Quartz countertops provide you with a material that gives you the luxe beauty of granite or marble. But it comes at a teeny fraction of the price, making it a wildly popular option among homeowners.
In the factory, engineers combine ground quartz (93% silicon dioxide) with resins, polymers, and pigments (7%) in the production process. In the end, you get a material that is non-porous and hard. Additionally, quartz is highly resistant to stains. But it is not entirely scratch-resistant, with scratches more visible on some colors than others, like black.
Black countertops give your kitchen a bold and modern look, and it is vital to have scratch repair tips handy, so you can keep their vibrance. If you like having a black quartz countertop but are unsure how to design your kitchen around it, click here for some ideas. And if you do experience scratches on your quartz countertop, there are effective ways to treat them at home. In this article, we will be discussing some of the repair measures that you can do yourself.
Six Simple Steps to Scratch Repair for Your Quartz Countertops
Here is an effective way to remove scratches from the quartz countertop:
1 – Clean The Surface
Before starting the repair process, ensure the surface is clean. You can use soapy water and a cloth to clean the areas, especially where the scratches are. After that, dry the countertop using a dry cloth. Before going to the next step, you need to ensure that the surface is complete.
2 – Feel In The Scratches
You can fill the scratches with resin filler as they already contain polymer and resin binders. Ensure that you only use products that are safe to be used in quartz materials. However, if you cannot find the right material, you can use super glue or two parts epoxy in small amounts.
This step is focused on covering the deep scratches on the quartz. Use a syringe to fill the gaps; make sure you get as much filler inside as possible. Allow the filler to cure overnight and scrape off the excess once it is dried. When removing the excess, hold your blade at a 45-degree angle to protect against any further scratches on the surface.
3 – Polishing The Surface
At this stage, you have to make sure that the material you choose does not create any more scratches on the surface. Generally, polishing products contain a lot of abrasive materials of progressively finer grits. Coarser grits are used to remove scratches from the surface. And, you need to choose the polish, which has finer grit to bring back the color and sheen of the countertop.
4 – Removing The Scratches
Pour a big dollop of coarsest polishing compound on the counter surface and spread across using a polishing pad at a variable-speed grinder. Polish the entire surface at the lowest speed while applying light pressure. This will ensure that you generate enough heat to get the job done and protect the resin from melting. Once you are done using a squeegee, remove all the excess compound and wipe the surface with a soft cloth.
5 – Restoring The Shine
You need to use a new pad for this polishing step; make sure it is a felt pad instead of a wool one. You can get a powdered compound that you can use just before the final stage. Moreover, you will also need water to wet the surface as you polish. Make it a point to remove the compound from the surface before going in with the next set. Once you have to pour the final compound, wipe down the countertop using clean water.
6 – Before Repairing, Check Your Warranty
Before you start the repair process, check whether the warranty on the countertop is still active. There may be chances that a part of the required repair steps may not be included in the warranty. So make sure to read the terms carefully before contacting the manufacturer.
How To Protect Your Quartz Countertop From Scratches
Here are some practical ways to protect the quartz countertop from scratches:
1 – Never Use Harsh Cleaners And Pads
Abrasive pads and cleaners can create scratches on the quartz, so avoid them altogether. There are better ways to keep your countertop in good condition. Abrasive pads are rough around the edges, so they can create marks on the surface when you scrub with them.
2 – Do Not Drag Over The Quartz Counter
You do not want to test the strength of the quartz countertop by dragging kitchen appliances over it. Pointy edges or the heavyweight of the kitchenware can cause dents on the counter. Additionally, ceramic pots can also cause damage to your counter, so you need to pay special attention to them.
Instead of dragging the pot, raise it up and place it in the desired location. You should completely avoid ceramic pots on the quartz for better protection. You can use a trivet so that there is material protecting your quartz surface from ceramic pots.
3 – Use A Cutting Pad
Quartz offers high resistance to scratch, so people tend to cut the food directly on the countertops. But when doing this, you risk scratches you do not want to do. You should not cut your meat and veggies directly on the quartz countertop; instead, use a cutting board. It will ensure no direct contact between the knife and the surface.
4 – Clean Off the Sandy Grit
If you find any sandy grits on the countertop, clean it off immediately. Leaving them on the counter will result in scratches, particularly when you apply pressure. And when you are cleaning the grits, be gentle; you do not want to apply pressure and create scratches.
5 – Clean Your Countertop
Quartz only needs little maintenance, and if you do not know properly, the appeal of the countertop will never fade. Use a damp washcloth to clean the countertop regularly. Moreover, you can use mild soapy water to remove stains and keep them free of dust. Once you are done, dry the surface using a microfiber cloth. Check the countertop at eye level to see no stains that might have blended in.
How Much Money Will You Save by Repairing Versus Replacing?
This engineered material is more affordable than its natural stone cousins–marble and granite. However, the cost of replacement varies wildly by region. To research pricing, start by searching the term quartz countertops near me and find a local dealer. They will need to know the measurements to give you a close estimate.
Regardless of the many factors, repair should be the more manageable option.
The Bottom Line on Performing Scratch Repair on Your Quartz Countertop
Quartz is a strong material that lasts for many years with little maintenance. But some accidents and improper use can cause scratches on the surface. Thankfully, you do not have to spend a lot of money to get this treated. Above is a simple method to treat scratches on your countertop without breaking your bank.
She has a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education/English and a Spanish Minor. In addition, she holds a Certificates in Natural Health and Herbology from accredited programs. She pursued these natural wellness certifications due to her love for herb gardening.
Despite freelancing to make a living, her love is "all things home."
Deborah grew up in a family that grew a large vegetable garden and a fruit orchard, helping her parents pull weeds and can home-grown foods as part of her childhood. In fact, she had no idea that she could purchase veggies and fruits in pre-packed steel cans until she went to college and made a food run.
Today, she lives in Bertie County, North Carolina, an agricultural rural area with more chickens than people. She lives with her husband and two rescue pets a sweet toy fox terrier and a cat who showed up one day and moved into the house. Together, they enjoy DIY projects, furniture refinishing, gardening, and canning.
