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Quartz Countertops Dos and Don’ts

A smooth stone countertop is the main point of a kitchen makeover, surpassing sparkling new gadgets. Natural stones like marble and granite are popular countertop materials, but quartz is an engineered stone that is more durable and frequently less expensive than genuine stone.

To clarify, quartz is also a natural stone. Quartz countertops, however, are made using ground-up quartz particles blended with resins. The result is an engineered stone.

If you have been thinking about buying quartz countertops, you should know that you are on the right track, as there are plenty of perks to getting one. These perks include:

Highly durable: Natural quartz is one of nature’s toughest minerals. It ranks seven (out of ten) on the Mohs Hardness Scale, which is used to identify minerals. While you won’t be scratching all of the countertops to see how hard they are, a higher score on the Mohs scale indicates that the mineral is more resistant to scratches.

Plenty of customization options: Unlike granite and marble worktops, which have restricted options, quartz countertops are available in a wide range of colors and styles. You can choose from a variety of quartz hues and design options to suit your style, such as warm quartz countertops.

Easy to maintain: Another huge advantage of quartz countertops is that they require very little upkeep. Quartz countertops, unlike concrete, granite, and marble counters, do not require frequent sealing and polishing to retain a smooth, easy-to-clean surface.

Quartz is naturally nonporous and does not require sealing or polishing. You can easily clean the surface using warm water and a gentle sponge or cloth, reducing the need for harsh chemical cleaners in the house.

For you to have an easy time keeping your quartz countertops in top shape, you need to be cautious about how you handle them. To help you out, here are some of the things you should and shouldn’t do to the countertops.

Use soap and water for cleaning.

Quartz countertops are extremely easy to keep clean.

For everyday cleaning, simply wipe your quartz countertop with a soft cloth, soap, and water.

Fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of dish soap, then spritz away.

While soap and water are plenty for routine cleaning, you can also use additional mild cleansers.

A mild household cleaner will get the work done. To avoid stains, thoroughly dry the surface after each cleaning session.

As mentioned, a mild approach is always preferable for quartz countertops. This calls for you to stay clear from bleach, oven cleaners, and abrasive pads or powders.

It’s worth noting that if you have a stain or discoloration on your quartz countertop that requires you to use anything stronger, consult the manufacturer or a professional cleaner for assistance.

Get rid of spills as soon as they happen.

Even though quartz surfaces are stain-resistant, you should make it a habit to wipe away accidents quickly as soon as they happen.

You should note that some substances, such as wine, coffee, tea, or acidic products like vinegar, can cause stains if you don’t clean them up promptly.

Again, while you can use water to clean a quartz countertop, standing water can cause water stains or discoloration over time.

To maintain the countertop’s appearance, wipe up spills as soon as possible. Don’t let them sit on the countertops for too long.

If you are having a problem identifying the spills, bend down and get at eye level with your counters to see whether any dried spills have been hidden. The spills will appear as raised bumps on the surface.

Don’t cut directly on the countertops.

Always use a cutting board when preparing meals on your quartz counters. This is because quartz is scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof, so you should always use a buffer between your counter and a butcher knife or other sharp tools and utensils.

Don’t place hot dishes on the countertops.

The same caution applies to any piping hot pot, pan, or dish that comes straight from the stove or oven: do not place it directly on your quartz countertop.

Quartz, despite its toughness, is not invincible, as it is susceptible to heat damage. When cooking, always set down a trivet or other heat-resistant mat first.

Don’t put permanent markers on or near the countertops

It’s tempting to let the kids work on their school assignments on the kitchen island while you prepare dinner. This is wrong. Do not allow kids to use ink or permanent markers on exposed quartz.

This is because the markers can stick to the surface, making it difficult to remove with anything other than a strong chemical. The kids can use water-based markers. However, if the children are using Sharpies, it is best to cover and protect the tabletop surface.

Don’t seal quartz countertops.

Quartz countertops do not require sealing. Quartz, unlike granite and marble, is not porous by nature. This means you won’t have to seal, polish, or recondition your quartz countertop.

Because quartz is naturally non-absorbent, sealers cannot permeate the surface and instead remain on top of the countertop. This sealant layer will wear off unevenly, making your surfaces appear inconsistently polished. And you don’t want this, do you?

Do sanitize the surfaces

Although the nonporous surface is more sanitary than other natural stone countertop options, such as granite or marble countertops Durham, it is still recommended that you sanitize your worktops on a regular basis.

To sterilize your quartz countertops and kill any bacteria that may be dwelling on the surface, use a 70% isopropyl alcohol cleaner or a Lysol disinfectant spray.

