How to Repair Marks and Scratches on Composite Materials
With anti-splinter technology and protection against rot and fungal decay, composite materials are a great alternative to more traditional products, such as timber. Aside from a little cleaning to help preserve their fresh appearance, the low-maintenance traits of composite materials mean that they will require far less attention across their lifespan. However, as with any flooring surface, scrapes, scratches and stains are still possible due to the tactile nature of the material.
In many cases, marks and scratches on composite materials will naturally blend with the rest of the surface through weathering over time, but can otherwise be easily treated when they occur as detailed below. With all of the methods below, we recommend testing out the repair solution on an offcut before attempting on an installed board.
Light Marks and Scratches
Uncapped Composite Materials
Pioneer, Explorer and Sentinel ranges by Hyperion
If your composite material has a mild mark or scratch, there is no need to worry! These can be easily repaired.
On uncapped composite materials, such as our Hyperion Pioneer, Explorer or Sentinel ranges, repair any light marks or scratches with a steel scourer, simply scrub over the marked area ensuring to brush in the direction of the wood grain lengthways down the board. You can also use green scouring pads but you will need to put in more effort to remove the mark. Steel scourers and scouring pads are readily available in the majority of UK supermarket and homeware stores.
Capped Composite Materials
Frontier range by Hyperion
Capped composite materials, such as Hyperion Frontier decking, have an exterior plastic coating which protects the board against fading and staining. As this coating is more durable, the repair process for light scratches is slightly different.
If your composite material is capped, use 60-80 grit sandpaper to lightly brush over the damage always in the direction of the grain, lengthways down the composite board. It is important not to sand too heavily, as this may cause the damaged area to lighten, therefore causing colour inconsistencies across the board, this area will not weather over time to blend in.
Deeper Marks and Scratches
Uncapped Composite Materials
Pioneer, Explorer and Sentinel ranges by Hyperion
The process for repairing marks and scratches differs depending on the extent of the damage. For deeper marks and scratches on uncapped composite materials, use 60-80 grit sandpaper to brush over the mark, always moving in the direction of the grain, lengthways down the board. If required, you can finish the repairing process by using a steel scourer to darken the sanded area which may initially appear lighter until weathering improves colour consistency; this may take a month or so to stabilise.
Capped Composite Materials
Frontier range by Hyperion
If the damage on a capped composite material is deeper than a mild scratch, but does not fully penetrate the outer board capping, a heat gun on a 450°C setting can be used. You should lightly pass over the area, where the distance of the heat gun nozzle should be around 10-15cm from the board surface but no closer when repairing the mark, so as not to overheat the material. If required, follow the heat gun process with a light sanding of the damaged area using 60-80 grit sandpaper, always in the direction of the grain.
It is important to be gentle when carrying out these repairs to ensure the board is not damaged further. We recommend testing the process on an offcut first before completing the repair on the damaged board.
More Stubborn Damages
Uncapped Composite Materials
Pioneer, Explorer and Sentinel ranges by Hyperion
Where there is a deep mark or scratch in the surface and sanding would not be sufficient to repair the damage on your uncapped composite material, a heat gun on a 450°C setting can be used. You should lightly pass over the area, where the distance of the heat gun nozzle should be around 10-15cm from the board surface but no closer when repairing the mark, so as not to overheat the material. If required, follow the heat gun process with a light sanding of the damaged area using 60-80 grit sandpaper, always in the direction of the grain.
It is important to be gentle when carrying out these repairs to ensure the board is not damaged further. We recommend testing the process on an offcut first before completing the repair on the damaged board.
With any flooring surface, scrapes, scratches and stains can occur but are easily treated depending on their severity. There are also significant environmental benefits to be able to repair rather than replace damaged products. The repairing process for marks and scratches will differ depending on the extent of the damage and type of board, but its always a good idea to test out the repair solution on an offcut before attempting on an installed board.
For any other technical, installation or care questions, please consult the relevant installation guide, call our technical team on 0208 088 4888, or email us at info@envirobuild.com.