Quartz countertops are a popular option for both new homeowners and those looking to remodel their kitchens. They are made from natural quartz, which is one of the strongest materials used in construction today. But does quartz countertop chip easily? In this blog post, I will answer this question and more!
So does quartz countertop chip easily? No, quartz countertops are very resistant to chipping and scratching. They will not chip easily as ceramic or porcelain tiles might do. However, they may chip if the proper precautions are not taken when working with them.
For example, you will need to be careful of sharp knives and other objects when you’re chopping ingredients on your countertop.
Also, you should avoid using abrasive cleaners when cleaning quartz countertops. These types of cleaners may scratch the surface, which will weaken it and make it more susceptible to chipping.
Why Are Quartz Countertops Resistant To Chipping?
Quartz is a high-density crystallized mineral that is very strong and highly durable.
It was used as a good alternative for granite beginning because it could be produced at a much lower cost and it tends to be a lot more resistant and requires very minimal care and maintenance.
Quartz countertops are made from natural quartz, which is mined and then crushed into a fine powder that is mixed with resin to form a resin-saturated cloth.
The cloth is then molded into slabs, which are cut to the desired size and shape. This gives quartz the absolute strength, durability, stain resistance, and scratch that it has.
But this does not mean quartz countertops are invincible. They can chip if they are not properly maintained and cared for. Here are a few examples of things that could cause quartz to chip easily.
1. Quartz Countertops Will Chip Easily When You Use Knives Directly On Them
If you cut hard food items like fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, to mention a few on the quartz countertop directly, it could cause scratches and eventually chips.
This is because the blades of the knives are very hard, while quartz countertops are not that tough and will not be able to withstand the force applied by your knife.
When this happens parts of the quartz stone bonded together with resins will get chipped off.
The chips will then gather in the exposed areas of the countertop, making it look unsightly and ugly.
Remedy:
This typical case of prevention is better than cure! There are several ways to prevent this so you do not get to the point of almost any return.
One of the simplest ways to prevent this from happening is by using a cutting board when you are chopping ingredients. These things come in various shapes and sizes for both convenience and good price points.
You can also buy self-healing mats which have much more resilience than the countertops, but they are just as good.
2. Quartz Countertops Can Chip Easily When You Use Abrasive Cleaners On Them
You can easily damage quartz countertops by using abrasive cleaners. By abrasive cleaners, I mean detergents, cleansers, or polishing agents that are not meant for natural stone.
These cleaners might contain too many chemicals like bleach and hydrofluoric acid that will dissolve the bond within quartz countertops.
As mentioned before, quartz countertops are mainly made up of resin and quartz stone particles, so when the bond dissolves, it will loosen up and start to break off.
When you use abrasive cleaners on your quartz countertops, the chemicals dissolve the resins and bond within the stone causing it to weaken. This makes the countertop susceptible to chipping.
When this happens, you get tiny fragments lying around all over your house getting into your food and other things.
Remedy:
If you want to clean your quartz countertop, then I suggest that you use only cleaners that are meant for natural stone.
These cleaners will not be too abrasive and they contain the right amount of chemicals not only for the safety of your quartz countertop but for your food and family.
3. Quartz Countertops Can Chip Easily When Someone Is Too Rough With Them
I cannot count the number of times I have seen someone crack open a bottle of beer or soda over the edge of a countertop. This among many other activities can chip your quartz countertops easily.
When you are too rough with the surface of your quartz countertop, it can cause tiny cracks on its surface.
Most of the time, cracks are not visible to the naked eye. They can only be seen through a microscope, but they have enough impact to weaken the integrity of your countertop.
When this happens, pieces of quartz can chip off and make it look very ugly.
Remedy:
To prevent this from happening be reasonably gentle with your countertops even if they are heavy-duty and can resist a lot of wear and tear.
If you want to protect your quartz countertop from chipping when it is cracked or broken, then I suggest that you use a stone sealer.
Stone sealers will not only protect it from chipping but also strengthen the countertop and make sure that there are no cracks.
You can also use stone sealers to protect your countertop from stains and spills that might cause damage in the long run.
