How to Finish (Sand) Solid Surface. Finishes range from matte and satin to highly polished gloss. Use a
Solid surface (laminate countertops, Corian®, Formica® countertops, Silestone®) and ceramic tile countertops can be refinished at significant cost savings over replacement. Refinishing can be done quickly and without the mess of a replacement job.
The best finish is 3m micron paper for Corian. The Home Depot stuff will clogg up in no time. The best practice is to clean thoroughly before sanding. All edges should be done by hand with sandpaper and steel wool. Never sand the top surface area by hand. You create swirl marks and will have an uneven finish.
You can use a commercial polishing compound or make your own using baking soda and water. Apply your polish with a solid cloth using rub down your countertop using circular motions. Once you have applied the polish, start wiping away any excess with a clean cloth.
Avoid using cleaners that contain strong acids. Periodically, it may also be helpful to go over the entire surface with an abrasive cleanser or a wet 7447 Scotch-Brite pad (for a matte finish) to maintain a uniform appearance. Rinse with water and towel dry.
Corian is a branded name used in reference to solid surface countertops. These surfaces are a step up from laminate but still lack the durability and aesthetics that would allow them to compete with natural stone such as quartz.
While Clorox wipes are safe to use on many surfaces, they can be too harsh for natural stone surfaces like granite. The bleach in Clorox wipes can break down the sealant on your granite countertops, leaving them vulnerable to staining and damage.
Surface maintenance procedures are dependent on the type of damage and the degree of shine on the finish. Sand out cuts and scratches with 120, 180 grit, and then 280, which will approximate the matte finish of the original piece.
To remove the scratch, use P240 grit sandpaper or 60-micron paper. Repeat washing the area to remove any residue, and then buff the scratch with a Scotch-Brite pad (7447 A VFN) in a circular motion.
Wipe the countertop surface with the help of an ammonia-based spray cleaner or warm soapy water for minor residue buildups, or with an abrasive cleaner for heavier buildups. This will help to remove minor scratches, scorch marks, and very stubborn stains from the Corian countertop and will revitalize it.
Do Not Use On Granite or Marble. If you have soft surface countertops like granite or marble, step away from the magic eraser. You can use them on laminate, Corian, quartz, and other solid surface countertops, but do a spot check.
A circular saw with a carbide-tipped blade is the best tool for cutting Corian, as it will create a smooth, clean cut. A jigsaw can also be used, but it is more likely to chip the material.
Medium Grit (80–120): Ideal for initial sanding of moderately rough surfaces. These grits strike a balance between removing material and not leaving overly rough surfaces. Fine Grit (150–220): Used for final sanding before applying a finish.
How Long Do Solid Surface Countertops Last? Most solid surface countertops come with a 10-year warranty, which they outlive when they're used, cleaned and maintained as intended. Solid surface countertops are renewable and repairable so you can extend the life span to 30 or 50 years.
How do you redo a countertop without replacing it? There are many options available on the modern market - wrap it with the interior film, DIY concrete one, paint it to look like marble, tile it, imitate terrazzo surface, etc.
Sand out cuts and scratches with 120-grit, 180-grit, and then 280-grit, which will approximate the matte finish of the original piece.
For minor car scratches or surface blemishes—left by fingernails around door handles, for instance—buffing is an easy and inexpensive solution.
Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
Purchase a commercial countertop polish.
Commercial polishes made for other types of countertops, such as granite, will also work to polish your Corian countertops. These types of polishes are available at home improvement stores or online. Check the label to make sure that it is safe for your countertops.
Because they consist mainly of resin rather than stone, solid surface countertops are vulnerable to heat damage from hot pots or pans. It's always a good idea to put down a hot pad or another barrier on your countertop before placing a hot pan out to cool.
When your Corian countertops start looking like they need a refresh, you have two options: Refinishing them or replacing them. If you have semi-custom cabinets, you need to think more carefully about what you do so you can protect the investment you have made.
Daily cleaning is fine warm soapy water, ammonia-based household cleaner, or a dedicated countertop cleaner. Do avoid window cleaners, however, as they can leave a waxy build-up that dulls the surface. Always clean using a circular motion. For stains, use a powder with oxalic acid, such as Bar Keepers Friend or Zud.
Routine Cleaning
Ordinary vinegar removes most dried water spots. Remove stubborn stains with a diluted mixture of water and bleach or denatured alcohol on a cotton cloth. Rinse with water and wipe dry. Avoid strong acidic products such as toilet or oven cleaners.
Corian (designed by DuPont) was the first solid surface material to appear on the market. It was first sold in 1971 in only one color. The brand still exists and now manufacturers more than 100 colors. The material is stain-resistant due to its non-porous nature, a useful characteristic for a kitchen counter.