Quartz countertops are durable and long-lasting, but like any surface, they can become damaged over time. Small chips along the edges or surface are one of the most common issues for quartz counters. The good news is that minor chips and cracks in a quartz countertop can often be repaired. Here is what you need to know about repairing small chips in quartz countertops.
What Causes Chips in Quartz?
Chips and cracks usually occur from impact damage. Dropping heavy objects like pots, pans, or appliances can easily chip quartz. Hard blows from tools while working on the countertop can also damage the surface. Over time, general wear and tear from daily use creates small dings and chips along the edges and surface.
Quartz is engineered from natural stone and resin, making it very durable and resilient. But the material can still be chipped from excessive impact and force. Highly polished quartz tends to show wear and damage more visibly than surfaces with more texture.
Assessing Chip Damage
Before attempting to repair a damaged quartz countertop, assess the chip carefully. Small chips less than 1/4 inch or 6 mm along the edges can often be smoothed over with sanding and polishing. For shallow surface chips without chunks of material missing, an epoxy patch provides the best results.
However, deep cracks or chips over 1 inch wide indicate extensive material damage. Large missing pieces, deep fractures, or cracks running through the full quartz slab are beyond DIY repair methods. Extensive damage of this nature usually requires a professional fabricator to cut out and replace the damaged section of the countertop.
Repairing Minor Edge Chips
Here are the steps for smoothing over small quartz countertop chips yourself:
Gather Supplies
You’ll need a few items:
- Medium to fine grit sandpaper (120 to 220 grit)
- Polishing pads or microfiber cloths
- Rubbing compound, polish, or epoxy if needed
Sand the Chip
Use moderate pressure and fine sandpaper to smooth and round out the chipped edge or area. Work in a circular motion to blend the area into the surrounding countertop. Take care not to grind away too much material around the chip.
Polish the Surface
Switch to a polishing pad or cotton cloth with rubbing compound to buff out sanding scratches and restore the high-gloss finish. Use firm pressure and keep polishing until the area blends evenly into the rest of the countertop surface.
Apply Epoxy if Needed
For indentations that cannot be fully smoothed out with sanding, fill the area with an epoxy resin patch after sanding. Allow drying fully and then continue polishing. The repaired section should now appear level with the rest of the quartz surface.
Repairing Surface Chips and Cracks
Surface chips without missing pieces can be filled in using epoxy filler products made specifically for quartz and solid surface countertops. Here is the basic repair process:
Clean and Dry the Area
Remove any loose debris from the chip and clean thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol. Allow to dry completely so the epoxy bonds effectively.
Prepare the Epoxy Filler
Kits come with instructions to mix the epoxy resin and hardening agent according to ratios. Stir thoroughly until uniform in color.
Fill the Chip
Use a putty knife to fill the chip with epoxy, overfilling slightly. Remove excess with a plastic scraper. Allow drying completely.
Sand and Polish
Once hardened, sand the area smooth starting with 150 grit paper. Finish polishing with pads and compound until even with the surrounding quartz.
Clean Up
Remove all sanding dust and residue. Wipe the area down with a clean, dry cloth. The chip should now be repaired and blended into the countertop surface.
When to Call a Professional
While minor chips and surface cracks can be DIY repaired, it’s best to call in a professional fabricator for:
- Chips larger than 1 inch / 2.5 cm
- Missing quartz pieces or chunks
- Deep cracks extending below the surface
- Multiple fractures over a large area
- Damage around sinks, seams or joints
For extensive damage, a pro has the tools to cut out sections and seamlessly replace it with new quartz. They can match your slab, finish, polish and make damaged areas as good as new.
Maintaining Quartz to Prevent Chips
To help avoid chips and cracks in quartz countertops:
- Use cutting boards and hot pads to protect the surface
- Clean spills quickly to avoid stains setting in
- Avoid abrasive cleaners that can dull the finish
- Don’t place extremely hot pans or apply strong chemicals directly on the quartz
With proper care and prompt repair of minor chips, quartz countertops will continue looking like new for many years. Knowing how to fix small dings and chips can help save on expensive countertop replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I repair chips in quartz countertops myself?
Yes, small chips up to 1/4 inch along the edges can often be sanded smooth and polished by a DIY homeowner. Epoxy filler products are also available to fill in minor surface chips and blend them into quartz counters.
How do you disguise chips in a quartz countertop?
Use fine grit sandpaper to smooth and round out the edges of small chips. Apply epoxy filler to indentations and missing pieces, then sand flush and polish the area. With the right techniques, chips can be seamlessly blended into the surrounding quartz.
What is the best filler for quartz countertop chips?
Specialized quartz and solid surface epoxy fillers are best to fill chips and cracks. Products like Milliput or ColorCore are designed for stone surfaces and cure to a hard finish that can be sanded and polished.
Can large chips in quartz counters be repaired?
No, deep cracks, missing chunks of material, or large chips over 1 inch wide usually cannot be repaired. The damage is too severe for DIY methods. These issues require a professional fabricator to cut out and replace the damaged section.
How much does it cost to repair a chip in a quartz countertop?
Minor DIY epoxy and polish repairs cost $50-100 in supplies. For professional repair of large chips or replacing sections, costs range from $200 up to $1000+ depending on the severity and size of the damage.
Conclusion
Small chips in quartz counters are frustrating but completely repairable in most cases. Assess the damage and utilize sanding, epoxy fillers and polish to make dings disappear. With the right techniques and products, you can often extend the life of your quartz countertops and avoid expensive replacements due to minor chips and cracks. Handle repairs promptly and your quartz counters can look pristine for many more years.