Parting shot

These are some of the things you should and shouldn’t do with quartz countertops. When getting the countertops, ensure that you get them from a reputable store and you have them installed by a professional.

Remember that good care begins with you, so you should be ultra-cautious when handling the counters so that they last for as long as possible.

Ways to Redo Your Kitchen Countertops

Are you staring at your old, outdated kitchen countertops and wondering how you can redo them without replacing them? Well, you can do many things to make them appear like new or simply give them a great polish.

Some of the things you can do include:

Spray the countertops with spray stone

Granite is a timeless element to add to your countertops, but installation may not always be within your budget. Furthermore, demolishing your present counters might be inconvenient and messy.

If you really want to give your worktops a natural stone appearance but don’t want to undergo demolition or pay the exorbitant price for custom-cut stone, spray stone is a perfect alternative.

Spray stone is available in various colors and finishes, including matte and gloss. The spray stone product range has demonstrated longevity, lasting 15 years with proper care and maintenance.

Remember that you need a polyurethane topcoat to attain the desired level of durability. Failure to do so may result in the coating failing prematurely, causing it to flake and wear unevenly over time.

Spray stone’s application extends beyond countertops. It is also suitable for use on shower and bath enclosures, as well as vanities.

Tile over the countertops

Another strategy is to cover them in tile. First, install a waterproof film on the laminate counters to achieve this. Before beginning this process, plan the tile to ensure proper fitting and appeal.

Also, to avoid unscrewing and replacing plumbing, consider creating an under-mount sink look with sink corners and tile edging trim.

After all tiles have been set and affixed to the counter, you can apply grout. Configuring, cutting, and placing tiles can be time-consuming. To make it easier, hire a professional to help you out.

Redo the countertops with decorative vinyl.

Decorative vinyl is another excellent way to update the kitchen countertop without replacing it. It’s quick and easy, and there is no noise, dust, or odor. This is a great way to go about it if you want to refurbish countertops quickly and affordably.

Refinishing with film involves covering existing surfaces with new material. The sole criterion is that the surface be smooth and clean. Additionally, no water damage or warps should be present. The steps for film application are as follows.

Make a flat surface with putty and gentle sanding.
Prime the surface where you need more adhesion, such as corners and edges. You may also need to apply a primer.
Measure and cut the material.
Peel and stick the film onto the surface.
In a fan-shaped sweeping motion, apply the film with a squeegee from top to bottom.

And by doing this, the countertop is ready. Its refurbishing takes only a few hours.

In addition, the vinyl layer replicates the original texture (whether it is wood, metal, or something else), so refinished worktops will be as appealing as natural ones. Furthermore, we guarantee that countertops will maintain their appearance for at least ten years.

Use craft paper

Another innovative way to remake your countertops without replacing them is to use craft paper. This procedure can take the longest to complete, so bear this in mind before beginning.

To cover the countertops using craft paper:

Remove the border from Formica countertops. If the edges are rounded, you must paper them over and smooth them to the bottom edge.
Soak craft paper with two parts water and one part glue, then smooth it onto the counters and over the edges.
If necessary, cut the paper around the wall and bottom edges. Keep adding until you achieve the desired effect.
Once it has dried, add the color.
Apply a few polyurethane coatings, smooth it out, and attach a one-inch stained edge piece.
Add more layers of polyurethane.
Due to the drying period of polyurethane coats, it will be ready to use in approximately 2-3 days.

Paint the countertops marble.

If new counters are not within your budget, we have found another option: a paint makeover. You should note that this is not your typical simple paint color. This is a new, exciting way to paint your countertops like marble.

You should start with sanding, priming, and painting the surface white.

Once the countertops are ready, you can begin to create veins using craft paint. You should practice veining on a tiny piece of wood before moving on to the counter.

You should then whitewash the surface before sealing to soften the veins. Once you are done, seal your artificial marble.

You should note that when doing this, you’ll also need primer, eggshell or satin-finish white paint, three colors of gray craft paint, a foam roller and a roller tray, a feather, a sea sponge, a soft paintbrush, paper towels, a toothbrush, small mixing bowls, sandpaper, paste wax or a water-based polyurethane for the topcoat, and other supplies.

You can also buy a paint kit to change the appearance of your countertops. If painting artificial marble sounds too demanding, consider using a marble interior film.

Refinish the countertops with terrazzo.

Terrazzo countertops are resilient and resistant to scratches, stains, and chipping, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. They are also bacteria-resistant and simple to clean, making them ideal for kitchens where hygiene is a priority.

While terrazzo is a good option, it takes a lot of time, and some people report that their countertops look like their floors, which they don’t like.

How wise is it to redo the countertops on your own?

