In a case where your carpet has a small area that needs repairing, it might interest you to know that it can be patched to look as good as new. Carpet patching is an economical and easy way of bringing your carpet back to life.
This article will reveal how to patch carpet. Firstly, get the equipment ready, then access the damaged parts. You would also need to get a donor carpet and then work towards patching the carpet.
Read on as we throw more light on this.
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How to Patch Carpet
Table of Contents
- 1 How to Patch Carpet
- 1.1 1. Get the Equipment and Materials Ready
- 1.2 2. Assess the Damaged Carpet
- 1.3 3. Find the Donor Carpet
- 1.4 4. Mark the Damaged Section
- 1.5 5. Cut Out the Damaged Section
- 1.6 6. Obtain the Donor Carpet
- 1.7 7. Determine the Nap Direction
- 1.8 8. Use the Carpet Tape
- 1.9 9. Place the Patch Down and Blend
- 1.10 10. Patch the Donor Area
- 2 Conclusion
1. Get the Equipment and Materials Ready
You would need to get the required equipment and materials for the job. They include; a seam roller or an old comb, carpet knife or utility knife, donor carpet, double-sided carpet tape (adhesive), small remnant carpet to fix the donor area.
2. Assess the Damaged Carpet
Carpet patching works adequately at small, localized spots that are ripped, worn, charred, or stained beyond repair. It works more adequately in areas that are 1 square foot or less in size and are not numerous. If the damaged carpet involves a large section or various parts, it is best you re-carpet the entire area.
3. Find the Donor Carpet
While using donor carpets, it is best to use the exact type of carpet as the damaged area. Patches made with any other carpet type would contrast; even patches related in color or pile would be evident. Try to be on the lookout for unused remnants of the carpet.
Search thoroughly around your home for unused carpet remnants because they provide the most decent donor. You may find these remnants In your attic, garage, or basement. You can also buy these remnants from a store.
If you can’t buy or find remnants, you might consider cutting small pieces of existing carpets from concealed areas of your home. Places like clothing closet, furnace closet, under staircases, under the furniture you intend not to move, under beds, or under the desk.
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4. Mark the Damaged Section
Use a capped pen to mark out a square around the damaged area. Press the equipment into the carpet, in-between the tufts, and drag it. This helps restrict the tufts and reduces the number of tufts that would be pulled out.
5. Cut Out the Damaged Section
Using a utility knife, cut the carpet through the lines of the square. Avoid cutting out tufts; cut out only the backing. Prudently pull off the area of the carpet. If a carpet texture is attached, cut it, but don’t pull it out.
6. Obtain the Donor Carpet
Pick the pieces from the damaged area and place the pieces over the donor carpet. Use the damaged pieces as a measurement to cut out the perfect size with a capping pen. Like the former step, cut out the donor carpet and avoid cutting out the tuft. Cut out only the backing.
7. Determine the Nap Direction
The carpet is wired so that its nap runs in only one direction. Place your hands over the carpet and feel it to know where the nap lies in the carpet. Ascertain the direction of the donor piece also. Place the donor piece in the right order beside the area you will fix it, and make sure it does not move.
8. Use the Carpet Tape
Carpet tape is extremely sticky and has adhesive on both the top and rear. Since it is highly sticky, carpet tape presents only one chance to glue it down. If you glue it to the wrong area, it is best to yank it off and discard it. Then start with a new one.
Read: Tape that won’t damage floors
9. Place the Patch Down and Blend
Place the carpet patch down directly over the carpet tape. Press it firmly in the right place.
Using the carpet roller, dry cloth, or comb, run through the carpet in all directions to blend the patch with the remnants of the carpeting.
Pay close attention to the edges, do not work or pull on the edges too hard to avoid pulling off valuable edge tufts.
10. Patch the Donor Area
This part is optional. If the donor area is not visible, it is unnecessary to patch it. But in a case where you find the need to patch it, repeat the process above with a well-fitting carpet.
Read: How to get wrinkles out of carpet
Conclusion
If the carpet is not severely torn or the damage is not widespread, the best action to take is to patch the carpet immediately. We carefully outlined the proper steps on how to patch the carpet, follow them and have yourself a nice and even carpet.