Chipped quartz countertops are a common problem if you have an older home. This is especially true of homes with natural stone countertops like granite, marble, or limestone. These materials are susceptible to chipping when they’re exposed to heavy everyday use and frequent cleaning. There are several different approaches to fixing chipped quartz countertops, but all of them follow the same principles as any other mending job that requires stone restoration. You’ll need a few special tools and techniques, but the results will be well worth it. Let’s take a look at how to repair a chipped quartz countertop.
How To Repair Chipped Quartz Countertop?
Repairing Chipped Quartz Counters With Epoxy
Epoxy is a popular go-to solution for fixing chipped quartz countertops since it’s both easy to apply and inexpensive. However, not all epoxies are created equal so be sure to find a high-quality product before starting your repair. How to repair chipped quartz counters with epoxy – First, thoroughly clean the area around the chipped quartz counter. You don’t want to leave any dirt or dust in the area that could interfere with the adhesion of the epoxy. Next, mix the epoxy according to the instructions on the label. Make sure you select an epoxy that’s ideal for quartz countertops. Finally, apply a layer of epoxy over the chipped area. Make sure the layer of epoxy is even. Once the epoxy has dried, you can go ahead and apply a clear quartz countertop sealer to protect it.
Repairing Chipped Quartz With Paint
The painting also makes a great quartz countertop repair. Just be sure to choose a high-quality paint designed for quartz counters. Otherwise, you could end up with tacky results. How to repair chipped quartz counters with paint – Start by cleaning the quartz countertops thoroughly. Then, find a paint color that matches the color of your quartz. Once you have your paint, apply a coat of paint over the chipped area of the quartz. You can brush or spray the paint on. Next, let the paint dry completely. Once it’s dry, you should be able to apply a clear quartz countertop sealer over the paint.
Fixing Quartz Countertops With Resin
Resin is becoming a go-to solution for repairing chipped quartz. It’s strong, long-lasting, and very easy to work with. However, it can be a bit more expensive than epoxy so keep that in mind when deciding how to repair chipped quartz. Again, make sure you purchase a high-quality product. You don’t want to end up with a weak, shoddy repair that falls apart quickly. How to fix chipped quartz counters with resin – First, thoroughly clean the area around the chipped quartz counter. You don’t want to leave any dirt or dust in the area that could interfere with the adhesion of the resin. Next, mix the resin according to the instructions on the label. Make sure you select a resin that’s ideal for quartz countertops. Once the resin has dried, you can go ahead and apply a clear quartz countertop sealer to protect it.
Fixing Chipped Quartz Counters With Gel Coat
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and inexpensive solution for your chipped quartz, then consider using a gel coat. A high-quality gel coat can be applied with a special spray gun to create a seamless finish over your chipped quartz countertops. Now, not all gel coats are created equal so be sure to find a high-quality product before starting your repair. You don’t want to end up with a weak, shoddy repair that falls apart quickly. How to fix chipped quartz counters with gel coat – First, thoroughly clean the area around the chipped quartz counter. You don’t want to leave any dirt or dust in the area that could interfere with the adhesion of the gel coat. Next, mix the gel coat according to the instructions on the label. Make sure you select a gel coat that’s ideal for quartz countertops. Now, apply the gel coat over the chipped area. You should apply multiple layers of the gel coat to fully cover the chipped area. Once the gel coat has dried, you can go ahead and apply a clear quartz countertop sealer to protect it.
What Can Cause A Quartz Countertop To Chip?
Everyday Use
Everyday use is the most common cause of chipping on quartz countertops. While quartz is a very durable material, it can still be damaged if you don’t take care of it. So, if you put hot pots and pans on your countertops, they will chip eventually. If you put super heavy pots and pans on your countertops, they will chip even faster. Therefore, try to avoid doing that if you want your quartz to last.
High Impact Areas
Another common cause of chipping is using high-impact areas, like the sink or stovetop. If you constantly drop heavy items like pots and pans on these areas, the quartz will chip. To avoid this, try to clean up the high-impact areas like the sink and stovetop regularly so that you don’t have to drop anything heavy on them. If you do have to drop heavy items on these areas, try to do so as gently as possible so that you don’t chip the quartz countertop.
Shoddy Installation
When quartz is installed haphazardly, it can chip easily. When the installation is shoddy, the countertop may not be level or straight, which can cause the quartz to chip at the edges. To avoid this, make sure that the quartz countertop is level and installed with care. Don’t let the installers rush the installation because rushing can cause mistakes.
Careless Cleaning Techniques
If you clean your quartz countertops carelessly, they will chip over time. For example, if you drop a sharp kitchen knife on your countertop and it chips, don’t just let it go. Get it professionally repaired right away so that the chip doesn’t get worse. If you use abrasive sponges when you clean your countertops, they will chip. Instead, try to find gentle cleaning products that won’t damage the countertops.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors, like the extreme heat and extreme cold, can also cause a quartz countertop to chip. For example, if you leave your hot pots and pans on the countertop for too long, they can damage the quartz. Similarly, if you leave your cold dishes on the countertop for too long, they can damage the quartz as well.
Fixing A Large Chip In A Quartz Countertop
- The best way to repair a large chip in a quartz countertop is to rebuild the surrounding area. You’ll need to buy quartz or marble dust and two-part epoxy.
- You’ll need to mix the two parts of the epoxy together and apply it to the surrounding surface of the countertop.
- Let the epoxy cure for 24 hours before using the counter again. If you want the repaired spot to be completely unnoticeable, you can do what’s called a “pinch pleat” repair. This will allow you to leave the surrounding surface untouched while repairing the damage that’s present in the middle.
- You’ll need to use a putty knife to apply the epoxy in a similar fashion to the other two methods listed above.
Rebuilding A Part Of The Countertop That’s Been Chipped
- If the chip in your quartz countertop is very large, you may want to rebuild a small section of the countertop instead of repairing it.
- This will give you a chance to use the same quartz material as the rest of the countertop and will help the repaired area blend in with the rest of the countertop.
- You’ll need to buy quartz dust and two-part epoxy.
- You can use any color of epoxy, but it’s best to use a color that’s similar to the rest of your countertop.
Conclusion
In most cases, you can fix a chipped quartz countertop using any of the methods described above. However, you’ll need to act quickly as any damage to the stone surface will get worse over time. If you do have a quartz countertop and notice that it’s chipped, don’t let it go any further. Repair the damage as soon as you can before it gets worse and requires more extensive repairs. Keep in mind that the best way to avoid having your countertop chip is to be careful when using it. You can minimize the risk of damaging your countertop by chopping directly over the sink and keeping the countertop clean and free of debris.