Remember that getting your countertops professionally redone is always the best way out. Industrial coatings require knowledge and high-end equipment, such as an HVLP sprayer, respiratory protection equipment, and a fume exhaust system.

Without adequate safety equipment, resurfacing your countertops alone can be extremely dangerous to your health.

If you need assistance or have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a local countertop refinishing professional experienced in giving faux granite countertops Raleigh or any other look.

Do not attempt this technique alone unless you are qualified to do so.

Things to Do If You Hate the Color of Your Granite Countertops

Although granite countertops are attractive, long-lasting, and in style, you should know it’s normal to get bored of them. The good thing is that you can update them if you find them too busy, too dark, or simply don’t match your current design style.

To help you out, here are things you can do if you don’t like the current color of the countertops:

Paint the countertops

Consider using a granite countertop paint kit, available online and at home improvement stores, if you are content with how your kitchen is set up but would want a different look without having to pay more for something like a new Corian countertop.

Primer, paint, and epoxy are typically included in countertop resurfacing kits; some kits also include all the sanders, rollers, brushes, and other equipment you’ll need for the project.

Make sure that you adhere to the instructions included with your particular kit, however, most kits suggest taking actions akin to these:

First, use a roller to apply a coat of primer. After letting it dry, apply a second layer of primer.

Using a fresh roller brush, apply the stone coat. Use a smaller brush for difficult-to-reach and detail areas, such as the areas around sinks, fixtures, and edges.

You should use a rotary sander to smooth the stone coat after it has dried. A shop vacuum or filtration system helps get rid of dust.

You should then dust or vacuum the surface until it is clear of all dust and debris.

After applying a second coating of stone coat and allowing it to dry, resand.

As instructed, apply the sealant coat and let it dry. It’s crucial to give this last coat enough time to cure completely before handling or causing any disturbances, as doing so may result in smudges and imperfections that are difficult to fix.

After the sealant application has dried completely, remove the protective tape.

To ensure the countertop is polished, you should apply caulk to all edges, walls, sink lines, and other required locations.

Tile over the countertops

You can tile over a granite countertop that is perfectly level, square-edged, and devoid of embellishments, curves, or a waterfall edge. Your countertops must be level and sturdy so the tiles and grout do not fracture after installation.

Water-resistant, long-lasting, and food-safe porcelain, ceramic, or comparable tiles are what you should install.

To stop water, stains, and bacteria from growing, choose non-absorbent, food-safe, resin-based, and stain-repellent grout.

Unless you choose your tile, grout, and design choices wisely, tiling over existing granite counters might make your kitchen appear less attractive, so be cautious about how you go about it.

Tile is often thought of as a less attractive, cheaper countertop material. Nevertheless, it can refresh an outdated countertop and improve how your kitchen expresses your taste.

You can rough up and scratch your countertops with a power sander and high-grit sandpaper. For the thinnest mortar to adhere to them, they must possess a particular texture.

Alternatively, you can buy and cut a ¼-inch-thick cement or tile backer board to precisely fit over your counters and glue it to the granite surface if you don’t want to install tile directly on your worktops.

For the best outcome, work with experienced contractors who will not only correctly install the tiles but also advise you on the best ones.

Install laminate sheets on your countertops.

Consider covering your granite counters with laminate sheets if ready for a new look. Though laminate comes in various solid and decorative patterns, it is rarely as attractive as granite, so you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of making the switch.

Laminate is also far less durable than granite, so you must treat your countertops more carefully if you decide to switch.

You want the granite to appear dull, so use an orbital or belt sander to remove the top layer.

Using a vacuum, clean the surfaces and remove any last bits of dust and grime.

Measure the top, sides, borders, and backsplash (if appropriate) of each countertop surface you plan to cover.

You can install any style and color of laminate, including precut laminate strips.

Use contact paper or countertop film.

Cover the granite surface with contact paper or countertop film for a less expensive, more transient upgrade that will still transform your granite worktops.

Countertop film, which resembles vinyl flooring more than typical contact paper, is more robust, resilient, and thicker than contact paper, which is less expensive and more straightforward to cut.

Both are available in various hues and designs, including marble-like patterns.

While this is the case, you should remember that this is a temporary fix that will alter the appearance for a while; it will require gentle maintenance and replacement as it wears out.

After deciding on and buying the contact paper you want, spread it across your counters and let it flatten.

Cut it to size with a straightedge, sharp scissors, or rotary cutter, then align it with your countertops to ensure a good fit.

You should peel one corner and edge first to expose the adhesive side.

Attach this side to your countertop piece by piece, working slowly and deliberately around the countertop’s surface, beginning at one edge.

As you proceed, you can smooth the film using a squeegee or wide plastic putty knife to eliminate bubbles and guarantee a snug fit.

