Quartz countertops are durable and long-lasting, but they are not completely immune to damage. Chips, cracks, and scratches can occur. However, small chips and cracks do not necessarily mean you need a full countertop replacement. There are ways to repair quartz countertop damage to restore the look and integrity of your countertops.
What Causes Chips and Cracks in Quartz Countertops?
There are a few common causes of chips, cracks, and scratches in quartz countertops:
- Impact – A hard, forceful blow from an object can cause chips or cracks. Dropping heavy pots, pans, or appliances can damage quartz.
- Thermal Shock – Exposing quartz to sudden and extreme temperature changes can cause the material to expand and contract too quickly, resulting in cracks or fractures. Hot pots and pans straight from the stove or oven should not be placed directly on the countertop.
- Tension – Any force that pulls the material, like improperly supported overhangs or weight, can result in cracks over time.
- Scratching – Quartz is very hard and scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof. Knives, keys, and abrasive cleaners can scratch the surface over time.
How to Repair a Chip or Crack in a Quartz Countertop
Small chips and cracks in quartz can often be repaired instead of replacing the whole countertop:
- Fill with Color-Matched Kit – Specialty filler putty kits allow you to repair quartz chips and cracks with materials that are color-matched to blend in seamlessly. The kits include detailed instructions for properly filling the damaged area.
- Professional Refinishing – Quartz countertop professionals have products and techniques to fill chips and resurface scratches. This yields excellent results and restores your countertop’s appearance.
- Sand and Polish – For shallow scratches, carefully sanding and polishing with progressively finer grit abrasives can reduce their appearance. Take care not to expose large quartz aggregates.
- Seal with Clear Resin – For narrow cracks, applying a clear resin designed for countertops can fill the fracture and prevent further damage. Tape off the area to keep resin only in the crack.
Always follow product instructions closely when repairing quartz chips or cracks yourself. For best results, hire a professional for more major damage.
How Large of a Chip or Crack Can be Repaired in Quartz?
The size of the damage determines if quartz countertop chips and cracks can be repaired versus requiring a full replacement slab:
- Minor Chips – Small chips up to about 1 inch wide can often be repaired with high quality filler products that are color-matched to the quartz.
- Small Cracks – Thin stress cracks and fractures up to about 12 inches long can usually be filled and made visually undetectable.
- Medium Damage – Repairs are still possible for chips up to 2 inches wide and cracks up to 24 inches, but may be more visible on close inspection.
- Large Damage – Major cracks longer than 3 feet or chips wider than 3 inches typically cannot be repaired. The structural integrity is compromised, necessitating a quartz countertop replacement.
- Edge Damage – Cracks extending to the edge or overhangs make structural repairs impossible. The damaged section of countertop will need replacement.
Consult with a countertop professional to determine if your quartz chip or crack can be repaired or if replacement is the only option.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Repairing a Small Quartz Chip
Repairing a minor quartz countertop chip yourself is possible. Follow these steps:
Supplies Needed
- Color-matched quartz chip repair kit
- Painters tape
- Clean rags
- Acetone or alcohol wipes
- Sandpaper
- Protective gloves, eyewear, and mask
Step 1: Clean the Area
Thoroughly clean the damaged section of countertop with mild soap and water. Wipe down with acetone or alcohol to remove any grease or residue.
Step 2: Sand the Chip
Use 60 to 80 grit sandpaper to rough up the bottom and edges of the chip. This helps the filler adhere properly. Avoid exposing large quartz aggregates.
Step 3: Tape Off the Area
Apply painter’s tape around the chip to protect the undamaged countertop surface. Completely cover about 2 inches beyond the chip area.
Step 4: Mix and Fill the Chip
Follow kit instructions to mix the color-matched filler. Fill from the bottom up, slightly overfilling the chip. Allow the filler to cure completely.
Step 5: Sand and Finish
Once cured, use 120 to 220 grit sandpaper to smooth and shape the filled area. Buff to blend and match the finish. Carefully remove all tape.
With the proper supplies and techniques, small chips in quartz countertops can be repaired successfully. However, larger damage will require hiring a professional.
How to Prevent Chips and Cracks in Quartz Countertops
While quartz is very durable, chips and cracks are possible. Follow these tips to help prevent damage:
- Use cutting boards instead of cutting directly on the counter.
- Don’t place hot pots, pans, or bakeware directly onto the quartz. Always use trivets and hot pads.
- Clean spills quickly to avoid moisture seeping into cracks or crevices.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners. Use mild soap and water instead.
- Don’t apply excessive force or weight onto overhangs. Properly reinforce unsupported sections.
- Have heavy countertop appliances installed by professionals.
- If the sink or cooktop settles, have it re-caulked immediately to prevent tension cracks.
With proper care and maintenance, it is possible to prevent chips and cracks in quartz countertops. But minor damage can still occur despite your best efforts. Knowing how to repair quartz offers peace of mind.
Professional Quartz Countertop Chip and Crack Repair
For large quartz countertop chips, extensive cracking, or structural repairs, professional help is recommended:
Countertop Installers
Reputable countertop installation companies have the expertise to repair or replace damaged sections of your existing quartz countertop. This is preferable to replacing the entire countertop.
Fabrication Shops
Quartz countertop fabricators can fill chips and cracks with color-matched materials. They also use advanced techniques like epoxy river tables to repair severe cracking.
Handyman Services
General contractors and handymen skilled in countertop installation can repair quartz chips and fractures to restore your countertop surface.
Countertop Refinishing Contractors
These specialists use professional resurfacing products to fill larger chips and grind down light scratches. Refinishing restores the countertop’s appearance.
Be sure to vet and verify contractors’ experience with quartz countertop repairs. Review examples of their work and check ratings. Get an upfront written estimate of costs.
FAQ About Quartz Countertop Chips and Cracks
Can you repair quartz countertop chips yourself?
Yes, it is possible to repair small chips up to about 1 inch wide yourself using a color-matched chip repair kit. Anything larger is best done by a professional.
What is the best filler to use for quartz countertop chips?
Specialized quartz filler kits with color-matched putty are ideal to fill chips in a way that blends. Clear epoxy resin can also work for hairline cracks. Avoid regular filler putty.
Should I replace or repair a cracked quartz countertop?
Minor cracks and chips can often be repaired, but large cracks over 3 feet long will likely require a full quartz countertop replacement. Inspect the damage extensively before deciding.
How much does it cost to repair a quartz countertop chip?
Repairing a small quartz chip yourself with a kit costs $15-$30. Having a pro repair a medium chip starts around $100. Large chips or resurfacing costs $200 and up.
How can I prevent chips and cracks in my quartz countertop?
Prevent quartz damage by using cutting boards, trivets, and gentle cleaners. Also reinforce overhangs properly, clean spills quickly, and hire pros for appliance installation.
Conclusion
While quartz countertops are very durable, chips and cracks can still happen when subjected to impact, scratches, or extreme forces. Thankfully, small damages usually don’t necessitate a full replacement. In many cases, chips and fractures can be repaired successfully.
Minor quartz chips less than 1 inch wide can often be filled yourself with specialty kits. However, larger damages require professional repair. Completely inspect your quartz countertop damage and weigh replacement vs repair costs. With the right methods and materials, chips and cracks in quartz can be fixed to keep your countertops looking great for years.