Can Quartz Countertops be Refinished or Polished? (Facts!)

Can quartz countertops be refinished? Quartz countertops can indeed withstand some serious abuse, but they eventually begin to lose their shine.

If that is what you are experiencing, chances are you are already searching for ways to polish it again. 

But, you may be wondering, “Can you refinish quartz countertops like you can do with marble?”

Refinishing quartz countertops, unlike granite or other materials, is not feasible. However, you can use polishing techniques to help restore their luster and appearance.

The Mesmerizing World of Quartz

Quartz countertops are man-made and engineered to be durable and stain-resistant.

Interestingly, it is given a premium, complete look by manufacturers who polish it to a mirror shine.

These countertops can be found in matte and gloss finishes, making them versatile additions to any home’s decor.

Quartz is most commonly used in bathroom and kitchen countertops, but it also has many other applications such as in the following:

• Coffee tables
• Fireplaces
• Flooring

It can be quite durable depending on its intended purpose and storage conditions; however, it is not suited for outdoor use owing to weathering. 

What Makes Quartz Countertops So Popular?

Since 2017, quartz has risen in popularity to be among the most sought-after countertop materials.

In fact, it has surpassed the allure of granite and contributed to a rise of nearly 25% in property value in some instances.

There are many reasons why people are becoming attracted to quartz. For instance: 

Durability

Quartz’s extreme hardness and resilience make it practically indestructible; it will not chip, shatter, or otherwise show signs of wear and tear.

And these properties make it a common choice for both kitchen and bathroom surfaces. 

Low Maintenance

Quartz countertops are low maintenance since they are non-porous, do not absorb stains or liquids, and do not need to be sealed like other natural stone surfaces. 

Aesthetically Pleasing

Aesthetically, quartz countertops may complement a wide range of decors thanks to their customizable pattern options, color palette, and surface treatments.

They can be made to look like real stone, or they can be given a more contemporary, even industrial style. 

Health Benefits

These countertops offer health benefits because they do not give out toxic radiation or chemicals like other natural stones.

Moreover, it inhibits the growth of microorganisms because of its antibacterial properties. 

High Value

Quartz countertops are relatively more expensive as compared to other available types of worktops.

But they are often seen as a long-term investment due to their ability to increase a home’s resale value.  

Fact: Quartz is long-lasting but to prevent staining you should never let liquids sit on the surface for long enough. 

Can Quartz Countertops be Refinished?

Quartz countertops are not suitable for refinishing in the same way that other materials like marble or granite are.

✅ Quartz can sustain regular usage and is resistant to scratching, staining, and heat damage because of its extreme hardness and durability.

But eventually, it may need some refinishing.

The problem is that the process of refinishing, buffing, and polishing Quartz Surfaces is rather tricky and only a select few businesses are able to execute it. 

Going with the Pro

In case your quartz countertop is in need of repair, you should get in touch with a professional.

✅ Go with someone who can evaluate the situation and advise you on how to proceed.

Buffing out tiny scratches or repairing small cracks or chips may be possible in some situations with the help of a qualified technician.

But again, this largely depends on the severity of the damage and what type of quartz material you have used for your countertop.

Fact: Clean quartz countertops immediately and never leave food particles for too long or they will discolor the counter. 

Refinishing and Polishing Quartz Countertops

When you have minor stains and scratches that make your quartz countertop look rather unsightly, polishing may be the way to go.

Interestingly, unlike delicate materials like marble, Quartz can be easily cleaned and polished. 

If you are willing to try it, know you do not have to stress out too much over breaking the quartz.

It is reinforced and sturdy enough to withstand vigorous scrubbing with any sort of brush.

Here is how to proceed: 

Clean the Quartz Countertop Properly

Quartz countertops in the bathroom or kitchen should be cleaned thoroughly using warm, soapy water.

You can soak it with a spray bottle and then clean it with a scrub brush. Use the method you like depending on the level of grime on the counters.

When cleaning, you can also make use of baking soda. You simply need to mix some baking soda in water and turn it into a paste-like consistency. 

Use it directly on the quartz countertop to get rid of any stubborn stains.

For hard stains, leave the paste on the surface for a while and then scrub it off gently. Use a cloth to dry the surface, taking care to remove any traces of water.

In some situations, wet spots will detract from the uniformity of the quartz and look unsightly.   

Get Ready to Sand the Quartz Countertop

Sanding a quartz countertop at home is not recommended unless the homeowner has prior experience and knowledge working with quartz.

Quartz is an extremely hard and resilient material, making it tough to deal with. 

Therefore, using the wrong sanding techniques can damage the countertop and even cause personal injury.

But if you want to proceed, keep the following points in mind.

• While sanding down quartz, use a diamond sanding pad, or 220-grit sandpaper.
• Do not sand the countertop too harshly; instead, work in circular motions.
• Work in intervals, as the sanding pad can get too hot and scratch the counter surface.
• Sand the counter in a steady, circular motion to prevent scratches and lines.
• Try wet sanding, as it extends the life of the sanding pad and reduces dust and heat generation.

Fact: Baking soda is usually safe to use on quartz, but practice some care and dilute it to avoid any issues. 

Polish the Countertop

A gentle, clean cloth and a polishing product made for quartz countertops can do the trick.

Work it into the countertop in circular motions, focusing on a small area at a time. And keep polishing until the whole thing is shiny. 

Using Regular Cleaners

Quartz surfaces in the kitchen actually benefit greatly from the polishing power of Windex and comparable window cleaners.

Quartz benefits from these treatments because, like glass, they enhances the reflective qualities and clarity of the material.

When it comes to window cleaners, you do not have to use much. Using a spray bottle makes it even more convenient.  

Using Quartz Polishing Poducts

Quartz countertops can be cleaned and polished with simple soap and water, window cleaner, or a specialty solution.

However, to keep the quartz from being damaged, you should only use marble and granite cleaners and polishes.

For optimal results, read and follow the product’s directions, and give the counters a thorough cleaning before applying polish.  

Rinse and Dry

After you have finished polishing the entire surface, it is time to rinse it nicely. Make use of a dry cloth and some clean water.

Once done, consider using a sealer. Using a quartz countertop sealer will help prevent stains, scratches, and discoloration from happening again.   

What Not to Do When Refinishing and Polishing Quartz Countertops?

Quartz countertops nearly never absorb liquids or bacteria since they are built with polymers and resins.

Although quartz countertops are resistant to stains, they can still be scratched or chipped.

Remember that any damage to its surface, such as scratches or gouges, can become a breeding ground for germs and dirt.

So, cleaning and polishing is essential, but you have to know what not to use when polishing quartz countertops. 

For instance, some household cleaners should not be used, like Acidic cleaners, such as lime-based products and hydrofluoric acid should be avoided.

Similarly, it is a good idea to avoid cleaners such as:

• Lemon juice
• Abrasive scrubbers
• Bleach
• Undiluted vinegar

You may want to consider getting a solution made for cleaning quartz countertops if you are confused about which cleaning solution to use.

Fact: Polishing or buffing helps, but deeper scratches have to be filled with resin or epoxy to make your quartz countertop look great again. 

Read Next: How To Remove Lily Pollen Stains from Countertops?

Takeaway

Can quartz countertops be refinished? Quartz has many desirable characteristics: longevity, attractive appearance, low maintenance requirements, positive health effects, and excellent value.

But, unlike other materials, like marble or granite, you cannot truly refinish quartz, but you can certainly polish it again.

So, when you notice it is losing its typical shine, consider polishing it again or work with a professional to restore its original grandeur.