Parting shot

If you don’t like the current look of your granite kitchen countertops Raleigh, don’t worry; there are several ways to improve their look.

You only need to choose one of the given ways and run with it. You can make some of the changes yourself, but let a professional help you for the best outcome.

How Can You Tell Good Quality Granite When Buying Your Countertops?

When you buy granite countertops, you’re making a long-term investment. Due to this, you need to be cautious when making the purchase. To help you out, here is how to tell that you are buying high-quality granite:

Check the thickness of the countertops.

A significant portion of granite’s cost can be attributed to its natural form when taken from the earth. Granite solidifies into enormous slabs. Once harvested, these massive blocks must be transported to a manufacturing plant, where workers chop them into commercially viable pieces.

Many producers cut some parts too thin to maximize their granite yield. When granite is excessively thin, its durability suffers, resulting in poorer-quality granite that scuffs more easily and needs to be replaced years sooner than thicker pieces.

High-quality granite countertops must be 1 to 1 ¼ inches thick. So, you should measure the thickness of your countertops when buying and ensure they are the right size.

Find out the origin of the countertops.

No location can claim a monopoly on the granite industry. It can be found worldwide, from China to Europe and the Americas. Granite’s provenance does not always define its quality. However, the country of origin influences its pricing.

Granite slabs from China, for example, are sold at a lower cost due to reduced labor costs. Higher-cost countries, such as Italy and Brazil, demand more for quality.

In addition to labor costs, shipping charges significantly impact the price of granite. Granite is expensive to transport due to its heavy weight. This means that you can receive the best deal on granite sourced near home.

How does the granite look like?

To assess granite quality, you must inspect it closely. Do you notice any dings, dents, scratches, or uneven surfaces?

Any imperfections indicate low-quality granite. Good granite can sustain everyday household use; therefore, if yours has wear and tear, the quality is likely substandard. Also, exercise caution while acquiring any blemished granite. High-quality components are free of scratches and dings.

When making the purchase, look for cracks. Remember that even little fissures can expand into enormous chasms over time, so avoid them.

Determine the porosity of the countertop.

Top-grade granite is resistant to liquid absorption. If a chunk of granite is overly porous and allows liquids to seep inside, it is a low-quality slab with a short lifespan. In addition, extending the life of porous granite necessitates the regular application of costly sealants.

To test porosity, squeeze a drop of lemon juice onto the surface. How long does it take for the granite to absorb the liquid? If it absorbs quickly, the porosity is high, and you don’t want this. Slow or no absorption implies high-quality granite, and this is the one you should get.

Consider the grade of the countertops.

Granite countertops typically come in three grades. Before you spend your hard-earned money, buy the greatest granite for your needs. The primary grades are:

Entry-level granite: This granite is regarded as commercial grade, but it is of lesser quality. Typically, it is thinner than other grades and comes from China.

The granite is strengthened with a cardboard backing. While thinner than the other classes, it is also less expensive, making it a popular apartment option. This granite is available in various attractive colors and is quite durable. It is important to note that it is unsuitable for regularly used rooms.

Mid-grade granite: This granite is usually imported from India or Brazil. It is approximately ¾” thick and far more durable than grade 1. This option is most commonly used in homes due to its hardness and lower cost than Grade 3. It comes in a variety of distinctive and striking colors.

High-grade granite: This granite is the most expensive, ranging between $60 and $100. It is of the highest quality and contains the most unique colors and designs. High-quality granite is widely utilized for kitchen surfaces and around fireplaces.

Assess the polish quality.

The polish quality is critical to ensure you receive a high-grade granite. Low-quality polish will not withstand prolonged use. There are several ways to assess polish quality.

The first option is to use the lemon drop or water test, as described above. This test allows you to examine the porosity and polish quality at the same time.

You can also scratch the surface with a metallic material such as a coin. If the coin leaves a mark, the polishing is poor, and the granite will tarnish soon, and you don’t want this.

Work with a countertop professional.

With a bit of research and effort, you can ensure that you purchase high-quality granite countertops, which most people want.

Many people think they only need the highest-grade countertops, but this isn’t always the case. If a lower grade is appropriate for your needs, go for it.

You only need to ensure that it’s well-made and it will withstand the test of time.

Remember that the countertop industry has plenty of shady people who might try to exploit you.

Simply because you assume you are paying for a high-quality countertop does not imply that you are. Always work with a trustworthy granite countertop dealer to obtain the best value for your money.

Even after installing the countertops, you should note that you must take good care of them. This calls for you to avoid placing hot items on the countertops.

You should also seal the surfaces at least once a year. You can do the sealing yourself, but for the best outcome, let experienced granite contractors Durham help you out.