Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. Made from engineered stone, quartz countertops are praised for their durability, low maintenance, and resistance to scratches, stains, and heat. However, like any surface, quartz countertops are susceptible to damage over time. One of the most common issues that can arise is a deteriorating finish on the countertop. Understanding what causes this and how to remove the damaged finish is key to restoring the look of your quartz countertops.
What Causes Finish Damage on Quartz Countertops?
There are a few potential culprits when it comes to damaging the finish on quartz countertops:
Heat Exposure
Excessive heat from pots, pans, and other hot items can damage the finish on quartz. The resin that gives quartz its polished look is susceptible to heat damage. Sitting hot pots and pans directly on the surface can scorch and dull the finish over time.
Sun Exposure
Like other materials, quartz is vulnerable to UV ray damage from sunlight. Quartz contains resins that can fade, yellow, or brown when exposed to prolonged sunlight. This is especially problematic around a kitchen sink near a window.
Etching Agents
While quartz stands up well to acids, prolonged exposure to acidic foods and chemicals can etch the surface. Things like vinegar, lemon juice, and bleach can wear down the finish.
Abrasive Cleaners
Using abrasive cleaners and scouring pads to clean quartz can progressively scratch and cloud the finish. Quartz is durable but still prone to surface damage from repeated scrubbing.
Normal Wear and Tear
Basic daily use of your countertops will wear down the finish over time. Surface contact from kitchen tools and appliances, water splashes, cleaning, and more can degrade and dull the polished finish.
How to Remove Damaged Finish from Quartz Countertops
If you notice dull, etched spots or overall cloudiness in your quartz counters, the finish likely needs removed and re-polished. Here are the main options for renewing the surface luster:
Sanding
Using progressively finer grit sandpaper can buff out minor finish damage on quartz. Start with a 400 grit paper to smooth the surface. Move up through 600, 800, 1000, and 2000 grits for achieving a polished look. Always sand in a consistent direction along the length of the countertop. Make sure to carefully clean and dry the surface between sanding with different grits.
This manual sanding method works best for small damaged areas. For resurfacing larger sections or whole countertops, a power sander is more efficient. Use a random orbital sander at low speeds for the best control and finish. Move through the same range of grits starting from 400 up to 2000. Take precautions against breathing quartz dust when sanding.
Diamond Pads
Diamond polishing pads can restore shine in a similar fashion to sandpaper without scratching the surface. Diamond hand pads for wet sanding are a good option for DIY repairs on a budget. Use a three step process with coarse, medium, and fine grit diamond pads to re-polish the finish.
For whole countertop refinishing, diamond grinding power tools are the professional standard. A variable speed buffer with diamond polishing pads can re-finishquartz surfaces with dramatic results. This does require an investment in equipment and experience to operate correctly. Consider hiring a countertop pro for best results.
Refinishing Chemicals
Specialty countertop refinishing products exist that chemically strip and renew the protective finish. Products like Giani Countertop Paint Kit provide a protective new finish for worn and damaged countertops of all materials. This involves cleaning, light sanding, applying paint primer, painting on the finish coat, and finally sealing the surface. It allows a DIY approach for full resurfacing.
Re-Sealing
Having your quartz countertops professionally re-sealed can provide a refreshed finish. Technicians apply a new layer of penetrating sealant that restores the glossy polished look. This avoids the mess and labor of refinishing for those seeking a quick fix. Re-sealing costs a fraction as much as total resurfacing.
Professional Refinishing
For the most thorough results, hire a countertop refinishing company. Experienced crews have the specialized tools and expertise to grind down, smooth, polish, and re-seal your countertops. Refinishing pros can make badly damaged quartz look brand new again. This service comes at a price but delivers a flawless finish.
Step-by-Step Guide for DIY Quartz Finish Removal
With the right techniques and tools, refinishing smaller areas of damaged quartz countertops is feasible as a DIY project. Follow these key steps:
Clean the Surface
Start by clearing dust, grease, and grime that can interfere with refinishing results. Clean with a gentle quartz-safe cleaner, not abrasive chemicals. Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely.
Mark Defects and High Spots
Identify any chips, cracks, etching, and stains needing extra attention. Also mark any obvious high spots or unevenness. Mask off walls, backsplashes, and other surfaces not being refinished.
