Expert Tips for Repairing Kitchen Countertops
No matter how hard you try not to, kitchen countertops can be damaged, especially when you consider the amount of wear and tear these are exposed to, and the following tips will assist in repairing them to good condition.
10/08/2022
There are a variety of materials that are used for kitchen countertops and, while all these materials are durable, there may come a time when your kitchen countertops need touching up for minor repairs such as chips and dings. Knowing how to fix kitchen countertops means that you can purchase the correct materials for the repair and ensure a long-lasting repair that is recommended by the experts.
Here are the most common kitchen countertops and how to repair these:
Caesarstone Kitchen Countertops
Caesarstone kitchen countertops have achieved recognition as being one of the most durable countertop materials for a kitchen or bathroom but, like many other materials, they can still be damaged. If you have Caesarstone countertops in your home, it pays to know how to do minor repairs to extend the life of these countertops and we offer advice recommended by Caesarstone:
Prevention First
Like many other materials, quartz is durable but still susceptible to cracks and, in many instances, these can be prevented by taking certain precautions.
Always use heat protectors such as boards or trivets for hot pots and pans. Any surface can be damaged by excessive heat and not placing hot items on the countertop will reduce the possibility of damage.
Avoid tossing objects onto the countertop, items such as pots and pans, kitchen appliances, keys and such, as these can be the cause of cracks.
Inferior quality quartz countertops - not those supplied by Caesarstone - can crack when exposed to heat or cold. Avoid placing hot or cold (ice cubes) directly onto the surface.
Repairing Damage to Caesarstone Countertops
Caesarstone countertops are a costly investment and one that will enhance the value of a home. Keeping countertops in good condition is best done with the prevention first tips above but, in the event of any damage, knowing what damage is involved will ensure that you purchase the right materials for the job.
1. Clean before you repair
Cleaning around the damaged area is essential for repairs to last. Caesarstone recommends using acetone to clean in and around the damaged area and this evaporates as it dries.
2. Use painter's tape to mask off
You don't want the repair material on other parts of the countertop so be sure to mask off the area with painter's tape. Do not use masking tape as this does not have the same amount of tack.
3. Apply epoxy resin
Most epoxy resins are a 2-part formula that should be mixed well before application. It is better to apply the resin with a small plastic applicator or toothpick. If you are not able to obtain a tinted epoxy resin, opt for clear or see the tip below. Use the applicator or toothpick to gently force the resin into the crack. It is far better to build the resin up in layers than to fill the entire crack in one go. Immediately wipe away any excess adhesive before it has time to set. Allow 24 hours for the epoxy to cure before using the countertop.
TIP 1
If you need to tint clear epoxy resin this can be done with alcohol inks, or quality acrylic paints if you prefer a more affordable option - both are available at craft and hobby stores
4. Use epoxy putty
For small chips or dents around the edge of a quartz countertop, clean the surface before applying a 2-part epoxy putty. You can tint this to any colour using a small drop of oil paint. Follow the recommended instructions for use, adding the colour just before you apply the putty. Epoxy can be moulded into any shape, and you can wet your fingertips to do this before it sets hard.
moderngranitecountertops.co.za
Granite Kitchen Countertops
One of the strongest materials for kitchen countertops but that doesn't mean that they cannot be damaged. If a granite sealer is applied, these countertops will not stain. The main problem that can cause damage to granite countertops is not being installed correctly or insufficient support around overhanging edges. These areas can chip or break. The experts at Granite ASAP offer the following advice:
Repairing Damage to Granite Countertops
After the installation of granite countertops having them sealed professionally will ensure they are protected against stains. Because of the nature and look of granite, it is sometimes difficult to detect faults. Small pits and fissures in granite can occur, particularly around areas where there is insufficient support. Should any cracks or damage occur, it is imperative that this be repaired as quickly as possible to prevent it from progressing and ultimately compromising the entire countertop.
