Quartz countertops are a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability, aesthetics, and easy maintenance. However, like any surface, quartz can become scratched, etched, or lose its luster over time. The good news is that quartz can often be repaired and restored to like-new condition with the right techniques and products. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to properly repair and polish quartz countertops.
Assessing the Damage
Before attempting to repair quartz, you need to assess the type and extent of damage:
Scratches
- Shallow scratches can often be buffed out through polishing.
- Deeper scratches may require filling with a specialty quartz filler product.
Etching
- Caused by acidic foods and chemicals. Appears as a rough, dull spot.
- Can be difficult to repair but may be improved through polishing.
Loss of Shine
- Normal wear and tear causes quartz to lose its factory sheen over time.
- Can be restored through a simple polishing procedure.
Carefully inspect the quartz and determine what type of damage is present before moving forward with repairs.
Cleaning Prior to Repair
Thoroughly clean the entire quartz surface before attempting any repairs:
- Use a non-abrasive quartz cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge.
- Rinse well and let fully dry.
- This will allow you to better assess the damage and remove any waxes or residues.
Proper cleaning is imperative for the repair process to be effective.
Repairing Light Scratches
For light surface scratches that do not catch your fingernail, polishing is often sufficient:
Supplies Needed
- 1500-3000 grit wet/dry sandpaper
- Buffing compound or polish made for quartz
- Soft polishing pad or cloth
- Water
- Masking tape (to protect surrounding surfaces)
Steps
- Tape off edges around area to be polished.
- Wet the 1500 grit sandpaper and gently sand in a circular motion. Apply light pressure.
- Wipe away any residue and dry surface completely.
- Apply buffing compound to pad and polish with circular motions until scratch disappears.
- Rinse away compound and dry surface.
- Repeat process with 3000 grit sandpaper if needed.
Take care not to over-sand, which can damage the surrounding surface. Thorough rinsing and drying is key between steps.
Repairing Deeper Scratches
For more severe scratches that catch your fingernail, a quartz filler product is generally needed:
Supplies
- Filler product specifically formulated for quartz repairs
- Putty knife or applicator
- Sandpaper (1500-3000 grit)
- Buffing pad and compound
- Tape, water, soft cloths
Steps
- Clean and fully dry the damaged area.
- Apply masking tape around the scratch to protect surrounding surface.
- Follow filler product instructions to mix and apply into the scratch, overfilling slightly.
- Allow filler to cure fully (usually 24-48 hours).
- Once cured, use 1500 grit sandpaper to level and smooth filler flush with surface.
- Rinse away all sanding residue. Let dry completely.
- Polish with buffing compound until smooth and uniform in sheen.
- Carefully remove all tape.
The filler product will bond permanently to the quartz. Take your time sanding and polishing for optimal results.
Improving Etched Areas
For dulled, rough areas caused by etching:
Supplies
- 1500-3000 grit wet/dry sandpaper
- Buffing pad and polish
- Soft cloths
- painter’s tape
Steps
- Thoroughly clean and dry the etched area. Apply tape around area.
- Gently wet sand with 1500 grit in circular motions to smooth and hone surface.
- Rinse away all residue. Thoroughly dry.
- Follow with 3000 grit sandpaper if needed.
- Apply buffing compound and polish with pad until uniform in appearance.
- Remove tape. Rinse and wipe clean.
While etching damage cannot be fully removed, this process can often reduce the visible impact. Take care not to over-sand surrounding quartz.
Restoring Loss of Shine
For quartz that has simply lost its luster from normal wear and tear:
Supplies
- Quartz polish or buffing cream
- Soft polishing pad, buffing cloth, or very fine (4000 grit) sandpaper
Steps
- Clean the entire quartz surface thoroughly.
- Apply polish to pad or cloth and rub over surface using circular motions.
- If using sandpaper, sand gently and evenly across entire surface.
- Keep buffing/polishing until the desired uniform sheen is achieved.
- Rinse away any residue and wipe surface completely dry.
Re-polishing is a simple, effective way to revive the quartz’s original shine and appearance.
Preventing Future Damage
To help your quartz countertops stay looking their best:
- Use cutting boards and trivets to protect from scratches and etching.
- Clean up spills quickly, especially acidic substances.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
- Apply a quartz sealer every 1-2 years for added protection.
With proper care and occasional polishing, quartz countertops can stay looking beautiful for many years. Repairing damage right away keeps it from becoming worse or permanent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best products for polishing quartz?
Look for polishes and compounds specifically formulated for quartz. Top brands include Gel-Gloss, GranQuartz Polish, and Bonastre. Avoid wax-based polishes.
Can I use a power polisher/sander for buffing quartz?
Yes, but only if you use a very light touch. Aggressive power tools can damage the surface. Hand application with a buffing pad is safest.
Will homemade remedies work to polish away scratches?
Home “remedies” like baking soda or vinegar should be avoided. They can react adversely with the resin in quartz. Use specialty quartz products only.
How do I know if a scratch needs filler or can just be buffed out?
As a rule, if you can catch your fingernail on the scratch, filler is needed to smooth it away. Very shallow scratches will buff out.
Is it okay to polish the entire quartz surface, not just damaged areas?
Absolutely! Uniformly polishing the entire countertop restores an even finish and sheen. Just take care not to over-polish any one area.
Conclusion
While quartz countertops are very durable, they can become scratched, etched, or lose their factory polish over time. With the proper tools and techniques, these surfaces can often be repaired and restored to like-new condition. For light surface scratches, polishing is generally sufficient to buff out defects. For deeper scratches, a quartz-specific filler product is recommended to fill in the damage before sanding smooth and polishing. Restoring the overall shine can be done by simply polishing uniformly across the entire surface. With some time and effort, your quartz countertops can be returned to their original flawless, glossy state.