Hey there! If you‘re researching how to get rid of pesky scratches on your quartz counters, you‘ve come to the right place. As a home renovation specialist who has refinished countless quartz surfaces, I‘m going to walk you through everything you need to know to make your counters look flawless again.
How Quartz Countertops Get Scratched
Quartz is one of the most popular modern countertop materials due to its durability and resistance to scratches. But despite its hardness, quartz can still become marred with regular use.
According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, scratches were the number one complaint of quartz counter owners over the first year of installation. Over two-thirds of respondents reported some level of scratching.
Understanding the Mohs Scale
To understand why quartz scratches at all, you need to know a bit about the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This ranks materials from 1 (very soft) to 10 (extremely hard).
- Diamond = 10
- Quartz = 7
- Glass/Granite = 6
- Steel = approx. 4-5
While quartz is very high on the scale, many common kitchen items like steel cutlery and ceramic plates are harder. Their edges scrape against the resin coating and create fine scratches. Even a seemingly soft crumb of food can contain traces of harder minerals that scratch quartz.
The Science Behind Quartz Scratching
At a molecular level, quartz counters are composed of ground quartz crystals held together by polymer resin. Think of glass shards suspended in glue.
| Quartz Crystals | Extremely hard – scratch resistant |
| Resin Binder | Softer and more prone to scratching |
When an object scrapes across the counter, it first makes contact with the resin before hitting the harder quartz chunks. This deforms the resin, creating visible scratches. It takes a lot more abrasion to fracture the solid quartz pieces.
Removing Light Surface Scratches
If you‘ve noticed some faint, hairline scratches on your counters, don‘t worry. These light surface scuffs can be easily buffed out yourself at home. Here are four simple methods I recommend:
Method 1: Quartz Polishing Cream
Specialized polishing creams designed for quartz contain fine abrasives that can smooth out minor scratches. I suggest using GranQuartz Polishing Cream – it‘s designed specifically for engineered stone and is gentle enough not to damage the finish while removing blemishes.
Here‘s how to use it:
- Apply a quarter-sized dollop directly to the scratch using a clean, soft cloth.
- Using minimal pressure, rub in small circular motions for 30-60 seconds to buff out the scratch.
- Repeat if needed on stubborn spots.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
Method 2: Automotive Polish
Another great option is a high-quality automotive polish intended for clear coat finishes. I recommend Meguiar‘s Ultimate Compound or Car Guys Premium Polish.
- Apply a dime-sized amount of polish to the scratch.
- Using a soft microfiber cloth, gently rub in tiny circular motions.
- Wipe away any residue with a clean cloth and buff until surface regains its shine.
This removes fine scratches by gently abrading the top layer. Be careful not to press too hard, which can create deeper swirls.
Method 3: Baking Soda Paste
For a non-toxic option, try a baking soda paste. The gentle abrasiveness of baking soda can lift out fine marks without harsh chemicals.
- Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to form a spreadable paste.
- Using your fingers or a soft cloth, gently rub the paste over scratches using small circular motions.
- Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly after polishing.
Method 4: Glass Cooktop Cleaner
These products contain mild abrasives perfect for erasing superficial scratches. I like Weiman Glass Cook Top Cleaner.
- Put a quarter-sized amount directly on the scratch.
- Massage it gently with small circular movements using a soft cloth.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
Repairing Deeper Scratches
If simple buffing fails to get out a stubborn blemish, the scratch likely extends deeper into the quartz resin coating. But don‘t replace your counters just yet! You still have options for fixing unsightly gashes without a full resurface.
Wet Sanding
This is my go-to method for deeper scratches. It works by gradually smoothing away the damage. The key is using finer and finer grit sandpaper to polish out sanding marks as you go.
Here‘s how the process works:
- Start with 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper to remove the deepest damage.
- Sand in the direction of the scratch using light pressure and plenty of water.
- Step down through progressively finer grits like 800, 1000, 2000.
- At each step, sand until previous scratches are gone before moving to the next grit.
- Finish with 3000 or 5000 grit for a smooth polished finish.
- Apply a quartz polish to buff out any remaining micro-scratches and restore the shine.
This technique essentially re-grinds and polishes the scratched area through the different sandpaper grades. When done properly, it erases all evidence of damage.
Professional Resurfacing
For really severe scratches, chips, or gouges that cover a large area, your best solution is to hire a professional quartz restoration company like mine. We have specialized equipment to flawlessly repair quartz.
Common professional resurfacing techniques include:
- Grinding down the damaged layer using diamond abrasive pads mounted on a mechanical polisher. This removes deep scratches.
- Filling severe divots and chips with clear resin epoxy to level the surface.
- Polishing and buffing until the quartz has a uniform appearance and sheen.
This will make your countertops look brand new and last for years to come. Costs range from $200 to $2000 depending on the severity and size of the damage.
I once had a client with a huge 8-inch gash across their kitchen island from a falling stockpot. My team was able to completely remove all signs of the scratch after several rounds of grinding and epoxy fill. It looked flawless!
Tips to Prevent Quartz From Scratching
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are my top professional tips to keep your quartz pristine and avoid scratches in the first place:
- Use cutting boards, hot pads and trivets. Never cut or place hot items directly on quartz.
- Clean spills ASAP before they can abrade or stain the surface.
- Avoid harsh cleaners and abrasive pads/brushes. Use a soft sponge or cloth with liquid soap.
- Skip the bleach, vinegar, ammonia and other chemicals that can dull quartz.
- Reseal quartz every 1-2 years to maintain scratch protection.
- Apply a penetrating quartz sealer monthly for added scratch resistance.
- Consider a professional grade quartz finish like BulletProof Sealant which repels scratches.
- Don‘t worry about toothpaste or food spills – quartz resists staining beautifully with proper care.
Caring For Your Quartz Counters
Here are my top tips for keeping quartz counters looking like new:
- Everyday cleaning – Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth with warm water and mild pH-neutral soap.
- Tough dried-on messes – Sprinkle baking soda and spritz with vinegar to make a foaming paste. Let sit 5 minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft brush.
- Disinfecting – Wipe down with an all-natural cleaner like Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner.
- Polishing – Apply GranQuartz Polish Cream and buff once a month to maintain the glossy sheen.
- Avoid – Avoid window cleaners, abrasive pads, alkaline cleaners, acetone, bleach and other harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
I hope this guide gave you confidence that you can remove pesky scratches from your quartz counters and restore their beauty. Here are the key tips to remember:
- Light surface scratches can be buffed out with polishing creams and compounds.
- For deeper marks, use progressive wet sanding and quality epoxy fillers.
- Prevent scratches by using cutting boards, cleaning quickly, and avoiding abrasives.
- With the right tools and techniques, you can erase scratches in quartz.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help Quartz Counter Owners (QCO‘s) like yourself keep your surfaces in tip-top shape.
