Quartz countertops are an incredibly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. Made from ground quartz particles combined with resins and pigments, quartz offers an attractive, low-maintenance, and durable surface. However, even quartz can lose its luster over time. If your quartz countertops start to look dull or scratched, you may be wondering – can you re-polish quartz countertops to restore their original shine?
What Causes Quartz Countertops to Lose Their Shine?
There are a few factors that can cause quartz countertops to appear worn and lose their polish:
Daily Wear and Tear
The simple act of preparing meals, setting down dishes, and going about your daily routines can slowly dull the surface of quartz over time. Acidic foods and spills that aren’t wiped up quickly can also etch or stain quartz.
Improper Cleaning
Using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing too aggressively can gradually scratch and diminish the polish. Quartz is very hard, but not totally invincible against damage.
Sun Exposure
Sunlight and UV rays can slowly degrade and discolor natural stone counter surfaces. Though quartz is more fade and heat-resistant than marble or granite, prolonged sun exposure can still weather quartz over time.
Can You Restore the Polish on Quartz Countertops?
The good news is that it is possible to re-polish quartz countertops and restore their like-new gleam. However, it does require using the proper techniques and quartz-specific polishing products.
Here are your options for renewing the polish on worn quartz countertops:
Re-Polishing Kits
There are several quartz countertop renewal kits available from brands like maintenance and restoration products online. These kits contain a mild abrasive quartz polish and buffing pad. When used properly, they can remove minor scratches and restore gloss. Kits run $50-$100 and do require some elbow grease.
Professional Re-Polishing
For best results, consider hiring a professional quartz restoration service. They have commercial equipment and polishing compounds designed specifically for quartz. This achieves a deeper, more even rejuvenation of the factory polish. Expect to pay $100-$200 for professional re-polishing.
Full Re-Finishing
In cases of severe damage, a full re-finishing may be required. This involves mechanical grinding and re-polishing of the entire quartz surface. Professionals will remove a thin layer of the quartz material to eliminate deep scratches and stains before polishing it back to the original finish. This more intensive process costs $300-$500.
Tips to Keep Quartz Countertops Shiny
To minimize the need for restoration, be sure to properly care for your quartz counters from day one:
- Always use a mild soap and soft cloth for cleaning. Avoid abrasive cleansers.
- Rinse spills immediately to prevent etching. For stubborn stains, use a non-acidic cleaner designed for stone.
- Use trivets and hot pads under hot pans to prevent scorching.
- Re-apply a surface sealer every 1-2 years for added protection.
- Clean up spills rapidly to prevent stains from setting. Use a specially formulated quartz cleaner, not anything acidic or abrasive.
With proper care and occasional re-polishing as needed, your beautiful quartz countertops can maintain their luxurious polished shine for years before needing a full re-finish. So yes, you can absolutely restore the luster and elegance of worn quartz surfaces!
Frequently Asked Questions About Re-Polishing Quartz Countertops
Can I re-polish quartz myself or do I need a professional?
You can re-polish minor dullness and scratches yourself using a store-bought quartz polishing kit. But for best results on moderate to severe damage, hiring a professional with specialized equipment and experience is recommended.
How often should I re-polish my quartz countertops?
With proper daily care, quartz should only need re-polishing every 3-5 years. If your counters see unusually heavy use, re-polish more frequently as needed to restore the gloss.
Will re-polishing remove stains from my quartz?
Shallow stains can be minimized, but deep set-in stains may require a full re-finishing if polishing alone doesn’t remove them. Preventing stains with prompt cleaning is key.
Is there a difference between re-polishing and re-finishing quartz?
Re-polishing involves using abrasive buffing compounds to renew the surface shine, while re-finishing entails mechanically removing a thin amount of the quartz and re-applying the polish.
Will my quartz look like new after re-polishing?
In most cases, re-polishing restores the original gloss and color. But if damage is severe or etching/staining has occurred, a full re-finish may be needed to achieve a brand new appearance.
Conclusion
While durable, quartz countertops can lose their luster over the years with regular use. To restore their gleaming polished finish, re-polishing and re-finishing services are available. With proper maintenance and care, periodic re-polishing can keep your quartz surfaces looking almost as flawless as the day they were installed. Taking steps to maintain their shine will help you enjoy the beauty of quartz countertops for years to come.