Quartz countertops are very popular nowadays due to their durability and versatility.
The quartz that is being used as kitchen and bathroom countertops is a type of engineered stone. Unlike granite (which is a natural stone and another popular countertop stone variety), it is not made out of 100% stone. In fact, only 90% of it is quartz that has been ground up and mixed with 10% resins and pigments.
Quartz is a natural occurring mineral found in many types of rocks. These minerals are ground as fine as sand or as large as pebbles in order to create attractive patterns.
These pieces of quartz are combined with resin and depending on the color, other pigments and minerals are added in as well. Quartz can even be made to look like natural stone.
The mixture is then poured into a mold which will then be compressed inside a vacuum space where more than 100 tons of pressure are applied. The next step is to cure the slab at a very high temperature. This will completely solidify the mixture. Finally, the surface is sealed to protect it for as long as it lasts.
Can you scratch quartz countertops?
Yes, you can.
Quartz counters are often marketed to be scratch resistant. However, it is not as highly resistant to scratches as you may believe. It is true that quartz countertops are not as easy to scratch, but with enough force, scratches can appear. But overall, quartz surface is a sturdy stone countertop that can withstand a lot of wear and tear in the kitchen with little evidence.
There are things to consider before you repair a scratch on quartz countertop. One of the first and most important is to check the terms of your warranty. Some procedures that may be part of the repair might void your warranty. Make sure to take the few minutes needed to read through your terms.
After reviewing your warranty, make sure you have a safe working area by clearing off any container or utensil from the quartz countertop. Also, take the time to clean the countertop by whipping it with a cloth damp with soapy water. You can take this as hitting two birds with one stone.
Once cleaned, assess the severity of the scratch and look for any other types of damage on the quartz countertops. If the job seems more than you can handle, seek professional help.
Next, you want to prepare all the materials and tools needed for the job. Safety is our main priority. Make sure you have safety goggles, working gloves, and a facemask handy. You will be handling potentially dangerous chemicals to fix scratches, so make sure to protect yourself.
The pieces of equipment needed for the job will be a razor blade, a speed grinder, and polishing pads. The materials you will need are quartz formulated resin or epoxy, polishing compound, and microfibre towels.
Check our another post on how to care for quartz countertops to keep them in pristine condition.
There are two procedures that you can employ depending on the severity of the damage. Light or fine scratches can usually be fixed by buffing and polishing, while deeper scratches might need to be filled with epoxy or resin. One of the ways to determine if they are heavy scratches is by softly running your fingernail over the surface. If it catches your fingernail, the quartz scratch may already be too deep to buff out.
Despite the care and attention your give to your stone countertops, it may still get scratched. The good news is that most small scratches caused by regular use can be buffed off. Here are some steps in ridding your quartz countertops of light scratches and restoring its brand new look.
One of the first things to secure is the type of polish to buff the scratches with. The best way to go is to look for quartz formulated buffing or polishing compounds.
You would then want to apply a half dollar size of the polishing compound on the area being repaired. Make sure you attach the buffing pad securely to the grinder. The recommended speed is at 2800 RPM. You would want to make sure that you only apply light and even pressure while buffing. Remember that your quartz countertop is partly resin. Prolonged hard and heavy buffing might actually cause the resin to melt.
Start from the lowest grade of polish, and then work your way up. Make sure that you remove any residue of the polish and replace pads before moving to a higher grade.
After completing the task, wipe off any compound on the surface, and admire your work.
Similar to buffing, make sure the area is cleared off of any items and wiped clean with soap water. Take a few moments to assess the depth of the scratches. While you’re at it, make sure to inspect the rest of the countertop to look for other scratches you might not have noticed before.
Next, make sure the resin filler or epoxy filler you will be using is suited for your type of quartz countertop. The best way to do this is to check with your manufacturer. There are also colored fillers in the market. The thing is, you will need to perfectly match the color of your countertop to ensure a job well done. A mismatched filler might actually make the scratch stand out even more.
Fill the scratches with epoxy or resin and allow the filler to stand for 24 hours. Some manufacturers might require more time to set, so make sure you check. Once set, scrape off the excess so that the filled portion matches the level of the surrounding area. Use a razor blade and gently graze the surface at an approach angle of 45 degrees. Wipe off any loose material and admire your work!
If replacing your countertops is the only option, check our portfolio to admire our quartz projects and make your choice.
There are few steps you can take to prevent scratches from forming in the first place:
Quartz is a very hard material that can last a long time with minimal care and maintenance. With the right handy household skills and a little bit of knowledge or research, a job that can potentially cost hundreds of dollars can be done for free at home. Help restore your precious quartz countertops without shelling out hundreds of dollars.
DIY projects are not for everyone, however. Plus, some countertops have so many signs of damage that multiple fixes simply don’t make sense. In scenarios like these, we recommend refreshing your kitchen with new countertops altogether.
For any natural stone supplies and installation services, reach out to us at Granite Selection. We are a leading supplier of high-quality natural stones in the Chicagoland area. Our team is headquartered in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, and we service the 70-mile radius around this area. To learn more about how we can fulfill your natural stone needs for your home or business, give us a call at (888) 906 3317 or fill out your information online.https://graniteselection.com/specials/quartz/
Do you have questions about granite or quartz countertops in Chicago?
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