Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for modern kitchens and bathrooms. Made from ground quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments, quartz offers a durable and attractive alternative to natural stone countertops like granite and marble.
One of the touted benefits of quartz is that it requires very little maintenance compared to other countertop materials. But even quartz can become damaged or worn over time. So an important question for quartz countertop owners is: can you restore quartz countertops?
The short answer is yes, you can restore quartz countertops in many cases. While quartz is extremely durable, it is not impervious to damage. With the right techniques and products, many common quartz countertop problems like scratches, stains, and dullness can be improved or removed.
Read on to learn all about restoring quartz countertops, including:
What Causes Quartz Countertops to Become Damaged?
Quartz countertops are engineered to be highly scratch, stain, heat, and impact resistant. But they are not completely invincible. Here are some of the most common causes of damage to quartz counters:
Scratches
While quartz resists scratches better than other natural stones, it can still become scratched over time. Light surface scratches are the most common issue. Deeper gouges are less likely but can occur.
Common causes of quartz scratches:
- Cutting directly on the countertop
- Dragging pots, pans, and appliances across the surface
- Not using a cutting board
- Harsh cleaning tools like scouring pads
Stains
Quartz resists stains from common kitchen substances like wine, coffee, and oil. But it is still possible for stains to occur after prolonged exposure.
Staining can happen when:
- Spills are not cleaned quickly
- Strongly pigmented substances sit on the surface
- Cleaners strip the protective finish
Dullness
Over time, the glossy sheen of a quartz countertop may diminish. This is often due to a buildup of dust, cooking film, and cleaning chemical residues.
Cracks and Chips
While less prone than other materials, quartz can crack or chip if subjected to significant impact. Dropping a heavy object on a countertop edge is a common cause.
Heat Damage
Exposing quartz to excessive heat can damage the solid surface and resin binders. Cracking or discoloration near cooking zones may indicate heat damage.
Other Damage
- Etching from highly acidic substances
- Damage to seams or joints
- Damage around sinks or faucets
- General wear over many years
With proper care and maintenance, quartz countertops can look like new for years. But inevitable wear requires many homeowners to restore their counters at some point.
How to Tell if Your Quartz Countertop Needs Restoration
Quartz countertops can develop damage gradually over time. So it may not always be obvious when restoration is needed. Here are some signs that a quartz counter could benefit from renewal:
- Visible light scratches across the surface
- Stains that don’t disappear after cleaning
- Loss of glossy shine and luster
- Noticeable nicks, cracks, or chips along edges
- Discoloration in certain areas
- Wear around high-use zones like sinks
- A generally dull or mottled appearance Conducting a thorough inspection under lighting from different angles can help identify issues. If you notice any of these warning signs, restoring the quartz can help it look like new again.
Can You Repair Quartz Countertops Yourself?
For homeowners wondering can you restore quartz countertops yourself, the answer is a qualified yes. Some minor damage like superficial scratches can absolutely be improved with DIY methods.
But more intensive restoration for issues like deep scratches, extensive staining, and dullness will require professional help. Quartz repair kits sold online and in home improvement stores work well for minor damage. But intense restoration is best left to trained technicians.
Here is an overview of what types of quartz countertop damage an average DIYer can and cannot repair at home:
What You Can Repair Yourself:
- Light surface scratches
- Isolated minor stains
- Some chips and cracks along edges
- Slight loss of shine
What Requires a Professional:
- Deep scratches and gouges
- Extensive staining
- Damage around seams and joints
- Signs of heat damage
- Multiple cracks, pitting, or etching
- Restoring shine over a large surface area
The necessary tools, skills, and techniques involved in thoroughly restoring a quartz countertop make professional assistance a better choice in many situations. But let’s look at what DIY methods can improve your quartz countertops.
DIY Methods to Restore Quartz Countertops
For quartz owners wondering can you restore quartz countertops yourself, here are some effective DIY techniques:
Cleaning
A thorough deep clean is the first step in any DIY quartz restoration project. Use a gentle countertop cleaner and soft cloth or sponge to clear dust, dirt, stains, and residues from the surface. This can restore some shine and make other defects more visible.
Polishing for Scratches
Light buffing with a soft cloth can reduce the appearance of minor scratches and abrasions. Use a circular polishing motion. Try a specially formulated quartz polish first. If more cut is needed, move up to a fine automotive polish.
Take care not to apply too much pressure, which can create deeper scratches. Work in small sections until scratches diminish. Avoid coarse polishes that may leave new scratches.
Scratch Repair markers
These are colored crayons available online or at hardware stores that match popular quartz shades. Rub the marker over scratches to fill them and minimize visibility. Apply sparingly and wipe away excess. This won’t fix deep gouges but helps disguise surface flaws.
Heat Treatment for Chips
For small chips along countertop edges, a DIY heat treatment can minimize visual impact. Use a soldering iron or torch to carefully melt the quartz edge just enough to reflow the material into the chip. Caution is needed to avoid burning or discoloring. This won’t structurally repair the damage but makes it less noticeable.
Resealing
If stains appear between quartz seams, the joint sealant likely needs replacing. Carefully remove old sealant with a plastic scraper or putty knife. Clean the seam fully then apply a bead of color-matched quartz seam sealer. Smooth with a tool and wipe away excess.
Wax or Sealant
Applying a protective wax or sealant can help restore a uniform luster and provide stain resistance. Use a product specifically designed for quartz rather than a generic stone sealer. Follow label directions to gently rub over the entire surface.
