Quartz is an extremely hard, durable, and easy to maintain material, making it perfect for any home countertop. As bathroom and kitchen countertops are in the busiest areas of the home and experience the most activity on a daily basis, these areas require countertop material that can withstand the daily activity for years with little to no damage or high maintenance.
Unfortunately, no material is indestructible. While quartz is known for its durability due to it being a man-made manufactured material of stone particles bonded together with resin, even quartz has the potential to be chipped and scratched.
So, how does chipping occur on a quartz countertop, and how can homeowners mend the damage?
Chipping occurs when any heavy force is performed against a hard material, and the material does not have the ability to bend and absorb the force. Instead, the force causes the material to fracture. If this occurs to a quartz countertop, homeowners can either attempt to fix the chip on their own or contact a professional.
We will discuss chips to quartz countertops in more detail below.
How Does Chipping Occur with a Quartz Countertop?
As stated above, a chip will occur when an extreme force is performed against the quartz material. While damage has the ability to occur over the entirety of the quartz surface, the most vulnerable areas are the edges. This is because the edges have less quartz material around it to aid in absorbing extreme forces. Also, the edges are closest to the outside, making them the most easily accessible to individuals walking by and increasing the likelihood that they are knocked into. This extreme force can come from a number of sources, and listed below are just a few possibilities:
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- Dropping heavy objects on the countertop such as heavy pots, bowls, etc.
- Carrying something heavy to the side of the countertop and knocking into the countertop
- Using knifes without a cutting board and instead cutting directly on the quartz surface
- Knocking over heavy objects or equipment
How to Fix a Chip
The best course of action for fixing a chip depends on the location and size of the chip. If the chip is large enough or in a difficult location, the best option may be to contact a professional to either fix the countertop or replace it altogether. Always try to fix a chip before deciding on replacing the entire countertop. Quartz is an expensive material, and it is a high probability that the chip did not damage the integrity of the entire countertop. To save money, time, and headache, be sure to attempt mending the damage first.
Also, make sure to examine the chip prior to contacting a professional. It may be possible for the homeowner to mend the damage themself without needing to contact a professional. Quartz professionals may provide homeowners with the peace-of-mind assurance that the fix is complete and of good quality, but this process can take time and be expensive.
If choosing to fix the chip yourself, below are the steps that you should follow.
Fixing a Chip in Your Quartz Countertop Yourself
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- Clean the affected countertop area sufficiently so that no dust, debris, oil, or any other substance will affect the quality of the repair. An ammonia-based cleaner is a quality option.
- Allow the surface to dry completely after cleaning by wiping with a dry cloth and allowing to air dry.
- Use masking tape to surround the chip. This masking tape will keep the adhesive substance within the affected chip and protect the surrounding quartz. Masking tape is also easy to remove after the repair is complete.
- Use a small tool such as a spoon to fill in the chip completely with an adhesive, either superglue or a pigmented epoxy. The type of adhesive used will depend on the color and appearance of the quartz.
- Superglue can be used for lighter quartz materials, but a pigmented epoxy should be used for dark or colored quartz.
- After the chip is filled completely, use a razor blade to level the adhesive with the rest of the countertop and remove any excess adhesive substance.
- Allow the adhesive to dry completely, typically 24 hours. The more adhesive used, the more time it will take for it to dry.
- After the adhesive is dry, sand the affected area with a high grit sandpaper. This will smooth out the area and completely level it with the rest of the countertop.
Quartz Countertop Installation
While quartz countertops are extremely hard and durable, accidents do still occur. No material is completely indestructible, especially when that material is subjected to constant and continual use such as with home countertops. It is important to take care when it comes to quartz countertops and not subject them to unnecessary wear or force. If excessive force and damage does occur though, rest assured that there are ways to repair the damage and restore your countertop to its natural beauty.
Whether you are renovating, remodeling or simply replacing your current countertops, choosing a stone countertop like quartz or granite is a must and Texas Granite Group in the Austin area has everything you need.
Our specialty for 20+ years has been the fabrication and installation of the most beautiful and durable granite, quartz and marble countertops in the industry. Visit our showroom and see why we are a top choice for kitchen countertops, bathrooms, remodeling and more! Free Consultations