Why does my Quartz countertop scratch easily?
Scratch Survival of Quartz Countertops Explained
Quartz countertops are known for their aesthetic appeal and longevity, which makes them a common option for kitchens and bathrooms. On the other hand, you may start to feel like your investment is cheap and short-lived when you see my quartz countertop scratches so easily. It explores why Streaks occur and offers some advice on how to reduce and deal with them my quartz countertop scratches easily.
Composition of Material, Hardness
Quartz Hardness and Composition Quartz is among the hardest minerals in the world, scoring a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Quartz countertops are usually made up of 90% natural quartz and resins and pigments (about 10%). This provides excellent durability and stain resistance, while the resins added can result in a surface that scratches from materials harder than stone -- such as ceramic or metal.
Reasons why a Scratch is Visible
Scratches can be more noticeable on a quartz countertop depending on the finish and color. Usually, dark colors and glossy finishes look more scratched than light colors or matte finishes. This (as opposed to a weaker countertop) leads to being able to have it be visible if you scratch it, not to say that scratching is now more easier.
Use High-traffic areas, such as kitchen counters where cutting and food preparation takes place, will scratch more readily. Superficial Scratches can occur from using sharp objects directly on the surface, dragging pots and pans across the countertop, or cutting without a cutting board.
Grade of Quartz Not all quartz countertops are equally valuable. Lower-end quality quartz can have more polymer resins and poor quality quartz particles leading to low scratch resistantability. The manufacturer and their process have a lot to do with how good that countertop will be.
Prevention and Maintenance
Protective Measures Scratch Prevention: To prevent scratches, always use cutting boards for chopping and slicing and refrain from setting sharp or abrasive objects directly on the countertop. Nevertheless, under the surface, they are still fragile, and you should really use trivets or pads under heavy things that could scratch the surface if removed.
Frequent cleaning Regular cleaning can reduce the visibility of scratches. Wipe with a soft fabric cleanerNature and cleaning. You should not use any chemicals to avoid breaking down the resins which were used for bonding and exposing the quartz to more wear and tear.
Professional Repairs If the scratches are deep or very noticeable, you may have to get them professionally repaired. If there is any damage, they were able to polish or refinish the service, to remove some or all the scratches.
Selecting the Best Quartz To ensure that you choose the best available quartz countertops, stick to the premium-quality option from a manufacturer you can trust. However, these products (whether Gold-level or not) will indeed always have a higher percentage of quartz and thus higher overall quality/durability. Be sure to ask for the technical characteristics of the quartz, including its resistance to scratches before you pledge a purchase.
Conclusion
Although quartz counters are known for their durability and long-lasting quality, they are not completely damage-proof. Knowing why my quartz countertop scratches so easily can help you start taking precautions to better maintain your purchase. If you select well-quartz countertops, take proper care of it, effort to keep it protected, it will be a great investment that, with proper maintenance, will look great and function for years to come.