If you are not sure which sealer to use, then I suggest that you seek the help of a professional. It is always good to consult with an expert so you are sure everything is being done correctly.
4. Dropping Things on The Quartz Countertops Can Cause It To Chip
Another common cause of quartz countertop chipping is when you drop objects on them. This can be dropping sharp objects or heavy objects on the countertop.
Just like any other natural stone, quartz countertops are not indestructible. Dropping things on the surface of your quartz countertop can cause it to chip, especially if the object landed on a sharp edge.
In many cases, chips may range from the very tiny piece you cannot see to a big chunk of quartz that breaks off.
Remedy:
If you do not want your countertops to chip simply avoid getting things dropping on them as much as you can and when someone drops thing something on them, make sure to observe critically and if necessary, fix the chip immediately.
Doing this will keep your countertops from chipping and minimize the damage especially if the chip is not very deep.
If you want to fix chips, then I suggest that you use a stone sealer. This will help if on it, then I suggest that you use a stone sealer.
Stone sealers will not only protect it from chipping but also strengthen the countertop and make sure that there are no cracks.
How To Fix A Chip On Quartz Countertops
If you take care of your quartz countertops properly, then they should not chip. If the chipping is caused by accidents like dropping something, then do not lose hope as you will be able to fix it! But first, here’s what you need to do before anything.
1. Check The Warranty Of The Quartz Countertops
If your quartz countertop has a warranty, then you should contact your supplier immediately. They will be able to send a repairman or expert who can assess the damage and fix it for you.
If the quartz countertop is not covered by a warranty, then you should contact an expert who can fix your chips and cracks or you can use some of the methods I have recommended below.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how you can fix a chip in your quartz countertops:
2. Using An Adhesive
You will be able to use adhesives to fix minor chips on your quartz countertops. To do this;
Things Needed:
- Ammonia-based cleaner
- Superglue (for light-colored quartz countertops) Or Epoxy Adhesive (for colored or dark quartz countertops)
- Masking tape
- 360-600 grit Sandpaper
Depending on the location of the quartz countertop repair, you will need a kit with two different types of epoxy. One should be a low-viscosity epoxy while the other should be a high-viscosity epoxy.
You may also need a chemical spray to harden the epoxy after the chip repair. This, however, is not mandatory, especially if you can wait for 24 hours without tampering with the repaired surface.
If you opt to use superglue to fix the countertop chip, get a repair kit with a small syringe. You can also use this when filling epoxy into the chip.
Step 1:
- Start by cleaning the surface of the quartz countertop using the ammonia-based cleaner.
- This will thoroughly clean the surface to remove dirt and grease from the chipped area.
- Finish off cleaning with the surface with a gentle detergent, rinse with a damp cloth, and allow the surface of the quartz countertop to dry.
Step 2:
- Duct tape or masking tape should be used to enclose the chipped countertop area.
- This is important because it allows for the adhesive to only get into the chips without affecting the rest of the countertop’s surface.
Step 3:
- Pick out the epoxy adhesive making sure to select one that matches the color of your quartz countertop if it is colored or darker.
- Put a small amount of adhesive on the mixing pad included in your kit, and apply it to the surface using an epoxy knife.
- You can fix the countertop chip with a pigmented epoxy adhesive even if you have a dark-colored quartz tabletop.
- You may need to apply more after epoxy dries since it shrinks as it cures. Also, it will take up to 24 hours for each application to fully dry.
Step 4:
- Next, even out the dried epoxy adhesive or super glue, you applied using your 360-600 grit sandpaper.
- Once you’re done, remove the masking or duct tape and you’re good to go!
Here’s a video on how to fix quartz countertops chips
FAQ’s
Q. How often should I clean quartz countertops?
A. You can clean your quartz countertop daily if you want to maintain its shine or once a week. Just make sure to use a gentle detergent and soft cloth so as not to damage it.
Q. What kind of cleaner do I use for quartz countertops?
A. You can clean your quartz surfaces with a gentle detergent and a damp cloth. You can also use ammonia-based cleaners for tough dirt stuck on the countertop surface.
