Just like other natural stone countertops, quartz can chip or scratch if it encounters extreme use and pressure. However, if scratches or chips appear, you can have them professionally filled in and repaired. Overall, quartz countertops stand up to much wear and tear in the kitchen with little evidence.
Is Quartz scratch resistant? Yes, quartz is very scratch resistant and compares well to granite. It is however easier to repair natural stone.
I'm saying that with this incredible stone, scratches are not so common, thanks to the durability of the material. However, where there is enough force on this engineered stone, then a scratch can occur. Even worse, chips can occur, depending on the level of pressure on the quartz surface.
However, quartz countertops can chip if they are not properly cared for. The most common cause of chipped quartz countertops is impact damage. This can occur if something heavy is dropped on the countertop or if it is hit with a hard object. In addition, quartz countertops can be damaged by extreme temperature changes.
While quartz is scratch-resistant, materials harder than quartz can scratch it. For example, the bottom of some ceramic dishes may be abrasive enough to inflict minor damage to the surface.
Avoid using both alkaline and acidic cleaner because they will break down the bonds between quartz and resin and cause long-term damage to the surface. Harsh and acidic cleaning agents such as vinegar, lime, lemon are going to erode the sealant of the countertops' surface over time.
Quartz is ranked 7th on Mohs scale
This means that quartz is highly resistant to scratching, but it is not entirely scratch proof. In everyday use, knives and sharp objects will not scratch your countertops easily. Granite, on the other hand, offers hardness between 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
Quartz is made up of mostly quartz mixed with resin. The resin in the quartz is highly affected by heat, and this is why placing a hot pan on quartz is so strongly discouraged. If you were to put such high heat on quartz, the resin is very likely to burn and the countertop's coloration would be significantly impacted.
Durability: Quartz is one the hardest materials on the planet. This means it has a higher scratch resistance than granite and won't chip or crack easily. Great for applying to different surfaces including floors and stairs.
Windex has a high pH level, making it potentially damaging to a manmade material such as quartz. Vinegar is very acidic and can cause the quartz to discolour or disintegrate.
And because the engineered stone often gets grouped together with the mentioned natural stone options, it's easy for someone to assume that a quartz countertop requires the same maintenance. Unlike real stone, quartz never needs to be sealed.
We mentioned that it is important that you use only gentle chemicals on your quartz countertops. Some of these include dish soap, Simple Green, Magic Eraser, denatured alcohol, Rug Doctor Cleaner, or Hope's Surface Cleaner.
Quartz is one of the most durable stone countertops withstanding heat, stains, and cleaning products better than comparable materials. The safest daily cleaner for your quartz is dish soap. But you can use any mild PH-neutral cleaner without issue.
Bar Keepers Friend is also a good cleaner to use on your quartz to keep them shiny. Bar Keepers Friend is made for smooth surfaces and can be used daily.
Abrasive cleaners and scrubbers such as Comet or Scotch-Brite are not recommended, as they can scratch the smooth surface of quartz. The best way to care for your quartz is to prevent damage before it occurs. Use trivets or potholders under hot pots and pans to avoid heat discoloration.
Quartz is scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof. Remember that although your quartz countertops are incredibly durable, they are not cutting boards. Never cut directly on your countertops to avoid scratching the finish and making the stone more vulnerable to staining.
Quartz counters do not need sealing due to their lack of porosity. Liquids and stains cannot penetrate non-porous materials because they have a built-in seal. Natural stone countertops, such as polished marbles or granite, have pores and small splinters that require sealing on a regular basis.
Can quartz countertops be buffed? Yes, they can.
Do Quartz Countertops Chip Easily? Quartz is engineered to be one of the hardest materials on earth, so it's a great choice for countertops—especially if you put a premium on durability. Unfortunately, quartz is not invincible. Cracks and chips can occur, especially near edges or seams.
Use a small tool such as a spoon to fill in the chip completely with an adhesive, either superglue or a pigmented epoxy. The type of adhesive used will depend on the color and appearance of the quartz. Superglue can be used for lighter quartz materials, but a pigmented epoxy should be used for dark or colored quartz.
Quartz Has Excellent Durability
But extreme pressure can cause a scratch, chip, or crack. The good news is it's possible to buff out light scratches with polish and get your countertops looking like new again. It's also possible to fix deep scratches using an epoxy filler.