Sand With Increasingly Fine Grit
Start sanding the surface in consistent circular motions with 400 or 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper. Apply firm but even pressure. Sand until defects are removed and the surface appears uniformly dulled. Vacuum dust between steps. Move to 800 grit, then 1000 grit for a smooth honed finish. For high polish, continue sanding progressively up to 2000 or 3000 grit. Rinse away all dust when finished.
Clean Again
Thoroughly wash the countertop with clean water to remove every trace of sanded residue. Allow to dry fully. Wipe down with rubbing alcohol to eliminate oils left from handling.
Seal and Shine
Apply 2-3 thin coats of food-safe countertop sealer, allowing 30 minutes drying time between. Remove any excess sealer immediately with a cloth. Buff the surface with a soft pad once fully cured to reveal the renewed high shine finish. Avoid use for 24 hours after sealing.
With patience and care, these simple refinishing steps can restore the original beauty of your quartz countertops. Seek professionals if unsure about attempting a DIY resurfacing project. And take measures to protect your refreshed finish by using trivets, limiting harsh cleaners, and sealing annually. With proper maintenance, you can avoid repeating intensive finish removal too often.
FAQ About Removing Finish from Quartz Countertops
Some common questions about removing damaged finish from quartz countertops include:
Can I use a Magic Eraser to remove finish from quartz?
Magic Erasers are too abrasive for regular use on quartz finishes. The melamine foam can damage the surface over time. For occasional spot cleaning they may be safe, but avoid scrubbing too aggressively.
What household items can remove finish from quartz?
Baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide are sometimes suggested as DIY quartz finish removers. However, these can etch and pit the surface. It’s best to stick to proper sandpapers, diamond polishing pads, and refinishing compounds designed for the task.
How do you polish a quartz countertop?
Use wet sanding with a progression of 400 – 3000 grit sandpapers and diamond polishing pads. Clean the surface thoroughly between sanding steps. Finish by sealing and buffing for maximum shine. Be cautious not to sand too aggressively and damage the quartz.
Can I use a power sander to refinish quartz?
Yes, a random orbital power sander on a low speed setting can safely resurface quartz when used properly. Move up through the grit range starting from around 400 grit. Avoid holding it in one place too long to prevent uneven sanding. Wear a respirator to avoid breathing in fine quartz dust.
Should I hire a professional for quartz countertop refinishing?
For DIYers tackling limited areas like etching or scratches, self-refinishing quartz is achievable. Extensive damage or whole countertop refinishing is better left to the pros with specialized tools and training. Their expertise delivers optimal results, but costs considerably more.
How long does a quartz countertop refinishing last?
With proper care, an intensive professional refinishing can last 5 years or longer before needing re-done. DIY jobs may require spot sanding and re-sealing more often as skills are limited. Use trivets, seal annually, and clean with non-abrasive quartz cleaners to maximize finish longevity.
Can I use a countertop finishing kit to renew my quartz?
Yes, DIY quartz countertop finishing kits like Daich Coatings and Giani provide materials to regrind, smooth, and reseal worn quartz surfaces. This allows renovating the finish at a fraction of pro refinishing cost. Just be prepared for an involved process best suited for smaller areas.
Rejuvenating a deteriorating finish is possible for both professionals and motivated DIYers. With a deliberate refinishing process and routine maintenance going forward, your quartz countertops can stay looking like new for years before needing another intensive resurfacing treatment.
Removing Damaged Finish from Quartz Countertops – The Bottom Line
Damaged finish on quartz countertops is an eyesore, but doesn’t mean your counters are beyond help. With some elbow grease and the right tools, removal and renewal of the worn finish is totally achievable. For small areas, a good sanding and resealing can restore the original shine. Extensive damage calls for a professional level resurfacing.
While a long-lasting material overall, the finish on quartz countertops does degrade over time with use, heat, sunlight and cleaning. By refinishing properly, you can repair this damage and enjoy years more of durability and beauty from one of the most practical countertop materials. With the satisfaction of a DIY job or quality results from the experts, bringing back the flawless finish on your quartz is a smart investment.