Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. Made from crushed quartz blended with resin and pigments, quartz counters are praised for their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. However, like any surface, quartz can be damaged if cleaned with harsh chemicals. One chemical in particular – acetone – is commonly touted as being able to damage quartz. But is this really true? Here’s a detailed look at whether acetone can damage quartz counters.
What is Acetone?
Acetone is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinct sweet, fruity odor. Also known as dimethyl ketone, acetone is the simplest form of ketone. It is highly flammable and evaporates quickly at room temperature.
Acetone is commonly used as a solvent for cleaning products, thinners, nail polish remover, and in the production of plastics and fibers. Its ability to dissolve substances like paint, varnish, finish, and adhesives makes it a popular ingredient in many household and industrial cleaning agents.
Does Acetone Damage Quartz Countertops?
The short answer is yes, acetone can damage quartz countertops. While quartz counters are impressively resilient against scratches, stains, and heat, they are not indestructible. The resin binders that hold quartz particles together can deteriorate when exposed to harsh chemicals like acetone.
Prolonged contact with pure acetone can cause etching, discoloration, and erosion of the quartz surface. Acetone-based cleaners, thinners, nail polish removers are especially problematic when spilled or left to sit on quartz.
How Acetone Damages Quartz
Acetone is able to damage quartz counters because it dissolves the resin used to bind quartz particles together. Here’s a more in-depth look at the process:
- Quartz countertops are composed of roughly 90% crushed natural quartz aggregate blended with 8-10% polyester, epoxy, or acrylic resins. These resins act as binding agents that hold the quartz grains together to form a hard, non-porous surface.
- When acetone comes into contact with quartz, it saturates the resin binders. Over time, the acetone causes the resins to soften, swell, and slowly erode.
- As the resins deteriorate, they lose their ability to hold the quartz pieces together. This causes the quartz surface to become etched, pitted, and porous as particles and aggregates are loosened and worn away by the acetone.
- In extreme cases with prolonged acetone exposure, the resin binders can be completely dissolved. This leaves the quartz surface unsound, brittle, and permanently damaged.
- Acetone damage on quartz has visible symptoms like erosion pits, widespread etching, whitish haze, and permanent stains as pigments leach out of the weakened resin.
Tips to Prevent Acetone Damage on Quartz
While occasional accidental exposure to acetone likely won’t ruin your counters, repeated contact or spills can take a toll on quartz over time. Here are some tips to keep your quartz pristine and prevent damage from acetone:
- Avoid products containing acetone – Nail polish remover, paint thinner, varnish remover, and some heavy duty grease cleaners contain high concentrations of acetone that can harm quartz. Read labels carefully.
- Clean up spills immediately – Don’t let acetone sit on the surface. Blot and rinse any drips or spills quickly to limit damage.
- Use only quartz-approved cleaners – Mild pH-balanced cleaners are formulated not to degrade quartz resins. Stick to manufacturer recommendations.
- Use a trivet under acetone-based cosmetics – Place a trivet under nail polish bottles or remover to protect your counters.
- Reseal quartz every 1-2 years – Reapplying sealant creates a protective barrier against chemical penetration.
- Avoid DIY acetone damage repair – Don’t try to polish out acetone damage yourself. Consult a professional fabricator/installer for best results.
Can Acetone Damage Be Repaired?
In minor cases with light, localized damage, acetone etching and erosion marks can sometimes be smoothed and re-polished away. However, deep damage and large affected areas cannot be removed through polishing.
Completely resurfacing the damaged quartz with a new layer of material is the only way to fix severe widespread acetone damage. This requires hiring a professional fabricator and is comparable in cost to installing new countertops.
If the damage is limited to small areas, consult your quartz manufacturer or installer about repair options specific to your counters. Some acetone damage may be permanent though, so prevention is key.
Common Questions about Acetone and Quartz Countertops
Can I use acetone on my quartz countertops?
No, you should never intentionally use acetone or acetone-based products like nail polish remover on quartz counters. Acetone can degrade the resin binders in quartz leading to permanent damage. Always use cleaners designed for quartz surfaces.
What happens if acetone drips on a quartz countertop?
Immediately blot the acetone spill with a dry cloth to absorb as much as possible. Do not rub the area. Flush the surface with water and follow up by cleaning with a mild pH-balanced quartz cleaner. This should prevent damage if acted on quickly.
Is damage caused by acetone covered by a quartz warranty?
Not usually. Most manufacturers will exclude intentional misuse and chemical damage from warranty coverage. However, unintentional exposure may be covered if acted on quickly. Check with your installer or manufacturer.
Can I remove nail polish from my quartz countertop?
Avoid using acetone-based removers directly on quartz. Instead, use nail polish remover pads or wipes and take care to keep the quartz surface protected. Any drips or spills should be cleaned immediately before the acetone can penetrate the surface.
How can I restore my quartz countertop if damaged by acetone?
Minor damage may sometimes be repaired through expert polishing and refinishing. Deep erosion and widespread damage requires a full resurface or replacement though. Consult a quartz pro to assess your options. DIY repairs often make the problem worse.
The Bottom Line
Acetone can indeed damage quartz counters by eroding the resin binders that form the structural basis of the engineered stone. While an occasional minor exposure likely won’t ruin your counters, repeated contact or spills of concentrated acetone will eventually degrade the quartz surface leading to permanent pitting, staining, and erosion damage.
By using quartz-safe cleaners and avoiding acetone-based products, you can prevent acetone damage and keep your counters in pristine condition for years. But if damage does occur, be sure to contact a professional fabricator to assess your repair options.