Professional Quartz Countertop Restoration
For quartz owners considering can you restore quartz countertops, hiring a professional is advisable for anything beyond minor damage. Quartz countertop fabricators and restoration companies have specialized skills and equipment to renew counters without harming the material.
Here are some of the tasks professionals can provide:
Repair Kits
Some companies offer quartz repair kits using proprietary fillers that can permanently mend chips, cracks, and surface holes. After cleaning and drying the area, the filler is worked into the defect and shaped to blend seamlessly. Once cured, it can be sanded and polished smooth.
Scratch Removal
Technicians have access to diamond-embedded polishing pads and grinders that can carefully abrade out all but the deepest scratches. This also restores the quartz’s factory sheen. The process is like sanding wood – taking off microns of material to eliminate light damage.
Stain Removal
For stubborn stains that household cleaners can’t touch, pros often use benzyl peroxide poultices. These chemical pastes are applied over the stain and covered with plastic. After 24 hours, the peroxide draws out and bleaches the staining.
Refinishing
Refacing involves smoothing over the existing quartz surface with new engineered quartz material. This resurfaces the countertop for a total refresh. It can remove all scratches, stains, and wear, but is only an option if countertops are thick enough to be shaved down.
Seam Repair
Damaged joints and seams can be refilled with permanent, color-matched materials. The original caulking is removed, then the void is filled with adhesive or a fused quartz blend to reinforce and renew the seam.
Heat Damage
Marks from hot pans sometimes permanently scar quartz. Skilled technicians can minimize their appearance by sanding down the discolored area and carefully polishing with radial arms. This abrades away the damaged top layer.
Resurfacing
For counters with extensive damage, some companies can fabricate a new thinner quartz veneer and adhere it over the original. This provides a total facelift at a fraction of replacement cost. Best for older counters with multiple issues.
Professional quartz restoration can make tired counters look factory-fresh again. Be sure to hire an experienced technician to avoid any harm to the material. Costs vary based on servic3es needed but are generally less than full replacement.
How Much Does It Cost to Restore Quartz Countertops?
The cost to restore quartz countertops depends on the size of the workspace, type of damage, and restoration methods used. Minor DIY repairs cost very little. Professional restoration ranges $100 – $500 or more.
Here are typical average costs for various quartz restoration techniques:
- Polishing and scratch repairs – $2 – $5 per square foot
- Stain removal – $5 – $10 per square foot
- Refinishing – $10 – $30 per square foot
- Resurfacing – $50 – $100 per square foot
- Full replacement – $80 – $150 per square foot
Factors like severe staining, patterned edges, colored quartz, and intricate backsplashes can increase restoration costs. Get in-person estimates for exact pricing for your counters. Weigh costs vs replacement to determine the best value.
How to Prevent Needing Quartz Countertop Restoration
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to quartz counters. Following good care and maintenance practices can significantly delay or avoid the need for restoration:
- Use cutting boards, hot pads, and trivets to protect surfaces
- Avoid harsh cleaners and scouring pads
- Blot spills quickly and clean regularly
- Wipe cooking residue and water frequently
- Install a sink-front protective barrier
- Don’t place hot pans directly on quartz
- Apply a penetrating sealer every 1-2 years
- Inspect for damage twice yearly and repair promptly
With proper preventative care, quartz can retain its original beauty and function for many years before requiring restoration. But when damage does occur, know that restoring quartz countertops is very feasible for extending their lifespan.
FAQs About Restoring Quartz Countertops
Can you remove scratches from quartz yourself?
Light surface scratches can be minimized by buffing and polishing. Use a quartz polish, automotive polish, or whitening toothpaste. But take care not to create deeper scratches with excessive pressure. Deep gouges require professional help.
Does vinegar stain quartz?
Pure vinegar won’t stain quartz counters. Its acidity can etch or dull the surface if left to sit. But a mild vinegar cleaning solution is fine if rinsed promptly. Prolonged contact with colorants or impurities in some vinegar types may stain. Test first.
Can you use Magic Eraser on quartz?
Yes, Magic Eraser sponges can be used to remove some marks on quartz. Gently rub stained areas and avoid heavy pressure. Rinse and dry thoroughly after cleaning. Repeated frequent use in one spot can dull the surface.
Can quartz countertops be sanded?
Light sanding can help smooth some surface damage on quartz. Use fine 120+ grit sandpaper and minimal pressure to carefully buff out light scratches. Don’t sand deeply into the material. Hire a pro for best sanding results without causing more damage.
Does heat damage quartz?
Excessive heat can damage quartz resins resulting in cracks, discoloration and loss of gloss. Prolonged exposure above 300°F is the main concern. Always use trivets and hot pads under cookware and appliances. Immediately wipe any spills.
Can you bleach quartz countertops?
Yes, dilute bleach solutions are safe for cleaning quartz surfaces. Mix a 50/50 bleach and water solution. Limit contact time to 5 minutes before thorough rinsing. Full strength bleach may discolor some quartz varieties. Always test first.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning and preventative care goes a long way in keeping quartz counters looking pristine. But damage inevitably occurs after years of use. Light surface wear can often be repaired DIY. But heavy restoration will require hiring a professional quartz fabricator or specialist. Their specialized tools and skills can restore quartz to like-new condition.
Renewing a worn quartz countertop costs a fraction of full replacement, making restoration an economical option. With the right methods and materials, the answer to can you restore quartz countertops is a definitive yes for extending their beauty and longevity. With a restored quartz surface, it may feel like you have a brand new kitchen or bathroom again.