How To Fix Scratches In Marble Countertops

You're admiring your finally clean kitchen when you notice a chip in your beautiful quartz countertop. Oh no! At first, you hope it's just a trick of the light, but as you run your hand over the countertop, it's true: your countertop has a chip.

How Do You Fix A Cracked Quartz Countertop

Before you do any work on a cracked quartz countertop, consult your warranty. And, if the crack or chip is larger than the size of a quarter, you may want to call a professional. That said, here are the steps to fixing a crack in your quartz:

Step 1: Clean Your Countertop
Step 2: Mark Your Area With Tape
Step 3: Fill In With Glue or Epoxy
Step 4: Wait!
Step 5: Remove Tape and Excess Glue
Step 6: Finish It Off

As soon as you see a chip or crack in your beautiful quartz, you can feel your wallet start to shrink as you try and calculate what replacing a slab will cost you. Not all is lost, though; you are more than capable of fixing your cracked or chipped quartz countertop all by yourself just by following this step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Clean Your Countertop

Use a mild, ammonia-based kitchen cleaner to thoroughly clean the area in and around the crack or chip. Clean up any excess spray with a clean rag and wait for the cleaner to dry.

Remember that ammonia is highly toxic, so using gloves, a mask, and opening a window is highly advisable. Allow the entire area to dry before you proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Mark Your Area With Tape

Use masking tape to surround the area that needs to be repaired. This prevents any glue from getting on any other part of your surface and also allows you to get a more even finish.

This is slightly more difficult with a crack in your countertop but, do the best you can with multiple small pieces of tape. You want to get as close to the edges of the crack as possible.

Step 3: Fill In With Glue or Epoxy

Use glue or epoxy mixture to fill in the crack or chip. Apply the glue directly to the surface and then use a paintbrush, toothpick or craft stick to spread it evenly.

Your goal is to apply enough glue to become even with the surface without overfilling the hole.

If you have a light-colored countertop, you can use a superglue or an adhesive filler.
If you have a dark or textured countertop, you should choose a pigmented epoxy. A local hardware store will be able to help with finding the epoxy with a shade closest to your countertop.

Step 4: Wait!

This may be the hardest part of the whole process, but it's the most crucial.

A period of 24 hours is the recommended time to wait for glue or epoxy mixture to dry. Waiting 48 hours will ensure an even safer and smoother next step, though.

If you don't wait a long enough period of time, the glue will not have hardened enough and could entirely pull away from the surface.

Step 5: Remove Tape and Excess Glue

Once the glue has dried, you may remove the masking tape and use a razor to scrape away any excess glue.

Go slowly to ensure the level of glue matches the level of the rest of the counter.

Step 6: Finish It Off

Wipe the countertop down with a clean, wet rag. If you have a higher sheen countertop, you can make sure this repaired area matches by using very fine sandpaper to finish off the repair.

After the excess glue is removed, file down the area with fine sandpaper with a grit between 360 to 600.

When to Call a Professional to Fix a Cracked Quartz Countertop

If, when you consult your warranty, you find that any DIY work will void the coverage, stop right there. If your warranty is active, give a call and find out what your next steps should be.

If you don't have an active warranty, you may still want to call a professional if the crack or chip is large. Unless you are skilled and confident in a repair like this, allow a pro to perform the fix for you.

Tips for Preventing Cracks in Quartz Countertops

Quartz is really durable, but scratches and chips are always a concern for countertops of any material. And lesser quality quartz can crack or shatter if subjected to extreme temperature changes, such as leaving an ice bag directly on it or putting a pan straight from the oven onto the counter. Drastic, sudden changes in temperature can crack a quartz surface.

Additionally, the sudden impact of dropping heavy objects on quartz countertops may also cause them to crack or chip. And, while quartz isn't porous, leave a staining agent on it, like red wine, coffee, or beet juice – and you'll get a stain.

What's a quartz countertop owner to do? We'll tell you. Here's a list of dos and don'ts for quartz countertops.

