Floor Tattooing Mark Repairs

Our skilled technicians at Konig can repair tattooing on timber floors, where rubber compounds leave permanent imprints on coated surfaces. Using expert techniques, we assess the severity of the marking and restore the floor’s original finish with minimal disruption.

What is Floor Tattooing?

How to Know If Your Floor Has Tattooing Damage

Tattooing in flooring refers to permanent markings caused by rubber items making contact with a coated timber surface. This occurs when rubber compounds penetrate the coating through solubility or diffusion, creating stains that range from light yellow to deep black over time. Common culprits include rubber furniture stoppers, tyres, and mats, particularly when exposed to weight, moisture, or heat. Unlike surface scratches, tattooing does not damage the coating itself but appears suspended within or beneath it. Early signs may be faint and transparent, becoming more pronounced with prolonged contact.

Common Causes of Tattooing

Tattooing can occur when certain rubber items remain in contact with a timber floor for an extended period. Some of these items include car tyres, furniture stoppers, rubber-backed mats, and hoverboard tyres.

Car Tyres

Instances of the tattooing effect have been observed where a soft compound car tyre has been in contact with a coated surface in areas such as a garage, car or tyre sales display, or where other forms of rubber tyre have been in contact with a floor.

Furniture Stoppers

Another common cause of tattooing is the rubber stoppers on tables and dressers, or other heavy furniture that is not moved regularly. Furniture moved regularly is less likely to facilitate this effect.

Rubber-Backed Mats

Rubber-based rugs and non-slip underlays have been responsible for instances of tattooing – suspected to be more prone when the item is wet while in contact with the floor surface.

Hoverboard Tyres

Tyres from hoverboards are a soft compound rubber, which have been observed to leave numerous marks or tattoos on timber floor – which were observed to appear in a shorter time likely due to the heating of the rubber tyres during use and facilitating a faster transfer of the rubber compound.

What We Know & How To Reduce The Risk

It is known that the effect of tattooing is related to direct surface contact between a soft compound rubber item and a coated timber surface, where a reaction occurs over a period of time. While it is difficult to identify all types of rubber that display a greater propensity to cause a tattooing effect, it is suspected that the potential for staining may likely be increased in the presence of heat (such as in the case of tyres), strong solvents or moisture from items being wet washed while in place (such as rugs). This effect is not directly related to the type of coating used or the application process; however, it is suggested that rubber items not be placed on a newly finished floor until after the manufacturer’s specified ‘full cure’ time. The risk of tattooing may be reduced by replacing the stoppers with an alternative, or by isolating the rubber by using different media between the rubber and the timber surface, i.e. felt or cork.

Floor Tattooing Repair Service

If the tattooing is discovered very early (when it is at its most transparent form) the surface may be lightly abraded and recoated to provide a reasonable return to the original appearance.

However, if the effect has progressed to an intensity such as that pictured in any of the instances in this information sheet, repair may likely require re-sanding to remove the tattooing effect. The required method of repair may only be confirmed after observing the result after abrading the top surface of the affected coating.

Contact Us For A Free Quote

We take pride in delivering high-quality repairs and expert solutions for tattooing damage on timber floors. If you're not completely satisfied, we'll work until you are, ensuring the best results for your home. Contact us today for a free quote.