Polishing the edges of your quartz countertop can help restore its beauty and give it a finished, professional look. With some simple supplies and techniques, you can achieve a polished edge right at home.
What You’ll Need
- Quartz polishing pad – A soft pad specifically designed for polishing quartz.
- Diamond polishing compound – Look for a compound in the 3000-5000 grit range for polishing.
- Variable speed polisher – This gives control over the polishing speed.
- Eye protection – Safety glasses to prevent debris getting in your eyes.
- Dust mask – To avoid breathing in quartz dust.
Cleaning and Inspecting the Edges
Before polishing, properly prepare the countertop edges:
- Clean the countertop thoroughly with a quartz cleaner or mild soap and water. Rinse well and let dry completely.
- Inspect the edges closely and look for any chips or cracks. Avoid polishing over damaged areas as it can worsen the problem. Small chips can be repaired prior to polishing.
Begin Polishing the Edges
Follow these steps for a smooth polished finish:
1. Apply the Compound
- Put on safety glasses and a dust mask before polishing.
- Apply a small amount of diamond polishing compound directly onto the quartz polishing pad.
- Spread it evenly across the surface of the pad. You only need a thin layer.
2. Set the Polisher Speed
- Start at a slow speed of about 1500 rpm. Slow polishing is safest for countertops.
- Keep the speed slow when working on vertical edges. High speeds can cause the polisher to slip off the edge.
3. Polish the Edges
- Hold the polishing pad flat against the quartz edge. Apply light to medium pressure.
- Work the polishing pad back and forth in a straight line along the length of the edge.
- Do overlapping passes until you have polished the entire edge surface.
- Take care on the corners. Avoid rounding them over.
- Clean the edge frequently to check your progress.
4. Increase the Speed as Needed
- If the edge has fine scratches remaining, step up the speed to 2000-2500 rpm.
- Continue polishing using straight, overlapping motions until achieving the desired clarity.
- Take care to avoid excessive heat buildup on the edge at higher speeds.
5. Final Polishing
- Reduce the speed back down to 1500 rpm or lower.
- Do a final polish over the edges to refine the surface. Use light pressure.
- Thoroughly clean off all residue with a soft cloth when complete.
Tips for Best Results
- Work in sections for easier handling on long countertop edges.
- Change polishing pads often to avoid clogging and overheating.
- Rinse pads frequently to remove built-up residue.
- Avoid applying too much pressure, which can create heat damage.
- Take your time. Polishing requires repetition and patience for that professional shine.
- Consider hiring a countertop pro for polishing if uncomfortable DIYing this project.
With some care and effort, you can successfully polish your quartz edges at home. The results are well worth it, restoring your countertop’s crisp, clean factory finish and gorgeous looks. Be sure to keep edges properly sealed after polishing. Enjoy your revitalized quartz countertops!
Frequently Asked Questions
What grit pad should I use to polish a quartz edge?
Use a 3000-5000 grit diamond polishing pad designed specifically for polishing quartz and engineered stone. This finer grit range helps create a smooth polished finish on the edges.
Can I use a hand-held polisher instead of a variable speed one?
It is best to use a variable speed polisher with different rpm settings. This allows you to start slowly and safely on edges before working up to higher speeds as needed. Hand-held polishers run at a constant high speed that can be risky.
Is any special aftercare needed for polished edges?
Be sure to keep the polished quartz edges properly sealed with a stone sealer. This prevents staining and etching from daily use. Reapply sealer every 1-2 years. Also clean with quartz-safe cleaners only – no acidic or abrasive cleaners.
How often does a quartz edge need re-polishing?
With proper daily care and maintenance, polished quartz edges should only need re-polishing every 3-5 years in a residential kitchen. High-use commercial installations may need it more frequently. Any chips or etch marks can be spot polished as needed.
Can I polish just one section of my countertop edge?
It is best to polish the entire edge surface consistently. Polishing in patches can lead to an uneven appearance. Fully polish all edges for a uniform smoothness and shine. This also ensures an even seal over the entire surface.
Conclusion
Polishing the edges of a quartz countertop brings out its best appearance and prevents damage from everyday use. With some easy techniques and the right polishing supplies, you can refresh the edges in your own kitchen or bath for that smooth factory finish. Be sure to take safety precautions during DIY polishing. Your gleaming quartz edges will stay looking pristine for years to come.