Quartz is a strong, precisely engineered, non-porous stone and excellent at repelling spills. But after years of use, this strong surface can also end up with scratches, blemishes, and signs of wear. Though replacing the countertop isn’t always an option, the most convenient choice is to polish it. Let’s see how to polish the surface like a pro for a showroom-like finish.
Why Polishing Matters for Quartz?
Why do you polish your wooden deck or floor? To enhance that original look, right. That’s the reason behind polishing quartz countertops as well. While it uplifts the aesthetics, it also creates a sleek, reflective look that elevates the entire kitchen or bathroom design. But the benefits don’t end here. Polishing the surface helps maintain the material, enhancing its longevity.
If you take on those minor blemishes and dull areas with polish, you’re keeping these trivial issues from getting bigger, saving dollars and stress. Well-polished quartz countertops would be:
- Easy to clean
- Resist water spots
- Reduces the risk of scratches
- Shining like a new surface
That flimsy-looking polish isn’t just a thin coat but a cosmetic upgrade and a protective layer against future damage.
When Do You Need To Polish Quartz Countertops?
The way quartz countertops are engineered already eliminates the need for frequent polishing. They’re already non-porous and factory-sealed, making it a low-maintenance surface.
But the kitchen can be a battlefield for quartz countertops, where they deal with scratches, heavy blows, heat, and more. All these mishaps can damage the countertop’s appearance.
If you notice these signs, polishing the surface is better.
- Despite frequent cleaning, the surface is looking dull.
- Minor blemishes or light scratches disrupt the shine.
- Watermarks or stubborn stains that don’t go away after deep cleaning.
- Uneven finish across entire quartz countertops.
Have a countertop that’s heavily scratched, has a big, visible crack, or is stained, polishing won’t suffice. In such a case, you must call for the experts’ help.
Quartz is well-sealed and non-porous, unlike concrete. If you have a concrete countertop, you can hire a professional service for concrete polishing in Chicago for the best results.
Must-Have Tools for Professional Results
A soft cloth alone won’t be enough for a perfect polishing job. You need more than that for a flawless finish, like:
- Microfiber cloths: Gentle on quartz surfaces, perfect for wiping and buffing.
- Mild cleaning solution: Designed for stone surfaces to avoid damaging the material.
- Quartz polish: Specifically formulated to polish quartz countertops without leaving residue.
- Polishing pads: For evenly spreading polish over the entire surface.
- Buffer or hand polisher: Ensure a consistent, pro-grade shine.
- Comprehensive kit: Many homeowners prefer kits that include cleaners, polish, pads, and protective sealers all in one.
You don’t want to put effort into a mediocre job. These tools ensure you get a perfect, showroom-quality finish that impresses anyone who looks at your countertop.
Achieving the Perfect Polish: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re taking the project into your own hands, here are the steps you should follow for a perfect finish.
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Just like your exams, without preparation, you can’t get the right results in quartz polishing as well. Start with deep cleaning the surface.
Wipe the entire quartz countertop using a mild cleaning solution and warm water. Make sure there aren’t any crumbs, grease, or dried spills left before moving to the next step. Even those tiny dirt particles can scratch the quartz surface during polishing, so eliminate all these elements.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Polish
You cannot go with any random polish you see in any random hardware store’s shelf. Not all products are suitable for stone surfaces. Avoid cleaners meant for granite or marble unless they’re labeled safe for quartz. If you’re not sure at any point, search for expert marble polishing in Chicago and call an expert.
Step 3: Applying the Polish
Grab your microfiber cloth or a polishing pad and apply a small amount of polish onto it. Focus on removing minor surface blemishes and work the polish in circular motions. Make sure you spread the polish evenly across the entire surface to avoid uneven shine.
Step 4: Buffing and Polishing
To make the surface buttery-smooth, use a hand polisher or buffer. If you’re DIYing manually, keep buffing in circular motions until you see a uniform shine. In this step, removing dullness isn’t the only goal. It’s about bringing out that natural luster of the quartz surface.
Perfecting this step also ensures that the final polish looks smooth throughout the countertop.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once done with buffing, wipe down the surface with a dry microfiber cloth. Also, scan the surface with a keen eye from different angles in proper lighting. You don’t want any streaks or missed spots on the surface. If you still find some lingering dull areas, repeat the polishing on those sections.
Eventually, you’ll end up with a flawless, uniformly polished quartz countertop that’s young, shiny, and ready for those daily kitchen challenges.
Daily Maintenance for Long-Lasting Shine
Polishing quartz countertops only to stop caring about the stone won’t work. You have to give the surface the right love and care to keep it new for long.
- Don’t let spills sit on the surface. Immediately clean them with a damp cloth to prevent staining.
- To clean the surface, use mild soap with a quartz-friendly cleaner that’s not harsh for the stone.
- Avoid abrasive pads because they can cause scratches.
- Don’t let hot pans make direct contact with the surface. Place them on trivets to avoid heat damage.
- Cut on a board, not directly on the countertop, to avoid surface scratches.
Knowing When to Call a Professional
While budget remains a concern, saving money can lead to bigger countertop issues sometimes. Call for professionals if you’re dealing with these situations:
- There are deep scratches or chips.
- Stains have seeped below the surface.
- After final polish, the surface looks uneven.
- You’re not good at choosing the right products or tools.
Exploring Different Quartz Surface Finishes
If that cookie-cutter finish doesn’t impress you, there are different quartz finishes affecting how your countertop looks, feels, and responds to polishing.
| Quartz Finish | Appearance | Key Benefits | Polishing Suitability |
| Polished finish | High-gloss, reflective, and smooth | Better color, easy cleaning, and stain-resistance | Perfect for polishing; creates a beautiful shine |
| Honed finish | Matte, soft look, and minimal reflection | No fingerprint marks, apt for a subtle aesthetic | Usually not polished; needs a gentle cleaning to maintain finish |
| Leathered finish | Textured and a bit rough with unique patterns | More natural, stone-like appeal, masks water spots and smudges | Better not to polish; careful cleaning and sealing recommended |
Conclusion
The way a car needs regular service, care, and maintenance, quartz countertops want the same. With time, those heating pans, sharp knives, and heavy objects can leave the stone with blemishes. Polishing can mask these spots and turn that rusty-looking countertop into a new-looking one. If you’re not skilled enough to polish the surface, call an expert in quartz or granite cleaning in Chicago for help.
