How to Polish Quartz Countertops

How to Polish Quartz Countertops for a Like-New Appearance
Quartz is quickly gaining popularity as a premium countertop material for homes throughout Springville, UT and the surrounding communities due to its durability and stunning appearance. Installing quartz in your kitchen or bathroom instantly transforms the space, creating a luxurious appearance with its range of colors and patterns. However, over time, even the most resilient surfaces can lose some of their original luster and begin to appear dull. The professionals at Signature Marble and Granite have created a helpful guide on how to polish your quartz countertops to ensure they look amazing for years to come. With a little effort, you can restore shine to your quartz countertops and make them the centerpiece of your room once again.
Understanding the Difference Between Honed and Polished Quartz Finishes
Before you begin restoring the appearance of your quartz countertops, it’s essential to note that not all quartz requires polishing. There are two finishes available for quartz: polished and honed. Polished quartz features a glossy surface and a reflective shine that serves as a protective barrier against spills and impacts. It doesn’t need to be polished. Honed, on the other hand, has a more subtle appearance but may require more frequent cleaning and polishing to maintain its appearance. However, it is still more stain-resistant than other natural stones.
Materials Needed to Restore Shine to Quartz Countertops
We recommend ensuring you have all the necessary products and materials needed for your quartz polishing project before you begin. Preparation is essential for achieving a professional-looking finish. Here is a list of the required materials and products you’ll need:
- Quartz-Specific Polishing Compound
- Variable Speed Polisher or Buffer
- Diamond Polishing Pads
- Microfiber Cloth
- Painters Tape
- pH-Neutral Cleaner
- Spray Bottle With Water
- Safety Gear
- Sealer
Step-By-Step Guide for Polishing Quartz Surfaces In Your Home
One of the most attractive selling points of quartz is that it doesn’t require the same level of maintenance as other materials. However, following our step-by-step guide for polishing quartz surfaces in your home will restore its shine, remove fine scratches, and fix etching to provide you with a stunning surface.
- Clean the Surface – Begin by cleaning the surface with a microfiber cloth and some warm water with mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft towel.
- Apply Polishing Compound – With the quartz surface clean, you can now apply the polishing compound to the area. Work in small, manageable areas, roughly 2×2′ for the best results.
- Choose Your Polish Pad Grit – If you have noticeable scratches, consider starting with a low grit pad, such as 400 grit. However, if you’re going to simply restore the quartz’s shine, a higher grit, such as 800 or 1500 grit, will work.
- Begin Polishing – Set your polisher to a low speed, keep it flat against the surface, and move it slowly. Applying even pressure as you move up and down and left to right will provide even results. Use the spray bottle as necessary to prevent the compound from drying out.
- Progress to Higher Grit – Once you’re satisfied, switch to the next highest grit pad. Repeat the steps as necessary. Each successive pad will refine the surface, removing finer scratches left by the previous one until you restore the shine of your countertop.
- Apply Sealer – Applying a sealer after you’ve finished polishing your quartz will help preserve the surface.
Quartz Countertop Maintenance Tips
Now that your countertops look amazing, following these simple maintenance tips for quartz countertops will help preserve their surface.
- Avoid using abrasive sponges and harsh chemicals, as this can cause scratches and etching.
- Clean up spills promptly to avoid staining.
- Always use a cutting board to prevent scratches, cracks, and chips in the quartz surface.
Enjoy a Professional Polish for Your Countertop
Polishing your kitchen or bathroom quartz countertops to restore their shine and luster is a manageable DIY project. By using the right tools and products and following a careful process, you can enhance the beauty and style of your quartz surfaces. If you’re curious how quartz would look in your home, speak with the professionals at Signature Marble and Granite. We will provide you with a free project estimate and help you determine if new quartz countertops are the right choice for your Springville home.