fraction."
[Edit]Turning a Fraction into a Decimal - Divide the numerator by the denominator to get a decimal. The numerator is the top number in the fraction. Type the numerator into your calculator, then push the divide button. Next, type the bottom number into the calculator, which is the denominator. Hit the equal sign to get your decimal.[12]
- For instance, divide 3/4 = .75.
- Any time you see a fraction, it's a form of division.[13]
- Write the integer in a mixed number, followed by the decimal number. Mixed numbers include both an integer and a fraction. The integer will stay the same when you turn the fraction into a decimal. Write the integer in your answer box, then divide the numerator in the fraction by the denominator. Put a decimal point after the integer and write the decimal number you got when you divided the fraction.[14]
- As an example, let's say your mixed number is 2-2/3. You'd divide 2/3 = .67. Write 2.67 for your decimal number.
- Turn 2 fractions into decimals before computing them. If you're adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing 2 fractions, convert each of them to a decimal separately using division. Then, use the decimal numbers to calculate an answer.[15]
- As an example, let's say you wanted to add 1/2 + 3/5. You'd first divide 1/2 = .50. Then, divide 3/5 = .60. Finally, add .50 + .60 = 1.10.
[Edit]Writing a Fraction as a Percent - Divide the top number by the bottom number. Treat the fraction bar as a division sign. Type the top number into your calculator, then click divide. Type in the bottom number in the fraction, then click the equal sign. This will give you a decimal number.[16]
- For instance, divide 1/4 = .25.
- Multiple the result by 100 to convert it into a percent. A percent is taken out of 100, so multiplying the decimal by 100 turns it into a percent. Type your decimal into the calculator, then hit the multiply button. Enter 100, then click the equal sign.[17]
- As an example, multiply .25 x 100 = 25.
- You can also just move the decimal point over 2 numbers to the right.
- Place a percent sign after the number to show it's a percent. When you write out the number, put a percent after the number to make it a percent. This will show people that the number is a percentage out of 100.[18]
- For example, you'd write 25%.
- Always write a fraction in the lowest terms when you're recording an answer. For instance, reduce 2/4 to 1/2. Similarly, reduce 5/4 to 1-1/4.
[Edit]References |
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