Quartz countertops are durable and low-maintenance, but they can still get scratched over time. Fortunately, there are a few easy methods to repair minor scratches on quartz. With a little bit of effort, you can restore the appearance of your quartz countertop.
What Causes Scratches on Quartz?
Quartz is very hard and resistant to scratches, but it is not completely invulnerable. The main causes of scratches include:
- Using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads
- Cutting or chopping on the countertop
- Dragging heavy, hard objects across the surface
- Accidental impacts from objects like pots, pans or tools
Scratches can range from superficial marks in the surface resin to deeper grooves that expose the quartz aggregates underneath. The good news is that most scratches can be repaired with the right techniques and products.
Cleaning and Preparing the Surface
Before attempting to repair any scratches, start by thoroughly cleaning the countertop to remove any dirt, grime, grease or residue. Use a non-abrasive quartz cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid any abrasive pads or powders.
Once the surface is clean, carefully inspect the scratches. Minor surface scratches may be polished out using fine grit sandpaper. Deeper scratches will require filling with a quartz repair compound.
Make sure to dry the surface completely with a clean, soft cloth before proceeding with repairs.
Repairing Minor Scratches
For light surface scratches, start by using a 220 grit sandpaper to gently sand the affected area using small circular motions. Take care not to sand too aggressively.
Step up to a 400 grit sandpaper for finer polishing. Finish by rubbing the sanded area using a 1500 grit sandpaper to blend and restore the smooth factory finish.
Be sure to keep the sandpaper constantly moving to avoid creating deeper divots. Thoroughly vacuum up all sanding dust when finished.
Filling Deeper Scratches
For deeper scratches exposing the quartz aggregates, you’ll need to fill the grooves using a colored quartz countertop repair kit. These kits come with compounds designed to match the color and texture of quartz.
Start by thoroughly cleaning and drying the scratched area. Apply masking tape on both sides of the scratch to keep the filler in place.
Mix a small amount of filler putty as directed on the kit. Use a putty knife to fill and pack the filler firmly into the scratch, leaving it slightly mounded.
Allow the filler to dry completely. Then use a razor blade to carefully scrape off excess dried filler until it’s flush with the surrounding countertop.
Finish by using 220 grit sandpaper to blend the edges until smooth and uniform. Wipe away all sanding residue. The filler should now appear blended into the quartz.
Polishing the Repaired Area
Once all scratches have been filled and sanded, use a buffing pad attached to a variable speed polisher to restore the polished sheen. Work in circular motions applying light to medium pressure.
For best results, start with an 800 grit buffing pad, followed by 1500 grit and finally 3000 grit to achieve a glassy polished finish.
Take care not to overheat or burn the surface when polishing. Keep the pad constantly moving.
Finally, thoroughly clean the countertop again with quartz cleaner and a soft cloth. The scratch repairs should now appear seamless.
Preventing Future Scratches
To keep your quartz countertops looking pristine, follow these important precautions:
- Always use cutting boards for food prep. Never cut directly on the quartz.
- Avoid dragging pots, appliances or other objects – lift them instead.
- Never use abrasive scouring pads or powders which can damage the surface.
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining.
- Use trivets or hot pads under hot pots and pans.
- Select non-abrasive quartz-safe cleaners.
With proper care and occasional polishing, minor scratches on quartz can easily be repaired to restore its original beauty and luster. But prevention is key to maintaining a flawless quartz countertop surface.
Frequently Asked Questions About Repairing Quartz Countertop Scratches
Can I use automotive buffing compound to polish out scratches?
No, avoid automotive compounds. Use only quartz-specific polishing pads and compounds designed for use on engineered stone. Automotive buffing products can stain or damage quartz.
How deep of scratches can be repaired on quartz?
Minor surface scratches less than 0.2 mm deep can be polished out. Deeper scratches up to 2 mm can be filled with quartz repair kits. But extensive chips or gouges may require professional resurfacing.
Will homemade scratches repairs work on quartz?
It’s best to avoid DIY filler like epoxy or polyester resin. These won’t match the factory finish. Invest in a proper quartz repair kit matched to your specific color.
Can I just use nail polish to fill small quartz scratches?
Nail polish or appliance touch-up paint is not a good solution. It won’t adhere or withstand heat/cleaning. Use a colored putty from a quartz scratch repair kit for a seamless fix.
Is there a difference between repairing quartz and natural stone?
Yes, quartz requires specialized compounds and techniques different than natural stone repairs. Do not try to use stone repair products or methods on engineered quartz surfaces.
Conclusion
Quartz countertops are prone to scratches over time but with the right tools and techniques, most damage can be repaired successfully. Try sanding and polishing for minor scratches, or filling deeper grooves with quartz repair kits. With some patience and effort, you can restore the flawless factory finish. Follow the proper maintenance steps to help prevent future scratches. Your quartz countertop can continue looking like new for many years.