Maintain the value of your kitchen and home by repairing kitchen counters that have a history of wine spills, dropped pans, and unidentified sharp objects. Some counter mistakes are easily hidden, but only professional contractors can solve other surface issues. Here are some counter-cures and lost causes.
- Granite
Even granite countertops are subject to kitchen wear and tear. However, with a little time and know-how, you can make them shine. Don't forget to reseal them after you've repaired them.
Cracks, chips, and scratches in granite can be filled by layering epoxy resin colored to match the stone. Clean the area with acetone first, which dissolves grease. Make sure to leave a window open for ventilation.
Stains: The type of stain (wine, ink, oil, or bleach) determines the type of poultice required to suck it out. A flour and hydrogen peroxide paste removes grease, oil, bleach, and ink stains; a flour and bleach mixture removes wine stains.
- Solid-Surface Counters
Corian and other solid-surface countertops are man-made from resin, acrylic, and other materials. They're resistant to scratches and stains, but not invincible. To repair minor scratches, use a wool pad to rub a white polishing compound into the area, then apply a countertop wax. Call a professional for deeper scratches or cuts.
- Laminate
Repairing gouges or covering burns in laminate is difficult for mortals, but minor issues are manageable. Small chips can be repaired with laminate repair paste that matches the color of the countertop. Use countertop polish or car wax to hide scratches. Contact cement, applied to both surfaces and pressed back into place, can be used to repair peeling laminate. Coffee and tea stains can be removed with vinegar or a paste of baking soda and household cleaner.
Larger issues will necessitate the replacement of the damaged stretch. Although laminate is available in an infinite number of colors, finding an exact match for an old counter may be difficult.
- Tile
If you've planned ahead of time and saved old tiles, take a few and replace cracked or scratched areas. If you don't have extra tile, try wiping away scratches with a clean cloth and a dab of toothpaste. With a toothpick, work epoxy glue into cracks, then color with matching oil-based artist paint. And, after removing the old grout with a utility knife, replace it with a rubber trowel.
- Stainless Steel
Over time, stainless steel countertops become scratched, stained, and dull. Although scratches will never be completely removed, you can buff them into a warm patina by massaging them with vegetable oil. Stains can be removed with baking soda and dish soap paste. Stains can be removed without scratching with a sprinkle of Barkeeper's Friend.
While all of the materials used for kitchen countertops are durable, there may come a time when your kitchen countertops need to be touched up for minor repairs such as chips and dings. Knowing how to repair kitchen countertops allows you to buy the right materials for the job and ensure a long-lasting repair that experts recommend.
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