Quartz is often chosen for its durability and high heat resistance. This makes it an ideal material for kitchen countertops because they are likely to get hot from cooking or ovens.
Quartz surfaces, however, require regular maintenance to keep their shine, and one of the most common tasks you will need to perform on your quartz surface is polishing it. This prevents scratches from accumulating over time.
Polishing your quartz counters requires only a few tools available at any hardware store, but there are some things you should know before you start.
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When should you polish quartz countertops?
The counter should be polished at least once a month with a regular all in one quartz cleaner and polisher.
If you’ve managed to get a scratch in the surface, this is when you call a professional or decide to do a DIY. But be warned, the do it yourself method is not easy and simple, you should already have experience being a handy man. If you don’t call a pro.
Before you start polishing your quartz countertops, it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s instructions. What instructions do they give about your specific quartz counter?
Checking the manual will make sure you’re following the correct procedure for your particular worktop.
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How to polish Quartz countertops to get back the shine and luster
- Remove any objects and wipe down the surface to remove any debris and stains.
- Apply a specifically designed quartz polisher to the surface and let it sit for 5 minutes. You can use Granite CPR Cleaner & Polish (Amazon) for this.
- Wipe off the polish with a soft cloth.
How to Polish Quartz Countertops to remove scratches
This section I go over the most meticulous way to removes scratches from your worktop.
The following are steps to follow when polishing your quartz countertops:
- First, you need to get yourself a worktop scratch repair system. Yes, they will be pricey, a few hundred dollars, so it may be worth hiring someone instead.
- With a removable pen, mark around the area which has been scratched. This will allow you to see what part needs to be polished.
- Spray the scratched area with some water and use a 200 grit ceramic polishing pad. Work the area within the circle you created with the pen. Don’t press down, let the machine do the work.
- Use a squeegee to remove the liquid and check your progress. Go for roughly 8 passes before checking on the progress.
- Now, use the pen to draw a circle on the scratched are, but this time expand the circle to about an inch.
- Spray some water on the scratched area and polish the area with a 500 grit ceramic polishing pad. Keep the speed to about 600rpm, don’t press down hard and check your progress after 8-10 passes.
- Next, increase your work area by an inch and polish the area with a 1,000 grit ceramic polishing pad. Keeping the speed at 600rpm and not pressing hard. After 8-10 passes, use a squeegee to remove the liquid and check your progress.
- Once again, expand your work area to an extra inch, spray the affected area with water, then polish the area with a 2,000 grit ceramic polishing pad. Sticking with 600rpm and checking your progress after 8 – 10 passes around the area.
- Now it’s time for the polish. Apply a texture reveal type of polish to the work surface and use a lambswool pad at 600rpm. Not pressing down and letting the machine do the work. Keep repeating this step until the desired texture is revealed. Remove the liquid with a squeegee after you’re done.
- Apply a haze removal polish to the work area and continue working on the area. Check your progress after 8-10 passes.
And there you have it! That how you removes scratches from your quartz countertop.
Note that different types of quartz will require slightly different techniques and you should pay attention to any instructions given on the packaging of your particular type of quartz.
You should always begin by cleaning your quartz countertop with a mild detergent and warm water. This will remove any dirt or marks that might be on its surface. Once you have dried your quartz countertop, gently test whether or not it feels smooth. If it feels at all bumpy, you will need to carry on polishing.
Once you are satisfied with the result, wipe your quartz countertop down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue left behind.
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What Can Scratch Quartz Countertops?
How often should you polish quartz countertops?
Quartz countertops will not lose their shine from things such as water damage quickly, so they do not require polishing often. Once a month is sufficient.
If a mark or scratch does appear on a quartz surface a quick rub with a clean cloth and some warm water is usually sufficient to remove the blemish.
Who can do this maintenance task?
Anyone can do this task, as polishing quartz countertops does not require special skills. Unless, you’re removing a scratch from the surface which you’ll have to carry out many steps.
This task is simple and easy to perform and should take no more than a few minutes out of your day to keep the shine.
What tools are needed to polish quartz countertops?
One of the most important tools you will need to polish your quartz countertops is soft cotton or microfiber cloth.
You should apply your polish and clean the surface.
In addition, there are also a few household items required for polishing quartz countertops that you may not have at home.
For example, you will need to invest in a polishing kit that contains pads for scrubbing down your quartz surface when it has been scratched.
How do I clean my quartz countertops?
A few household items are all you need to keep your quartz countertops looking their best.
For example, when you notice that your quartz is looking dull and has lost some of its shine it can be easily polished with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. You should also use this method to remove any marks that appear on your quartz countertops.
I would recommend going for a product that’s specifically designed to clean quartz surfaces.
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Caution
- Avoid polishing with a household cleaner or other harsh chemicals, even soap since these can damage the surface of your quartz countertop. Soap will build up residue over time.
- You should also make sure to use a microfiber cloth or soft cotton for this task instead of paper towels. Paper towels create lint and can potentially cause scratches on your quartz surface.
- Lastly, you should never polish your quartz countertops with anything rougher than fine-grain sandpaper (2,000-grit or higher). If there are any deep scratches on your quartz countertop it is best to bring in a professional.
