Quartz countertops are popular in many homes due to their durability, style, and low maintenance. However, like any surface, quartz can become scratched with daily use over time. Small scratches are inevitable, but there are ways to minimize, hide, or even repair scratches in quartz. With some effort, you can restore the original beauty of your quartz countertop.
What Causes Scratches in Quartz?
Quartz is very durable, but not completely scratch-proof. The main causes of scratches are:
- Sharp objects like knives or scissors sliding across the surface
- Pots and pans, especially if they have rough bottoms
- Granite, ceramic, or glass objects placed on the countertop
- Sand, dirt, and grit getting ground into the surface
- Poor cleaning habits like using abrasive pads or powders
Scratches can range from light surface marks to deeper gouges. The good news is even deep scratches can be repaired in quartz unlike natural stone.
Cleaning and Polishing for Light Scratches
If you have minor or superficial scratches, there are some DIY methods to reduce their appearance:
Clean with Soft Scrub
Gently rub a soft scrub cleaner like Soft Scrub with bleach over the scratch using a damp sponge or rag. The tiny abrasives can help buff out light scratch marks. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
Use Baking Soda
Make a paste of baking soda and water and lightly scrub over scratches. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can polish away surface level scratches. Rinse completely afterwards.
Try a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
These melamine foam blocks can act as fine sandpaper to wear down scratches. Slightly dampen and rub over the scratches in a circular motion. This can smooth and blend shallow scratches.
Polish with Car Wax
Use a buffing pad or soft cloth to rub a car wax product into light scratches. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes, then buff to a shine with a microfiber cloth. The wax fills in and masks tiny scratches.
Use Toothpaste
Squeeze a small amount of regular toothpaste onto a soft rag and rub it into the scratch using circular motions. Toothpaste contains silica which can act as a very mild abrasive on quartz. Thoroughly rinse the area when finished.
These simple methods work best for managing light surface scratches. But for deeper marks, further repair is likely needed.
Repairing Deeper Scratches
More severe scratches that catch your fingernail will require a more intensive repair process. Here are the steps:
Clean and Dry the Area
Use a granite cleaner and then a 50/50 mix of water and isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly clean and dry the scratched section. This provides the optimal surface for the repair resin to adhere.
Apply Colorant Dye
Choose a dye pen or marker that closest matches your quartz color. Shake the pen and then fill in the scratch by rubbing the tip back and forth over the length of the scratch. Apply enough dye to fill and cover the scratch fully.
Fill with Repair Resin
Use a quartz countertop repair kit resin to fill deeper scratches. Mix a small amount as directed and use a putty knife to press the resin filler firmly into the scratch, overfilling slightly. Remove excess.
Cure with UV Light
Shine the UV light included in the kit over the resin for the recommended time to harden it fully. Move the light slowly back and forth to ensure full curing.
Sand and Re-stain if Needed
Once fully cured, use 220 grit sandpaper to level and smooth the repair area. Sand in the direction of the scratch to blend. Reapply dye pen if needed to match the color.
Seal and Polish
Finally, wipe a thin layer of quartz sealer over the repair and surrounding area using a clean cloth. Buff to a uniform sheen using a soft pad. The scratch should now be repaired!
With the right supplies, you can fill and conceal even deep scratches in quartz yourself. Seek professional help for very large or extensive damage.
FAQs About Fixing Quartz Scratches
Can I use car paint in quartz scratches?
No, automotive paints are not designed for quartz and may not adhere or cure properly. Use a resin made specifically for quartz repairs.
What grit sandpaper is best for quartz?
Use 220 or 320 grit sandpaper in the direction of the scratch to smooth repairs. Higher grits over-sand the surrounding quartz.
How do I find the right color dye for my countertop?
Bring a small piece of your quartz to a hardware store to color match with dye pens. Quartz manufacturers also sell touch-up kits.
Should I seal my quartz countertop after repairs?
Yes, wipe a thin layer of penetrating quartz sealer over the repair and surrounding area for added protection.
Can I use super glue to fix a scratch?
No, super glue will not work well and may discolor the quartz. Use a specially designed repair resin for best, long-lasting results.
How long does quartz scratch repair resin take to cure?
Most resins cure fully in 5-15 minutes under UV light. Allow a full 24 hours before using the countertop to ensure hardness.
Can I buff out deep scratches with a power tool?
No, using aggressive buffing and grinding risks damaging the surrounding quartz. Filling and sanding by hand is safer.
What’s the difference between etching and scratching quartz?
Scratches remove quartz material while etching only affects the surface finish. Light etching can be buffed out but scratches require filling.
Can any quartz repair kit work on my Silestone/Caesarstone countertop?
Yes, most kits will work for any brand as long as the color dyes match closely. Always test in an inconspicuous spot first.
When to Call a Professional
While many scratches can be handled DIY, it’s best to call a professional fabricator for:
- Large, deep gouges wider than 1/4 inch
- Extensive scratching over a wide area
- Visible damage near seams or edges
- Poor color match with dyes and resins
- Lack of improvement from DIY methods
Special tools like grinders, routers, and professional resin fillers allow fabricators to repair even substantial damage generally not possible with home methods. Be aware that extensive repairs can be costly, sometimes rivaling replacement. Always get a detailed quote upfront.
How to Prevent Quartz Scratches
While no quartz surface is totally scratch-proof, you can minimize damage by:
- Using cutting boards, trivets and hot pads
- Never dragging pots, pans or appliances across the surface
- Cleaning up spills immediately to avoid gritty abrasion
- Selecting quartz with high hardness and density
- Choosing darker, patterned colors to hide marks
- Applying a penetrating quartz sealer every 6-12 months
- Daily cleaning with a soft sponge and mild soap
With proper care, your quartz countertops should stay looking beautiful for many years. But with the right methods, you can renew that factory-fresh shine when the inevitable scratches do occur over time.
Conclusion
- Quartz is prone to scratching from daily wear and tear over time.
- Light surface scratches can be minimized by cleaning, polishing, and using DIY methods.
- Deeper scratches need to be filled with a special quartz repair resin and colored to blend.
- Matching the existing quartz color closely is important for seamless repairs.
- Most minor repairs can be done successfully without professional help.
- But major damage may require a trained quartz fabricator.
- Taking steps to prevent scratches is the best approach for long-term quartz beauty.
Quartz countertops are meant to handle the rigors of busy kitchens. Knowing how to fix a scratch in quartz countertop yourself allows you to keep quartz looking its best for many years before replacement is needed. With the right techniques and patience, even noticeable scratches can become nearly invisible. So try these methods before despairing over damaged quartz!