Finishing the edges of a quartz countertop provides a clean, attractive look and helps prevent chipping or damage. Proper edge finishing is an important final step when installing quartz countertops. With some basic tools and techniques, you can achieve smooth, polished edges for your quartz countertop.
Selecting an Edge Profile
When finishing a quartz countertop edge, you first need to decide on the edge profile. The edge profile refers to the shape of the finished edge. There are several common options:
Eased or Beveled Edge
An eased or beveled edge is angled slightly to create a small flat surface at the very edge. This simple clean finish works well for a modern or contemporary kitchen. It minimizes sharp corners.
Bullnose Edge
A bullnose edge has a rounded, convex shape. This is a popular choice for softer, more traditional design styles. It has a nice substantial feel underhand.
Half Bullnose Edge
The half bullnose edge has a short bullnose top followed by a flat bottom section. This combines the rounded appeal of a full bullnose with the practicality of a flat underside.
Ogee Edge
An ogee edge has an elegant s-shaped curve. It provides a decorative finish for high-end kitchens.
Dupont Edge
The Dupont edge has a small radius top, angled side, and flat bottom. It adds protection with a streamlined appearance.
Consider the overall look you want for your kitchen or bath when choosing an edge profile for your quartz countertop. Softer profiles like bullnose or ogee complement traditional spaces, while beveled or Dupont are better for contemporary styles.
Preparing the Edges
Once you have selected the desired edge profile, you can prepare the quartz countertop edges for finishing. Proper preparation is crucial for achieving the best results. Follow these steps:
Clean the Edges
Carefully wipe down all edges of the countertop using denatured alcohol on a clean cloth. This removes any dirt, grease, or debris left over from fabrication and installation. Edge finishing works best on a perfectly clean surface.
Mark Defects
Inspect the edges closely and mark any small defects using a pencil. This includes any chips, cracks, or uneven spots. You will repair these defects during the finishing process.
Apply Edge Sealer
Apply a thin coating of edge sealer to all sides of the countertop edges using a small foam brush. Edge sealer fortifies the edges and prevents staining or absorption of the finishing products. Allow sealer to dry completely.
Prepare the Work Area
Cover the countertop surface with rosin paper or plastic sheeting to protect it from splatters. Absorbent shop towels should also be handy to wipe up any drips. Prepare all finishing products and tools so they are ready to use.
With proper cleaning, inspection, sealing, and setup, you can move onto actually finishing the edges.
Smoothing Rough Edges
Quartz countertop edges may have small chips, unevenness, or roughness after being cut and installed. These defects need to be smoothed out to create clean, polished edges. This can be achieved through:
Sanding
Use 150-220 grit sandpaper wrapped around a sanding block to gently smooth rough spots. Sand in circular motions keeping the sanding block flat against the edge surface. Avoid rounding over sharp corners. Wipe away sanding dust frequently.
Filling Small Chips
For small chips in the edges, fill with a paste of quartz dust from fabrication mixed with edge sealer. Apply paste to fill chip and allow to dry completely. Then sand smooth. Larger chips may require glue and shims.
Leveling Uneven Sections
Use the sanding block to carefully sand down any uneven or high sections. Check frequently with a straightedge to ensure edges are flat and aligned. Sand minimal material to prevent rounding the sharp corners.
Be patient and methodical in smoothing edges by sanding. Take your time and frequently check results to avoid over-sanding. Smooth edges are vital for applying an even finish.
Applying the Edge Finish
Once all edges are clean, sealed, and smooth, you can apply the finishing material to create the desired edge profile. Products commonly used include:
Polyester Resin
Mixed with hardener, polyester resin can be troweled onto the edges to build up the desired shape. For example, apply to the bottom to create a bullnose profile. Resin cures smooth and glossy.
Acrylic Solid Surface
Edge finishing blend made for solid surfaces can also be used on quartz. Match the color. Trowel on and shape as needed with profiles. When cured, sand and polish.
Two-Part Epoxy
Specialty epoxy finishing products provide adhesion and shaping ability. Build up edge profile and allow proper cure times between coats. Sand and polish when fully hardened.
Applying the finish requires some skill and practice in troweling on an even layer and carefully shaping the profile as it cures. Sanding and polishing will refine the finish further after full cure. Remove any drips promptly.
Sanding and Polishing
Once your chosen edge finishing product has fully cured, sanding and polishing are critical final steps for achieving a smooth, glossy edge. This process involves:
Sanding to Smooth
Use 220 grit or finer sandpaper to smooth away any imperfections in the cured finish layer. Sand by hand or with a random orbital sander. Be very careful around corners.
Polishing Compound
Apply polishing cream designed for quartz countertops to the edges with a soft pad. Rub compound thoroughly over all edge surfaces using consistent pressure.
Buffing to Shine
Use a power buffer fitted with a felt polishing pad to buff the edges to a glossy shine. Maintain even pressure. Keep the pad flat to avoid rounding over edges.
