What You Need
- Safety gear – gloves, goggles, mask
- coarse grit sandpaper (60-80 grit)
- Medium grit sandpaper (120-150 grit)
- Fine grit sandpaper (220+ grit)
- Buffing pad or polishing attachment for drill
- Polish cream or solution
- Clean cloths
- Painter’s tape
- Dustpan and brush
Step 1 – Prepare the Workspace
- Clear the countertop of everything removable.
- Tape off edges with painters tape to prevent scuffing.
- Have a vacuum ready to pick up dust.
Step 2 – Sand With Coarse Grit Sandpaper
- Start sanding with 60-80 grit sandpaper.
- Sand in a circular motion evenly across the edges.
- This removes any heavy pitting or deep scratches.
- Vacuum up the quartz dust regularly.
Step 3 – Sand With Medium Grit Sandpaper
- Move to 120-150 grit sandpaper.
- Continue sanding in small circular motions.
- Smoothens out coarse sanding marks.
- Vacuum regularly to remove all dust.
Step 4 – Sand With Fine Grit Sandpaper
- Use 220+ grit sandpaper.
- Lightly sand entire edge to blend previous sanding.
- This leaves the surface smooth and uniform.
- Wipe and vacuum again.
Step 5 – Polish the Edges
- Attach buffing pad to drill.
- Apply polish cream/solution to pad.
- Buff edges using medium speed.
- Use smooth, consistent motion.
- Reapply polish as needed.
Step 6 – Remove Residue and Tape
- Take a clean, dry cloth and wipe all residue off.
- Carefully remove painters tape.
- Clean the countertop surface.
Tips
- Always sand in direction of grain and never across.
- Begin sanding gently and increase pressure as needed.
- Check smoothness between grits to avoid over-sanding.
- Work in sections for best control and consistency.
- Change buffing pad often for best results.
Polishing quartz countertop edges takes time and elbow grease but yields gorgeous results. With some basic tools and these steps, you can restore the factory finish of your quartz edges. Be sure to work methodically and safely. Enjoy your revamped countertops!
Frequently Asked Questions About Polishing Quartz Countertop Edges
What grit sandpaper should I use for polishing quartz?
Start with a coarse 60-80 grit sandpaper to remove heavy scratches. Then use medium 120-150 grit to smooth it out. Finish with a fine 220+ grit sandpaper to create a uniform surface for polishing.
Can I use a handheld sander instead of sandpaper?
Yes, you can use an orbital hand sander for efficiency. Just be sure to keep it moving constantly to avoid uneven sanding. Use the same grit progression.
How long does the polishing process take?
It takes 2-4 hours typically depending on the amount of countertop area. Work in manageable sections for best results. Take your time as rushing can ruin the polish.
What is the best polish to use on quartz?
Look for polish creams designed specifically for quartz. Brands like Gel-Gloss and Hope’s Perfect Countertop make excellent polishes. Avoid wax-based polishes.
How often should I polish my quartz countertops?
With proper daily care, quartz only needs polishing every 2-3 years. Polishing restores the smooth surface and removes etch marks that develop over time from use.
Can I polish just one section of countertop?
It’s best to polish and buff the entire countertop edge to ensure an even finish. Spot polishing a section will make it look different than the surrounding areas.
What causes quartz countertop edges to lose their polish?
Over time, use of the countertops causes small scratches and dullness. Quartz is very hard, but not completely impervious to etching from knives, pots, etc. Proper cleaning can prolong the original polish.
Can I polish the flat surface of my quartz countertops?
It’s not recommended. The polished finish is only on the edges. Sanding or polishing the flat surface can actually damage it.
Conclusion
Polishing quartz countertop edges is a straightforward process but requires time and care. By following the proper grit sandpaper progression and using a buffing pad with polish, you can restore the sleek factory finish. Just be sure to work in sections, vacuum regularly, and take the needed safety precautions. With some elbow grease, your quartz edges will shine like new again.