1. Clean before you repair
Use a mild non-abrasive cleaner to the damaged area and wipe dry with a paper towel. Wipe the area again with a paper towel dampened with acetone. Leave for about 30-minutes to ensure the surface is completely dry.
2. Fill cracks or fissures with clear epoxy resin
Epoxy resin is invaluable for repairing a wide range of materials, including granite countertops. Only mix a small amount at a time as the resin cures hard very quickly. Use a plastic applicator or toothpick to combine the 2-part resin and press the resin into the cracks or fissures and immediately clean away any excess.
3. Fix dents with epoxy putty
Just as with epoxy resin, epoxy putty can be used to disguise chips. Once ready to use, you can tint the epoxy with a small amount of oil paint (craft). Push the epoxy into the damaged area to bond with the surface and then wet your fingertips to shape the outside. If necessary, the repair can be sanded with 120-grit sandpaper.
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Marble Kitchen Countertops
The first thing to keep in mind when you need to repair marble countertops is to not believe everything you read on the Web. Some suggested repairs can cause even more damage. We asked Stone Sense to provide expert advice on fixing marble countertops:
Repairing Damage to Marble Countertops
1. Wax is the safest and easiest option
Because marble is a relatively soft material it is easily damaged by abrasive cleaners or acidic solutions. Some companies recommend that epoxy resin be used to fix cracks in marble while others strongly recommend the use of wax. The latter is far easier although it may need to be done regularly. Both epoxy resin and wax can be tinted to match the marble countertop, but it is almost impossible to get an exact match.
2. Hire a marble restoration or repair company
Marble can easily be damaged and, while minor repairs can be attended to, anything more than that should be dealt with professionally. There are expert marble repair and restorers that are trained to handle problems and that will also provide you with a warranty. It is far better to pay more for an expert repair rather than have to replace an entire countertop.
hgtv
Wood Kitchen Countertops
Wood countertops, while versatile, still require care and maintenance to keep them in good condition. Scratches and stains can be attended to, particularly from acidic liquids or chemicals such as bleach, etc. Below are a few tips to use when you need to repair or revitalise wood countertops:
Prevention First
Wood is a natural material that is porous and can easily be stained if no treatment is applied to the countertops and spills not dealt with immediately. There are also a few things to keep in mind to ensure long-lasting wood countertops.
1. Apply a food-grade sealer or wax
This will condition the wood and make it less prone to cracking or staining. Regular application will feed the timber and bring out the natural beauty. Ongoing protection will also reduce the possibility of scratching.
2. Use chopping or cutting boards
Make it a habit to use chopping or cutting boards rather than work directly on the countertop. While knife scratches can be removed, it requires quite a bit of work to do this, so prevention is a better solution.
3. Keep heat away from wooden countertops
Pot trivets and stainless steel trays should be used when placing hot pans or pots on wooden countertops.
Repairing Damage to Wood Countertops
1. Clean wooden countertops beforehand
Use mineral turpentine and clean, soft cloths to remove any surface oil or grease from the countertops. The turpentine will evaporate but wait at least 30-minutes after application before proceeding.
2. Lighting sand the countertops
Fine scratches can be removed by sanding with 220-grit sandpaper. You can do this with a random orbit sander. Do not sand with a multi-purpose or orbital sander as these will leave scratches behind. If there are deep gouges or scratches, you can sand with 120-grit sandpaper to remove these and then finish with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the finish, before wiping clean.
3. Fill remaining cracks
Larger cracks or gouges should be filled with epoxy putty tinted to match. Some recommend using wood filler, but this is not a food-grade material and can contaminate food unless a polyurethane varnish is applied over the top. Knead the epoxy putty and press into cracks or gouges, smoothing the surface with wet fingers to match the surrounding surface. Fine sanding can be done to level the repaired area.
4. Protect the finish
After undertaking repairs, apply food-safe mineral oil or butcher block oil to the countertop. Flood the area to start with and then repeat until the wood no longer absorbs the oil. Use a paper towel to remove any excess oil. Alternatively, use a polyurethane sealer to finish off the countertop.