Dos	Don'ts
Use paper towels or a damp cloth to promptly wipe up any spills or messes.	Use your quartz countertop as a chopping board.
Use a very mild household cleaner or an all-purpose kitchen cleaner for daily clean-ups.	Use a metal knife or scraper to remove hardened food items – do only use a plastic scraper to remove any stuck-on foods.
For tougher stains, a glass cleaner or a mild, oil-based soap. Always rinse with plain water.	Use paint remover, acetone, bleach, or any strong chemicals on your quartz. If you are not sure if it's safe – don't use it.
Only use soft sponges or non-scratch nylon pad to remove sticky food residue without damaging your counter.	Use any scrubbers or abrasive cleansers. Steel pads and scouring powders can cause scratches and dull the shine of your counter.
Avoid dropping anything heavy – or standing on top of – your quartz countertop.	Use any high-alkaline or acidic products. If you do spill one of these, wipe up promptly.
Use trivets and hot pads under any hot pots or pans.	Set hot pans or dishes directly on the countertop without protection. This can cause discoloration and cracking.

How To Deep Clean Quartz Countertops

While simply wiping down spills as they happen will typically keep your quartz countertops looking top-notch, you may find yourself wanting to do a deeper clean every few months.

Use a glass cleaner for a deep clean and allow it to sit on your counter for 10-20 minutes before wiping it down. Make sure to check that your type of quartz countertop is safe to use glass cleaner on.

For stubborn stains, like permanent marker, rub the area with isopropyl rubbing alcohol and then wipe it down with warm water.

Adhesive removers or degreasing products are perfect for gooier stains like candy or sticker residue.

10 Things to Know If You Are Considering Quartz Countertops

Price.
Depending on the quality of the stone, quartz countertops can range anywhere between $30 per sq. ft and $150 per sq. ft. Quartz countertops are typically less expensive than granite and more expensive than laminate or tile countertops.
Hardness.
Mineral hardness is measured by the Mohs Hardness Scale, which orders minerals based on scratch resistance to other minerals. Quartz is a 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, with Granite receiving a 6 and a Diamond receiving a 10. To measure against common household objects, a steel nail is a 6.5 and a masonry drill bit is an 8.5 meaning it really takes a lot to scratch a quartz countertop.
They are man-made.
You may have thought that quartz countertops were full slabs of solid quartz, but in order to create the variety of colors requested by customers, manufacturers typically engineer the slabs with resin. Most quartz countertops are 93% ground quartz and 7% resin. This formulation allows for custom countertops and a hardness still matching quartz.
Quartz is heat resistant but not heatproof.
Never place hot pots or pans on your quartz countertop as it can typically only handle temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. If you place a hot pan on a quartz countertop, the resin used to bind the ground quartz will severely discolor, ruining your counter's finish.
Cleaning is easy.
A very low-maintenance countertop is everyone's dream and quartz is definitely low-maintenance. Avoid abrasive cleaners and simply clean fresh spills with warm water and dish soap. You can use regular glass or surface cleaner with a nonabrasive rag to remove stains but be careful with harder substances like gum or nail polish as you may need to use a plastic scraper to remove those.
It's not for outdoor use.
While quartz countertops are popular in kitchens and bathrooms everywhere, there's one place you probably have seen it: outside. Exposure to UV light can change the colors of your countertop and eventually cause splitting or warping.
It has a non-porous surface.
Because of the resin in the quartz countertops, these types of countertops are completely non-porous and do not require any sealing. This is what allows for such easy cleaning and makes the material mold-proof.
It all comes from the same place.
Shopping around is a necessity in all home design projects so you may already be familiar with some brands, but you may be shocked to know that every quartz countertop company is licensed through the original creator, Bretonstone. Italy's Bretonstone created the manufacturing process for the quartz countertop in 1963 and has been licensing the process ever since.
No mining is done for your quartz countertop.
The ground quartz part of your countertop is all waste by-products of other quarrying or manufacturing processes. This makes quartz countertops almost entirely green, with manufacturers working on making the resin portion of the countertop less synthetic and more natural.
They are durable and last quite a while.
Most warranties for quartz countertops cover between 15 and 20 years, even under heavy use. However, without serious damage, the countertops can last a lifetime.

What's Better – Quartz or Marble Countertops in the Kitchen?

It really depends on your lifestyle and how much time you're willing to commit to keeping your countertops clean. We've covered quartz pretty thoroughly at this point. Let's talk a little more about marble, so you can see how the two compare.

Marble is porous, unlike quartz, and is much, much softer. It has a Mohs Hardness Scale rating between 3 and 5 depending on the type of marble.