Cleaning
Carefully clean all residue of polishing compounds from the countertop edges. Wipe with a soft cloth dampened in warm water.
With proper sanding and buffing, you can achieve factory-quality polished edges on your quartz countertop installation. The finished edges will have a smooth glossy finish.
Edge Finishing Tips and Tricks
Finishing the edges on a quartz countertop involves some nuances and helpful techniques. Keep these tips in mind:
- Work slowly with finish products to prevent drips.
- Allow proper cure times between coats when building up layers.
- Always keep edge profiles, corners, and lines sharp. Avoid rounding over edges.
- Maintain a clean workspace and wipe any drips promptly.
- When sanding, use light pressure and check frequently to prevent over-sanding.
- Edge finishing products can be tinted to match quartz colors.
- For bullnose edges, build up the bottom first, then shape the round profile.
- Practice finishing on scrap pieces first to perfect your technique.
- Carefully smooth the transition where countertop edges meet walls for a seamless look.
With some care, the right process, and useful tips, you can achieve professional-looking finished edges on your quartz countertops. Smoothly finished edges will enhance the beauty of your countertops.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It is easy to make mistakes that ruin the look of your quartz edges. Being aware of these common errors will help avoid problems:
- Forgetting to clean, seal, and prepare edges – can lead to poor adhesion or staining
- Applying finishes unevenly – can create visible inconsistencies
- Dripping finishing product on countertop surface – requires repair to avoid staining
- Rounding over sharp corners when sanding – ruins the crisp defined edges
- Under-curing finishing products – causes imperfections and roughness
- Over-sanding edges – makes them uneven and wavy
- Not smoothing the transition at walls – creates an obvious seam line
- Using cheap unformulated finishing products – gives poor results
- Attempting to remove all gloss – diminishes the vibrancy of the material
With care and patience, you can avoid these mistakes. Follow the best practices outlined above for smooth quartz edges.
When to Call a Professional
While DIY finishing of quartz edges is certainly possible for many homeowners, some situations call for hiring a professional fabricator or installer:
- Very large countertops where working room is limited
- Complex edge profiles like ogee or triple bullnose
- Severe chips, cracks, or damage requiring expert repair
- Little experience working with liquid finish products
- No access to proper tools like power buffers
- Need to match tricky custom quartz colors and patterns
- Time constraints that require faster experienced work
Do not be afraid to call in a pro if the project is beyond your skill level or tools. Professionals have the expertise to finish edges flawlessly.
Maintaining Finished Edges
Once the edges are smoothly finished, simple maintenance will keep them looking great. Avoid chemical cleaners and scouring pads. For routine cleaning, use a soft sponge or cloth with warm water and mild soap. Immediately wipe up any spills to prevent staining. Regular application of quartz polish enhances the glossy finish. Inspect edges periodically for any signs of damage. Learning how to properly finish the edges on your new quartz countertops will allow you to achieve durable, attractive, professional results. With the right materials and techniques, you can create clean, smooth edges to showcase your new quartz surface. Take the time to properly finish the edges, and your countertops will maintain their sleek polished appearance for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Finishing Quartz Edges
Finishing the edges of quartz countertops involves some unique considerations. Here are answers to some of the most common questions that arise:
Can I finish the edges myself or do I need a professional?
In many cases, DIY finishing can produce great results if you have the right materials, patience, and attention to detail. For complex jobs, hiring a pro may be best.
What supplies do I need to finish quartz edges?
Common supplies include edge sealer, trowels, finishing product (resin, solid surface, epoxy), sandpaper, polishing pads & compound, shop towels, gloves & respirator.
Should I use a different product than the countertop manufacturer recommends?
It’s best to use the product recommended by the manufacturer as it’s formulated to bond with that specific material. Generic products may not cure properly or adhere well.
Can I finish just a small section of damaged edge rather than all edges?
For best results and consistent appearance, finish all edges evenly. Spot finishing risks color variation.
How long does the finishing process take?
With proper prep, applying finishes and curing can take 2-3 days. Sanding and polishing adds another day or two. Rushing can ruin the results.
How do I add a built-up edge like bullnose?
Build up the shape by applying multiple layers of finishing product, allowing proper cure time between layers. Sand and polish when fully cured.
What grit sandpaper should I use?
Use 150-220 grit papers for initial smoothing. For final sanding before polishing, 400-600 grit is ideal to refine the surface.
How long will the finished edges last?
With proper care, finished quartz edges should hold up for many years without needing refinishing. Avoid hard blows which can chip edges.
Conclusion
Finishing the edges on a new quartz countertop is an important final step to achieve a seamless, integrated appearance. With careful preparation, applying the right finishing products, proper sanding and polishing, and avoiding common mistakes, you can attain smooth, durable, attractive edges. Well-finished edges will enhance your enjoyment of your new quartz countertops for years to come. Employ these best practices for safely finishing the edges to a high standard of quality and appearance.