How To Polish Solid Surface Countertops? (Easy Steps!)

Do you wish to know how to polish solid surface countertops? This article will give you a better understanding of how to get it right.

Solid surface countertops are a type of artificial countertop material made of acrylic polymer or polyester resin and natural minerals.

They are non-porous and durable, resist staining, and can be seamlessly joined.

To polish solid surface countertops, clean with a non-abrasive cleaner, wet sand with progressively finer grit sandpaper, and apply a solid surface polishing compound.

Importance Of Polishing Solid Surface Countertops

There are Reasons to polish solid surface countertops. It is important to polish solid surface countertops for the following reasons:

Reason 1: Maintains Appearance

Maintaining the appearance of a solid surface countertop is important for keeping the kitchen or bathroom looking its best.

✅ Regular polishing helps to restore the shine and smoothness of the surface, giving it a new, like-new look.

This is particularly important if the surface has become dull or scratched over time, as polishing can remove these imperfections and bring back the original beauty of the countertop.

Additionally, a polished surface is less likely to attract and retain dirt, stains, and grime, helping to maintain its clean and hygienic appearance.

Overall, regular polishing is an effective way to keep solid surface countertops looking their best for years to come.

Reason 2: Surface Protection

Protecting the surface of a solid surface countertop is crucial for ensuring its longevity and preserving its appearance.

✅ Polishing creates a barrier that helps to protect the surface from scratches, stains, and other types of damage.

This is because a polished surface is smoother and more resistant to wear and tear, reducing the likelihood of surface damage occurring.

Additionally, a polished surface is more resistant to bacteria and other harmful substances, helping to maintain its hygienic and clean appearance.

By protecting the surface, polishing can help extend the life of the countertop and prevent the need for costly repairs or replacements.

Reason 3: Increases Durability

Increasing the durability of a solid surface countertop is important for ensuring its longevity and maintaining its appearance.

Polishing helps to increase durability by smoothing the surface and making it more resistant to wear and tear.

This is because a polished surface is less likely to be scratched or damaged by everyday use, such as preparing food or washing dishes.

Additionally, a polished surface is more resistant to stains, allowing it to maintain its appearance for longer.

By increasing durability, polishing can help extend the life of the countertop and prevent the need for costly repairs or replacements.

✅ Overall, regular polishing is an effective way to maintain the appearance and longevity of a solid surface countertop.

Reason 4: Makes Cleaning Easier

Keeping a solid surface countertop clean is an important aspect of maintaining its appearance and hygiene.

Polishing makes cleaning easier as it creates a smooth surface that is less likely to attract and retain dirt, stains, and grime.

A polished surface is also easier to wipe down and disinfect, making it a more hygienic option for food preparation areas.

Additionally, because a polished surface does not have scratches or rough spots, it is less likely to harbor bacteria and other harmful substances, helping to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

By making cleaning easier, regular polishing can help keep solid surface countertops looking their best and maintain a healthy and hygienic living space.

Best Polish For Solid Surface Countertops

For solid surface countertops, it’s recommended to use a non-abrasive polish such as:

Corian Polishing Compound

Corian polishing compound is a specialized product designed for use on Corian solid surface countertops.

It’s a non-abrasive formula that helps to remove light surface scratches, dullness, and other signs of wear. It can also help to restore the shine and luster of the surface.

The compound is typically applied with a soft cloth and rubbed in a circular motion until the desired result is achieved.

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure the best results and avoid damaging the surface.

Weiman Solid Surface Cleaner & Polish

Weiman Solid Surface Cleaner & Polish is a multi-purpose product for cleaning and maintaining solid surface countertops, such as Corian.

It’s formulated to clean, shine, and protect the surface from daily wear and tear.

The product is applied with a soft cloth and used to clean the surface and remove streaks and fingerprints.

It also helps to restore the shine and luster of the countertop.

It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using this product to avoid damaging the surface.

Method Daily Granite Cleaner & Polish

Method Daily Granite Cleaner & Polish is a cleaning and polishing product for natural stone surfaces, such as granite, as well as solid surface countertops.

It’s formulated to clean and shine the surface while protecting it from daily wear and tear.

The product is sprayed on the surface and wiped with a soft cloth to clean and restore the shine.

It’s free of harsh chemicals and has a pleasant scent. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using this product to avoid damaging the surface.