This means marble countertops are prone to staining, chipping, and scratching without proper precautions. Some marble owners don't mind the etching marks left because they're barely noticeable against the marble.

Red wine and other acidic liquids are one of the most formidable opponents of marble countertops so it's best to use a cutting board or pour over the sink.

Sealing a marble countertop can prevent most staining. Oil and grease stains are still going to set into the marble as well as more acidic products like lemon juice, but they become less noticeable over time.

No two slabs of marble are the same, so adding a bit of marble to your interior design is sure to increase property value and the number of compliments you get from guests.

Other Top Types of Countertops Explained

If you haven't chosen a surface for your kitchen countertops yet, you may want to learn a bit more about all of the options available to you. In the list below, we will cover what kind of surface each material provides, what stands out about it and about how much it costs with installation, starting with quartz:

Quartz - As previously mentioned, quartz countertops are man-made products. Ground quartz and resin allow for a variety of colors and seals the countertop preventing water damage or mold without the need for sealing. Quartz countertops aren't heat resistant due to the resin used to produce them. Quartz countertops can cost anywhere from $45 to $150 per sq. ft. with professional installation.
Granite - A competitor for the most popular countertop, granite is an extremely resilient choice. Granite countertops are completely natural stone meaning there can be some natural flaws in the rock, and it is naturally porous. This means granite can require sealing to prevent mold. Granite can cost anywhere between $30 to $200 per sq. ft. with professional installation.
Marble - Marble countertops are beautiful masterpieces, but they're not necessarily the strongest choice. Marble is easily stained or scratched requiring sealing to prevent permanent damage. Marble countertops can cost anywhere between $120 to $250 per sq. ft. with professional installation.
Solid Surface - Made from either acrylic or polyester, solid-surface countertops are a low-maintenance choice as they are non-porous. They are able to come in any custom color or pattern. Solid-surface countertops are an affordable option costing between $35 and $100 per sq. ft. with professional installation. However, you can install this type of countertop yourself.
Soapstone - A newer countertop on the block, soapstone is becoming a much more popular pick due to its heat resistance. You can place a hot pan directly on a soapstone countertop without damaging it. Soapstone does need to be sealed with mineral oil to prevent dulling. Soapstone countertops can cost anywhere between $70 to $120 per sq. foot. with professional installation.
Laminates - Laminate countertops are an affordable, low-maintenance option that can be made to resemble expensive stone looks. Laminate is resistant to heat in the same way quartz is and also is non-porous. Laminate countertops cost $40 to $65 per sq. ft. with professional installation. However, you can install this type of countertop yourself.
Wood - The original countertop is making a resurgence in kitchens with the prevalence of the butcher block design element. Wood needs to be frequently sealed to prevent water damage and mold growth, but all scratches can easily be sanded down. Wood countertops can cost anywhere between $35 to $70 per square ft. with professional installation.
Tile - A classic countertop that truly allows you to customize your kitchen, the tile countertop, is extremely durable. The grout between tiles needs to be cleaned regularly to avoid bacteria build-up but otherwise, maintenance is minimal. Depending on the tile you choose, a tile countertop can range anywhere between $10 to $80 per square foot. with professional installation.
Granite Tile - A more affordable option for those who want granite without the price tag, granite tile countertops are manageable tiles of granite installed similarly to ceramic tile. This form of a granite countertop is more susceptible to chips and cracks as it's not one solid slab. Granite tile can range between $5 to $15 per sq. ft. with professional installation. However, you can install this type of countertop yourself.
Tempered Glass - Tempered glass is the most popular option for glass countertops as they have undergone a heating treatment to increase their durability. They also allow for a variety of colors and patterns. Glass is stain-resistant, bacteria-resistant, and easy to clean. Tempered glass countertops typically cost between $30 and $80 per sq. ft. with professional installation.
Recycled Glass - Made from a blend of recycled glass and melted down, recycled glass countertops come in a variety of styles. Recycled glass is stain-resistant, bacteria, resistant, and easy to clean. This countertop is a very environmentally-friendly choice. Recycled glass countertops can range from $50 to $80 per sq. ft.
Stainless Steel - For a more modern look, stainless steel countertops are definitely an option. Long used in professional kitchens, stainless steel is resistant to water, heat, stains, and bacteria. Dents and scratches are a possibility, though. Stainless steel countertops can cost between $75 to $100 per sq. ft. with professional installation
Concrete - You may have seen this countertop on a home renovation show and thought it was just some designer's crazy idea, but concrete countertops are becoming much more popular. They are scratch and heat resistant but require annual sealing to prevent staining. Concrete countertops can cost between $65 to $135 per sq. ft. with professional installation
Slate - Another newer material for countertops growing in popularity, slate countertops are non-porous and are a very durable stone. Though limited in color variety, slate can add a modern feel to a kitchen. You should also know that slate has a natural, matte finish and can be considered a gritty feeling to some.
Slate countertops can cost between $77 to $100 per sq. ft. with professional installation.
Zinc - An alternative to stainless steel, zinc is another metallic countertop choice rising in popularity. Zinc is softer than stainless steel, but scratches can be sanded out. These countertops are also easily maintained as they're non-porous and stain-resistant. Zinc countertops are rare, and their cost reflects that with slabs costing between $150 to $200 per sq. ft.

