Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. Made from engineered stone, quartz offers an attractive, low-maintenance, and durable surface. However, even quartz requires occasional polishing to keep it looking its best. You may be wondering if you should tackle quartz polishing yourself or hire a professional. Here is a detailed overview on the pros and cons of DIY versus professional quartz polishing to help you decide.
What Does Polishing Quartz Countertops Involve?
Polishing quartz countertops is a multi-step process that involves:
- Deep cleaning the countertop to remove dirt, debris, grease, and stains
- Using progressively finer grit diamond polishing pads, starting with 50-grit and going up to 3000-grit
- Applying a polishing compound to buff the surface to a smooth, glossy shine
- Sealing and protecting the polished surface
The polishing process removes fine scratches and restores the quartz to a like-new condition. How often polishing is needed depends on the amount of use and abuse your countertops see, but a yearly polishing is recommended for most homeowners.
Pros of DIY Quartz Polishing
Polishing quartz yourself has some advantages:
It’s more affordable. Professional polishing can cost $100-150 or more, while you can purchase DIY polishing kits for under $60.
It allows you to work on your schedule. No waiting around for an appointment when you decide to polish it yourself.
You can polish small areas as needed. Touch up only the most used sections instead of the whole countertop.
As long as you follow the steps correctly, you can successfully polish your quartz. But there are some downsides to weigh as well.
Cons of DIY Quartz Polishing
Doing it yourself does come with some disadvantages:
It’s time consuming. Expect the polishing process to take several hours, especially for large countertops.
You need to purchase or rent equipment. At minimum you’ll need a variable speed polisher and polishing pads. A shop vacuum is also very helpful.
It requires physical effort. Working the polisher over a large surface can be tiring, especially for older individuals. Quartz slabs are also heavy, making them awkward to lift for undercounter access.
Mistakes can happen. Applying too much pressure or the wrong pad can damage rather than polish the surface. Most DIYers don’t have the experience to fully restore etched or heavily damaged quartz.
Results may not be perfect. Achieving a professional-level, glossy finish is difficult without the right tools and skills.
For many homeowners, the advantages of hiring a pro outweigh the cost savings of DIY.
Benefits of Professional Quartz Polishing
Hiring a professional quartz restoration company has some notable upsides:
It saves time. A pro with commercial equipment can polish the entire slab quickly and efficiently. No need for you to devote a whole day or weekend to do it yourself.
They have specialized tools and products. Pros own or rent commercial auto-rotary tools that attach to large polishing pads covering the entire slab. They also have access to professional-grade polishing compounds and sealers for optimum results.
It guarantees quality results. Experienced technicians know the exact polishing techniques and sequences needed to reveal a flawless, glossy finish. They are also skilled at removing etched marks and blemishes.
No physical exertion is required. The pros handle all the heavy lifting and effort needed to polish every inch of your countertop surface.
Your kitchen stays clean. The pros contain the mess and dust from the polishing process and thoroughly clean up when done.
Additional services may be included. Some companies also offer quartz sealing and maintenance to keep your counters looking pristine longer.
For most homeowners, hiring a professional takes the hassle out of quartz polishing while delivering outstanding results well worth the investment.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pro
Not all quartz polishing pros are equal when it comes to experience and services. Before choosing a company, ask:
- How long have you been specifically polishing quartz surfaces? Look for at least 5 years of experience.
- Do you offer additional services like sealing and conditioning? Multi-step services enhance longevity.
- What brands of polishing pads and compounds do you use? Quality commercial-grade products lead to better results.
- Do you have references from recent quartz polishing jobs I can call? Reputable companies will provide references.
- Will you thoroughly clean and vacuum the area after polishing? Clean-up services should be included.
- Do you guarantee your work? Reputable pros will guarantee satisfaction with the results.
Taking the time to find an experienced, reputable quartz polishing company is the best way to ensure your countertops will look like new again.
How Often Should Quartz Countertops Be Polished?
Quartz is an extremely hard, durable surface that resists scratches and heat. But no material is impervious to wear and tear. How often you should polish depends on:
- Amount of use – Counters in busy kitchens need polishing more frequently than vanity tops seeing limited use.
- What is placed/spilled on the surface – Acidic foods and chemicals etch quartz over time, necessitating more frequent polishing.
- Desired shine level – Polishing removes small swirl marks and restores gloss. Annual polishing maintains optimal appearance.
- Severity of scratches/damage – Light surface scratches can be polished out. But deep gouges require a professional resurfacing.
A good rule of thumb is to have your quartz professionally polished every 9-12 months. Schedule annual polishing to keep quartz counters gleaming like new.
Caring for Quartz Countertops Between Polishings
To maximize the time between professional polishing sessions:
- Use cutting boards and trivets to protect the surface from knives and hot pans.
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining.
- Routinely clean with a mild soap and soft cloth or sponge.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners and pads that dull the surface.
- Reseal your counters every 1-2 years using a marble and granite sealer.
With proper care, beautiful quartz countertops will maintain their good looks and only require occasional professional polishing.
Conclusion
While DIY quartz polishing is possible for small areas, most homeowners are better off hiring a professional to restore the glossy finish on all their counters. Pros have the right tools, products, and expertise to efficiently polish quartz to a brilliant shine. Investing in professional polishing every year or two eliminates the hassle of doing it yourself while keeping your quartz counters looking their very best. Be sure to ask for references and find an experienced quartz pro to deliver outstanding results. With regular professional polishing and care, your beautiful quartz counters will continue looking like new for many years.