Bar Keepers Friend Countertop Cleaner and Polish

Bar Keepers Friend Countertop Cleaner and Polish is a multi-purpose cleaning and polishing product for various surfaces, including solid surface countertops.

It’s formulated to remove stains, streaks, and grime while restoring the shine and luster of the surface.

✅ The product is applied with a soft cloth and gently rubbed into the surface in a circular motion. It’s also effective for removing tarnish and rust from metal surfaces.

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using this product, as it may be too abrasive for some surfaces and can cause damage if not used properly.

Tip: The best polish for solid surface countertops typically depends on the specific material and manufacturer's recommendations.

How To Polish Solid Surface Countertops

Here are step-by-step procedures for cleaning solid surface countertops.

Step #1: Clean The Surface With A Mild Soap Solution And A Soft Cloth

To clean the solid surface countertop with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth:

Mix a small amount of mild soap, such as dish soap, with warm water. Dip the soft cloth into the soap solution.

✅ Wring out the cloth to remove excess water. Gently clean the surface, using circular motions, to remove dirt and grime.

Rinse the surface with clean water to remove the soap residue. Dry the surface completely with a clean cloth.

Step #2: Dry The Surface Completely

To dry the solid surface countertop completely, kindly use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the surface.

Ensure that no water droplets or moisture are left on the surface. Let the surface air dry for a few minutes if needed.

Repeat the drying process until the surface is completely dry and free of moisture.

Note: Leaving moisture on the surface can lead to water spots and damage the finish.

Step #3: Sand The Surface

To sand the solid surface countertop using fine-grit sandpaper, you need to choose fine-grit sandpaper, such as 320 or 400 grit.

• Wet the sandpaper with water to prevent damage to the surface. Sand the surface in a circular motion, focusing on the scratched or marked areas.
• Apply light pressure to the sandpaper, being careful not to apply too much force.
• Sand until the scratches or marks have been removed or significantly reduced.
• Rinse the surface with clean water to remove any sanding residue.
• Dry the surface completely.

Note: Sanding too aggressively can cause damage to the surface, so proceed with caution.

Step #4: Apply A Solid Surface Polishing Compound

To apply a solid surface polishing compound using a soft cloth, choose a solid surface polishing compound that is appropriate for the type of solid surface you have.

Apply a small amount of polishing compound to the soft cloth. Rub the cloth onto the surface in circular motions, covering a small area at a time.

Apply gentle pressure to the cloth to help the compound spread evenly. Continue until the entire surface has been covered with the polishing compound.

Let the compound sit on the surface for a few minutes, as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions.

Buff the surface with a clean cloth to remove the compound and bring out the shine.

Note: Using the wrong type of polishing compound or using too much can damage the surface. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Step #5: Buff The Surface With A Clean Cloth

To buff the solid surface countertop with a clean cloth in circular motions until it shines, you need to take a clean cloth and fold it into a small square.

• Rub the cloth onto the surface in circular motions, covering a small area at a time.
• Apply gentle pressure to the cloth while buffing, using a back-and-forth motion.
• Continue until the entire surface has been buffed to a shine.
• If the surface is not yet shiny, repeat the polishing compound application and buffing process until the desired level of shine is achieved.
• Clean the surface with a soft cloth to remove any residue from the polishing process.

Enjoy your newly polished and shiny solid surface countertop!

Note: It's important to use a cleaner and polish specifically made for solid surface countertops to avoid damage or discoloration.

Step #6: Repeat The Process

You need to repeat the polishing process as necessary until the desired level of shine is achieved. Evaluate the level of shine on the surface after each buffing session.

✅ If the surface is not yet shiny enough, repeat the entire process starting from the application of the polishing compound.

Repeat the process until the desired level of shine is achieved. Be patient, as it may take several rounds of polishing to reach the desired level of shine, depending on the condition of the surface.

Tip: Stop the process once the desired level of the shine has been achieved. Over-polishing can damage the surface.

Conclusion

As you have learned how to polish solid surface countertops, it is important to follow the above steps in order not to do it the wrong way.

In conclusion, solid surface countertops are a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability, non-porous nature, and ability to be shaped and repaired.

They offer a seamless look and come in a variety of colors and patterns. However, they are typically more expensive than laminate countertops and can be prone to scratching if not properly maintained.