Can I Fix Other Types of Countertops?

Yes, nearly any type of countertop can be fixed if the chip or crack isn't too large, and you gather the right materials.

Laminate countertops can be fixed in a very similar way to quartz countertops, except you may need to cover the epoxy with paint if the color difference is fairly obvious.
Most acrylic or solid-surface countertop chips or scratches can be sanded out if small enough. If that doesn't do the job, you can use glue or epoxy similarly to fixing the quartz countertop.
Granite and marble countertops can be repaired in the same way as quartz countertops but typically require an epoxy as their colors are hard to match with ordinary super glue.
Tile countertops are the hardest to repair in a way that entirely matches the rest of the countertop. If obtaining more of the same tile is not possible, you can follow the repair steps to fix quartz countertops with a few minor adjustments.
Prime and paint the tile first and allow it to dry. Use an oil-based primer and paint.
Allow the paint to dry for two days and then apply the epoxy or super glue.
This adjustment allows the epoxy to act as a replacement tile with the paint color shining through.

Countertop Design Terms

If you're just getting started with countertop replacement in your kitchen, it's helpful to know the language of the trade. Here are some very common terms you'll hear associated with the design and installation of your counter.

Backsplash: a surface behind a sink or stove that protects the wall from splashes of water or grease. Some people use their backsplash to add color to their kitchen with a mosaic.

Build-Up: strips of material that are sometimes used to raise countertops flush to cabinet tops.

Bull nosing: the process of finishing an edge of a countertop typically in a rounded form. This adds a design element while also protecting the countertop's edges from cracks.

Butcher Block: a sturdy kitchen table with a square wooden top used to chop food on. Alternately, the term can be used to describe hardwood material used for any countertop.

Drainboard: a sloped board or surface on which washed dishes are left to drain, typically into the sink. Though you may also have a drainboard entirely separate from your sink.

Edge Return: a thick countertop edge with the appearance of a thicker slab behind it.

Inlay / Accent: a design element used to spruce up a countertop or backsplash with patterns or designs.

Island: a freestanding piece of cabinetry customarily used to expand counter space in a kitchen. It is now becoming more common for islands to be grander with cook-tops or sinks.

Sealing: the process of using a clear product, usually solvent-based, to protect a countertop from stains or damage. Some countertops require special types of sealants.

Slab: a measurement of rectangular stone that can vary depending on the type of stone. For countertops, slabs are typically 9 ft. 6 in long, 5 ft. 6 in wide, and 1.25 inches thick.

Waterfall Edge: a design feature for countertops where the countertop continues seamlessly to the floor typically at the sides of the counter. Also referred to as infinity edge.

Wrap-up

Your quartz countertop is very durable and can last a very long time. But it's not impervious to damage. With any surface in the kitchen, it is important to know how to live with it and work with it. Knowing its weaknesses can help you avoid damaging it.

In the event your quart countertop chips or cracks, depending on the size of the damage, you may be able to fix it yourself without much issue. But if it's a large crack or chip, it is best to call a professional who is skilled in repairing and refinishing quartz countertops.

It's unlikely you'll have an issue if you follow our list of dos and don'ts and maintain your quartz with care.