How to Repair Scratches on a Quartz Countertop

Quartz is a non-porous material that comes in a wide array of colors and finishes, making it effortless to find the right slab for your home. Not only is quartz a beautiful addition to your home’s aesthetic, but it’s also incredibly durable.

These slabs’ composition is 93 percent ground quartz and 7 percent resins, pigments, and polymers, ensuring strength. However, regardless of how forgiving quartz may seem, it isn’t immune to damage.

Fixing scratches in quartz countertops doesn’t have to be a drawn-out, time-consuming process. As long as the damage isn’t too severe, you can repair a scratch on your quartz countertops yourself. Here is some advice on how to do so from our experts at Pro Stone Countertops.

Before You Start Fixing Scratches in Quartz Countertops

Before you begin the process of removing scratches from your quartz countertops, you’ll want to check on a few things first. To start, you’ll want to look into the warranty of your quartz to see if any of the repairs you’ll make will void it. If this is the case, you may want to reconsider your at-home repair to ensure your warranty stays intact.

In addition to looking over your warranty, you’ll also want to clean off your countertops thoroughly. Remove any decorative pieces on your countertops to give yourself access to every square inch of material. You’ll also want to use a damp cloth with warm water and soap to remove any grime accumulated on the surface.

As soon as the countertops are cleaned and prepped, take one more moment to examine the damage and determine whether you feel comfortable taking on the repairs yourself. If you feel too nervous or overwhelmed, we are more than happy to help.

Next, you’ll want to compile all of the necessary materials into one spot for your quartz scratch repair. Safety should always be your main priority, so don’t complete the task if you don’t have access to gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask to protect yourself from potentially harmful fumes and chemicals.

Other equipment to compile includes a sharp razor blade, polishing pads, and a speed grinder. You should also have some sort of quartz-formulated epoxy or resin and a polishing compound to complete the job. Don’t forget microfiber cloths, too!

How to Fix Scratched Quartz Countertops

Fixing scratches in quartz countertops may seem intimidating, but the process is simple and straightforward. The specific approach that you take depends upon the scratch itself. Surface-level scratches, for instance, can easily be filled with the right epoxy or resin you have on hand, while deeper scratches require a more aggressive treatment approach.

If you aren’t sure what type of scratch on your countertops, either light or deep, use your finger and gently rub over it. If your nail catches on the groove of the scratch, you may want to consider calling a professional to ensure you don’t cause additional damage.

Light Scratches

Despite your and your family’s best efforts, light scratches can accumulate on your quartz countertops. These scratches are nothing to stress about, as most can easily be buffed out with minimal effort.

Here are step-by-step instructions to help you feel confident in the process:

• Obtaining the right polish is half the battle in repairing a light scratch. Ideally, you’ll want to find a buffing compound that is specific to quartz’s formulation.
• Once you have the polish, squeeze out a golf ball-sized portion onto the area that needs repairing.
• Attach the buffing pad securely to the grinder. You’ll want to aim for a speed of 2,800 RPM.
• Use light, even pressure to buff out your scratch using the polish or resin. Be careful not to push down too hard for too long, as this can cause more damage and may even result in melted countertop resin.
• If necessary, you can upgrade to a higher-grade polish for areas giving you a challenging time. You’ll want to remove built-up residue from your countertops and switch buffing pads between grades as well.

Repairing light quartz scratches is as simple as that!

Heavy Scratches

Heavy quartz countertop scratches can also fix on your own, but they require a bit more preparation. Start by clearing off your quartz countertops the same way you would with a light scratch. Remove any large items and use a soapy water mixture to wipe your countertops down.

Using the right epoxy filler is especially important when filling deep scratches. To confirm that you are using the right material, you can talk to your manufacturer. The last thing you want is to purchase a filler that doesn’t perfectly match your scratch. This will only make it stand out more.

Once you have purchased the right filler, put it into the groove and let it sit for 24 hours before touching it again. This will give it enough time to dry thoroughly before you buff it out. After it has dried, carefully scrape away any excess material with your razor blade.

That’s it! Repairing your quartz countertops, even if the scratch is deep, is simple. The process can restore the look and functionality of your quartz countertops for years to come.

Tips to Avoid Scratches on a Quartz Countertop

To prevent additional scratches from developing in the future, keep these tips in mind.

• Never set hot dishes or pans directly onto your quartz countertops. Always use a hot pad for protection instead.
• Use a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water to wipe down your countertops regularly, and do so immediately after a spill occurs to prevent it from causing damage.
• Always use a cutting board instead of cutting directly on the countertops.

Conclusion

Filling both shallow and deep scratches in your quartz countertops is simple and straightforward, but we know not everyone may feel comfortable taking on such an important task.

If you’d prefer a professional to handle the project instead, reach out to us at Pro Stone Countertops. Our team has a combined 100 years of experience, and we always provide fast turnaround times on all of our projects. Plus, we use the latest design software on our projects to ensure our customers get the best quality results.

For assistance with repairing your quartz countertops or discuss a different project, get in touch with us today.