Quartz repair and restoration services
Quartz is one of the world’s best-known minerals, and it’s found pretty commonly, in fact it’s the second most plentiful mineral in Earth’s continental crust. It’s made up of oxygen and silicon atoms, and there are several varieties, in different colours, some of which are semi-precious gemstones. This mineral is often used to make carvings, and in jewelry production.
Its use in kitchen and bathroom countertops is relatively new, but it has is a loyal and growing following, mainly due to the many benefits of using this material.
How quartz is used in countertops
Up to 10% of a quartz countertop’s volume may consist of a cement-based binder. Of course, the other 90% will obviously include quartz. But there may well be granite, marble, and some other natural stone or recycled materials as well, such as ceramic, glass, mirrors or silica.
So perhaps a quartz countertop could more accurately be described as being fashioned from engineered or compound stone.
Feel the benefits
With quartz countertops, the main appeal lies in their durability and attractive appearance.
Here are some of the key advantages to having them in your home:
- Due to the manufacturing process, you’ll find more choice in terms of colours than with other natural stones, including granite and marble. Indeed, you can even order your own custom colour.
- The appearance is rich, even luxurious, and with a depth that you don’t always get elsewhere.
- Quartz is as durable as concrete and granite, but doesn’t crack or chip as easily.
- Price typically compares well with other, similar materials used in countertops, such as granite or marble.
- Because it isn’t porous, this material will resist staining much better than granite, concrete or marble. It can withstand a variety of common household stains, from coffee and wine to oil and juice. At the same time, this quality makes it very hygienic, since it doesn’t harbour bacteria.
- Multiple finishes are also available – including, for example, matte if you’d rather not have a polished finish.
Caring for your quartz countertop
Quartz countertops are essentially quite low maintenance, and, unless you ask for a matte finish, naturally shiny and so don’t need to be polished.
They’re also harder to damage than many of the equivalents. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t be damaged, either by intense heat, or by chipping. Take care not to bang your countertop, especially around areas like sinks, and don’t place scalding hot pans directly on them. (Equally, never chop directly on the surface.)
When it comes to regular cleaning, a soft rag and mild detergent should be quite sufficient. Clean your countertop with warm water and soap every day if you can. (If the surface is honed, that can make common marks like fingerprints more visible, so you may need to clean more often.
For dried-on grime, use something plastic like a spatula to remove. Grease can be shifted with a degreaser.
As ever, mop up any spillages briskly, don’t use excessive pressure or force when cleaning, and don’t use harsh products.
Tougher, more stubborn stains may need a different approach, and a different cleaning product, such as rubbing alcohol for permanent marker removal. Or you could try an adhesive remover. But always seek specialist advice before using anything other than a very mild detergent.
Quartz countertop repair and more from Royal Stone Care
As we’ve seen, quartz is hardwearing but, like anything else, it can become damaged or lose its lustre over time. And these countertops are investment pieces rather than cheap solutions, and it’s worth investing in their maintenance so they continue to look their glorious best.
And while you can do most of the basic cleaning yourself, for more complex quartz repair jobs you need to call in the professionals. At Royal Stone Care, we have the experience, techniques and equipment to help. We specialise in all types of quartz restoration, across London and the surrounding areas, and have plenty of experience in quartz worktop repair and similar tasks, for domestic and commercial clients in a wide range of settings.
Whether someone has left a coffee mug ring mark, or there’s a stubborn, ingrained mark on your quartz, we have extensive expertise and can have the surface looking like new again in no time. And we understand the particular needs of this material and how it should be looked after.
Let us help whether a new-fit installation has gone wrong or whether you just want to breathe a new lease of life into a much-loved quartz countertop.
We can come out to you quickly, and most issues are resolved within half a day. The immediate area surrounding where we’re working is thoroughly covered to protect it, and we always clean up after ourselves before leaving.
And as part of our pledge to protect the environment, we never use harmful chemicals in anything we do.
At the same time, for your complete peace of mind, we’re covered by comprehensive public liability insurance in the unlikely event of any problems. We also make sure we only hire highly trained and skilled craftspeople with the relevant knowledge, qualifications and experience, and in whom have complete confidence that they know exactly what they’re doing. (They’re also polite, punctual and professional.)
Repairing quartz cracks, chips and scratches
Quartz may be tough, but chipping, scratching and cracking can all still happen – this stone isn’t indestructible.
First, clean and wipe the counter. Next, stick masking tape around the chip for a better finish. For lighter-coloured countertops, use superglue or adhesive filler on the affected area, until the chip is level with the surface, and leave to dry for 24 hours. For worktops in darker shades, consider using pigmented epoxy adhesive.
If all this sounds somewhat fiddly, that’s because it is! Use quartz countertop repair specialists instead, for a job so professional you won’t know it’s been done.
Removing stains and limescale from quartz
It may be durable and hygienic, but quartz can still be liable to staining, particularly from limescale or water marks. (Unfortunately, the water supplied across the London area tends to be hard, due to its high magnesium and calcium content, and this does cause limescale.)
If water is left to evaporate on quartz, it can leave stubborn limescale marks behind, which some cleaning products make tricky to remove if they bind with the hard water, make the limescale stickier. Equally, regular soaps and detergents won’t always help.
The problem with this kind of stain is that it can harm your quartz’s shiny surface, and such marks can become harder to shift if they are simply ignored. However, the good news is that limescale is a superficial stain, and so it can come off.
Daily wiping will help, given that prevention is inevitably better than cure. (Specifically, keep the surface free from crumbs, since even a few smidgeons of toast can scratch the surface quite badly if you’re not careful.)
To remove the limescale, first carefully remove as much as you can of it with a plastic spatula, and a stone-safe soft scrubbing pad. Then apply a small amount of vinegar mixed with water. Rub it with a microfibre cloth, and then rinse before, on this occasion, leaving to dry. Another option is to use water and baking soda.
You’ll need to be careful, since if you use the wrong products, you can actively damage the stone’s surface, and change its colour – one reason why it’s always best to use a professional quartz repair company.
Repairing the damage caused by chemical cleaning sprays
Unfortunately, strong chemical products like hydrochloric acid, caustic soda and even paint stripper if you get some on your stone by mistake, can damage a quartz surface.
Another product to steer clear of is anything containing bleach. If this is left on the surface too long, it can affect the sealant protecting the surface.
So use a mild soap or detergent or check with the manufacturer for a recommended cleaning product.
What sort of cloth should I use on my quartz countertop?
As well as being careful with cleaning products, it’s worth thinking about the cloths you use to clean quartz countertops. As with the former, you want to make sure that the cloths you use aren’t in any way abrasive – if they are, they could leave permanent marks in their wake.
A good choice is microfibre cloths – these are absorbent and don’t leave watermarks behind. Have a wet one to wipe down, plus a second for drying. You could also use a specialist cloth designed for high-gloss surfaces, which you can use without anything else at all.
Diamond Quartz Service
What’s more, we’ve perfected our own diamonds, a technique exclusive to us, to get rid of scratches and marks on your quartz surface. We’ll then apply our own sealant for ongoing, constant daily protection against further harm.
Our rates are competitive, and you also have the option to opt for a regular maintenance plan, giving you year-round quartz repair and care for a single annual fee.
Contact us today for a quote without charge or obligation and we’ll be happy to supply one immediately, tailored to your requirements.
Quartz countertops and the like are not the cheapest things to fit, and you’ll want them to last and stay looking good. So they’re worth taking care of. At Royal Stone Care, we’ll make sure we do just that.