Selecting the Finish
Quartz manufacturers offer various finish options to complement different design aesthetics. The finish determines the look, feel, and maintenance required for the countertop. Common quartz finishes include:
Polished Finish
A polished finish gives quartz a smooth, glossy look. This mirror-like finish beautifully reflects light and accentuates the vibrant colors and patterns in the stone. Polished quartz requires frequent cleaning to keep up the shine and gloss.
Honed Finish
A honed finish has a matte, soft sheen. The surface is smooth but lacks the glossy reflection of polished quartz. Fingerprints and watermarks are less noticeable with a honed finish. This finish suits more traditional or rustic kitchen designs.
Concrete Finish
A concrete finish emulates the look of weathered concrete with irregular pitting in the surface. The muted, rough texture hides fingerprints and scratches well. Concrete finish quartz works well in industrial spaces.
Leather Finish
A leather finish uses a texturing process to create a subtle pattern on the surface that mimics natural leather. The resulting quartz surface has a soft worn appearance but retains a smooth feel.
Fabricating and Polishing
Quartz slabs are cut to size for each project, fabricated with edges and holes for sinks, and polished to achieve the desired finish.
Cutting
Computer-controlled machines first cut the quartz slab to the measurements of the countertop layout. Precision cutting creates a perfect fit and professional finish.
Edge Profiles
The edges of the countertop are shaped using diamond-tipped edge forming tools. Various edge profiles like bullnose, bevel, ogee, and easi-edge can be fabricated to customize the look.
Sink Cutouts
Any sink cutouts needed are expertly cut with contouring along the sink edges. The cutouts are made slightly smaller to allow space for mounting the sinks.
Initial Polishing
After fabrication, the quartz surface goes through the first round of polishing using progressively finer diamond pads. This pre-polish smoothes saw marks and shapes the edges.
Final Finishing
The installed countertop undergoes final finishing for a flawless look:
Inspection
The quartz surface is inspected closely for any remaining flaws in the fabrication. Any issues are addressed before the final polish.
Final Polishing
Multi-step buffing with fine diamond abrasives achieves the desired level of polish or honed finish. This polishing erases any fabrication marks.
Cleaning
The freshly polished surface is thoroughly cleaned to remove all residues from fabrication and installation. This prevents any embedded debris from scratching the quartz later on.
Sealing
Though quartz itself is non-porous, the seams and edges may need sealing to prevent moisture ingress. Clear silicone sealants waterproof the joints while maintaining a seamless look.
With proper finishing, quartz countertops will maintain their beauty and durability for many years. Careful polishing and inspection ensures your quartz surfaces have a flawless appearance at installation. Follow the manufacturer’s care and cleaning instructions to keep quartz counters looking like new.
FAQs About Finishing Quartz Countertops
How long does it take to finish a quartz countertop?
The full finishing process usually takes 2-3 days. Fabrication and polishing take 1-2 days. The installed countertop is then finished with a final polish and thorough cleaning, taking another 1-2 days.
What kind of polish is used on quartz?
Quartz polishing involves diamond abrasive pads, compounds, and buffing powders that progressively refine the surface to achieve the desired finish gloss level. These may be applied through hand polishing or automated machines.
Can you change the finish of quartz later?
It is possible to refinish quartz and change to a different polish or hone level but requires regrinding the surface professionally. This process can take several days and may not achieve the exact same results as the original factory finish.
Does polished or honed quartz need sealing?
Though quartz itself is non-porous, the seams and edges should be sealed as they can absorb moisture over time. Use a clear silicone sealant specially formulated for stone.
How often should quartz countertops be polished?
With routine cleaning, quartz may never need re-polishing. For polished finishes, buffing with a quartz polish product can help maintain the glossy shine. Honing or re-polishing is needed only if considerable scratches appear over time.
Conclusion
Quartz offers durability along with aesthetics but proper finishing is crucial to enhance its natural beauty and achieve the intended look. Cutting, fabrication, consistent polishing, and cleaning give quartz the flawless, glossy appearance showcased in kitchens and bathrooms. With a range of polish options available, quartz can be tailored to match diverse designs and lifestyles. Paying attention to detail during finishing ensures your quartz countertops maintain their sophistication for many years.