Quartz countertops are popular choices for kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability, aesthetics, and easy maintenance. However, like any other countertop material, quartz can get minor damages like small chips over time. Don’t worry, there are some simple DIY methods to fix small chips in your quartz countertop.
What Causes Chips in Quartz Countertops
Chips in quartz countertops are usually caused by:
- Impact from falling objects like appliances, cookware or utensils. This can chip the edges or surface.
- Cracking under pressure and points of impact. Quartz is durable but excessive force in one area can cause chips.
- Minor damage during installation or repairs. Improper handling or cuts can lead to small chips.
- Normal wear and tear over time. Daily use in a kitchen leads to minor dings and chips.
How to Fix Small Chips in Quartz Countertops
Here are some effective methods to repair small chips in quartz countertops:
Clean and Dry the Area
- Clean the quartz surface around the chipped area with soapy water to remove any dust or debris.
- Dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth. Make sure the area is completely dry before proceeding.
Sand the Chips
- Use medium grit sandpaper to smooth out the chipped edges. Be very gentle and careful.
- Try to get the chipped area as even as possible without grinding too much of the surrounding quartz.
- Wipe away any quartz dust with a dry cloth after sanding.
Fill With Resin or Epoxy Filler
- Choose a resin filler or epoxy made specifically for quartz countertops. Avoid regular wood or concrete fillers.
- Kits are available on Amazon or hardware stores. Pick a color that matches your quartz.
- Follow kit instructions to mix the resin and hardener. Apply to fill the chip using a putty knife.
- Make sure to fill just above the surface. The filler will shrink slightly while drying.
- Let it cure fully according to kit directions before sanding flush with the countertop.
Sand Until Smooth
- Once fully cured, use fine grit sandpaper to smooth the filler patch.
- Sand gently in a circular motion until the patched area is flush with the rest of the countertop.
- Wipe away excess filler dust with a dry cloth and clean the area.
Buff to Blend
- Use a buffing pad or very fine sandpaper to blend the edges of the patched area.
- Buff in a circular motion to blend with the quartz finish. Take care not to over buff.
- Clean the area once more when done buffing.
- The chip should now be successfully filled and blended into the countertop!
Tips for Preventing Chips
- Use cutting boards, hot pads and trivets to protect quartz surfaces.
- Avoid dropping heavy objects on quartz.
- Install proper support under overhangs and edges to prevent cracks.
- Keep quartz surfaces free from debris that can abrade.
- Handle heavy quartz pieces carefully during installation.
- Have pros make precise cuts to avoid cracking and chipping.
When to Call a Professional
While small chips can be fixed with DIY methods, it’s best to call a pro for:
- Large cracks or chips bigger than a coin.
- Multiple damages clustered together.
- Chips with visible underlying damage.
- Severe cracks running through the slab.
- Damages where pieces have broken off.
- Any chip where a clean repair seems doubtful.
- If your DIY efforts don’t blend well or look unsightly.
FAQs About Fixing Quartz Chips
How can I match the quartz color when fixing a chip?
Choose a resin filler designed for quartz and match the color as closely as possible. Apply a thin layer and blend well with buffing. The chip should become barely noticeable.
What are quartz countertop repair kits?
These contain colored resin fillers, catalysts to cure the resin, applicators and sandpaper. They are made to repair chips and cracks in quartz. Buy from reputed brands.
Can I use wood filler or porcelain repair kits?
Avoid wood or porcelain filler. Only use filler made for natural stone and quartz. The resin composition and strength is formulated specifically for quartz.
Is there a difference between quartz and solid surface chip repair?
Yes, solid surfaces like Corian can be fixed with their proprietary repair kits. But quartz requires a filler designed for its material density and composition. Don’t use a solid surface repair kit.
How long does quartz chip repair filler last?
When done correctly, the repairs can last years. But exposure to heat or excessive impact can damage the repaired area again. Avoid direct heat on filled patches.
Should I replace instead of repairing quartz chips?
For large chips, multiple damages or cracks, replacement may be better. But small chips can be repaired successfully with resin filler and blend into the countertop.
Conclusion
Small chips in quartz countertops can easily be fixed with DIY methods like filling with colored resin or epoxy and sanding smooth. This prevents further damage and restores the appearance of quartz. Pay attention to matching the color, filling adequately and blending smoothly into the surrounding areas. With some care and technique, those pesky little chips can be given a seamless fix.