As the coronavirus crisis continues to keep us all indoors for far longer than we would be normally, our homes are increasingly the focal points of our lives. That means we’re more likely to notice things about where we live, especially rooms like the kitchen where we tend to spend a lot of time. Equally, we may also have the rare gift of a little more time to resolve practical issues.
When it comes to kitchen countertops, for example, you may just spot cracks, especially any small ones that previously went unnoticed.
Unfortunately, sometimes these can happen, especially if you drop something heavy on the worktop. The main thing to do is not to panic. You will almost certainly not need to buy a whole new countertop. Mending cracks is simpler than you may have realised, even on natural stone worktops.
Here are our top tips, but remember you should read the manufacturer’s instructions first, and be sure you don’t do anything to invalidate your insurance or warranty:
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Quartz
It’s true that these are among the surfaces that can be a little trickier to repair. Equally, the patterns do mean that any repairs can be a little more visible. But you can use a colour-matched epoxy to fill the crack, and then sand or polish.
First use acetone to clean the area, allowing it to evaporate fully before you do anything else.
Another technique is to fill the crack with glue, one thin layer at a time. Shave away the excess when you’re done, leave to dry and then just wipe your surface clean.
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Granite
Again, use acetone to thoroughly clean the area around the crack. Then use a granite epoxy according to the manufacturer’s instructions , to which you can add a colour pigment, before spreading with a small tool, wiping up any spillages as you go. You’ll need to seal afterwards, before allowing it to cure for a day.
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Marble
An epoxy sealant can work for small cracks. Again, clean and leave to dry out before applying then using a clean damp cloth to remove any excess. Polish to a bright sheen afterwards. You can also use tin oxide for superficial scratches.
Here to help
It’s understandable that you may want to attempt this job yourself. But, equally, in many ways, this is a job for the professionals. At Royal Stone Care, we’re fully experienced and have the expertise and equipment to work on everything from marble polishing to granite chip and quartz repair.
Give us a call – we’re continuing to work through the coronavirus crisis, and taking care to do so safely.
