Imagine: you’re busy making dinner when suddenly a heavy pot falls onto your stone countertop and — pop! — a big, ole chunk breaks off. Now, this sick, sinking feeling is one that we’re sure just about everyone can relate to.
If this hits a bit too close to home, don’t worry. Take a deep breath. Your broken countertop can be repaired, and the odds are good that you’ll be able to do it yourself.
Still unsure? Keep reading for an all-encompassing guide to fixing your chipped countertop.
Accidents happen, and countertops get chipped. However, there are certain counter-chipping accidents that occur a bit more frequently than others.
Dropping heavy objects onto your granite countertop is one of the fastest and most surefire ways to chip your counter. Additionally, dragging and moving heavy items across the stone’s surface can cause similar damage.
Sharp knives can also scratch countertops that are made of laminate, limestone, and soapstone. Therefore, if you’re worried about chipped countertops, opt for a counter that is durable and/or made from scratch and chip-resistant materials, like granite or quartz.
Of course, even granite or quartz countertops can be damaged. Overall, to prevent your kitchen countertops from chipping, take care when moving or handling heavy pots, pans, and other items. Additionally, be cautious whenever you set anything down atop your counter and never slam or drop heavy items onto it.
Excellent question! Repairing a chip or chink in your precious countertop can be a bit of a daunting task. For that reason, a lot of folks wonder if they really must fix it?
If the chip or fissure is in a high traffic area, you will need to repair it to prevent future damage from occurring. Unrepaired chips lead to staining, so if you plan on working frequently around the area of the chip, it is in your best interest to fix it as soon as possible.
If the chip is located out of the way, then you might decide to leave it as is. While this is certainly an option, be aware that it could lead to bigger problems (and larger cracks!) down the line.
So, the day has finally come where you’ve chipped your beloved countertop. Here is how you’re going to fix it:
First things first, you’re going to want to clean the section of the countertop that is cracked or chipped. Usually, you can get by with using just soap and water. However, if there are oil stains present, the Concrete Network recommends using a mixture of baking soda, powdered sugar, or flour with acetone, which makes a peanut-butter like paste. Spread the mixture onto the oil spot (about ¼ inch thick), then seal it with plastic wrap and leave for about 24 hours.
One of the easiest ways to repair a chipped countertop is to purchase an epoxy repair kit that is designed for stone countertops. Before using, you’ll need to add any dyes or pigments to the resin portion of your kit, which — as you can probably guess — helps you match the color of your counter. Then, add the hardener to the epoxy and mix well.
If you’re opting to use cement grout (which is an excellent choice for outdoor counters, as epoxies tend to yellow in the sunlight), then you will add dye some concrete dye powder to a scoop of the concrete grout patch material. Allow the grout to set, and when the color is perfected, add the proper amount of dye and water that is directed by the package. If you’re repairing a chip along the edge of the counter, add some acrylic fortifier to the mix as well (this makes it easier to shape).
The next step is to patch up the crack or chip using your repair kit of choice. If using an epoxy mixture, smooth it into the crack using a putty knife or credit card. You want the epoxy to have a level finish, and it is better to overfill it than to underfill. If you still have the broken piece, you can also use the epoxy to glue it back into your countertop.
If working with grout, fill the chip or crack with a putty knife, credit card, or another tool of that nature. Keep in mind that repairing a small crack will be harder to do with grout than it would with epoxy – you’ll have to squeeze a bit more! When working with grout, you will need to apply pressure to the counter to force as much of the mixture into the crack as you can.
According to Quikrete, concrete grout patches need about 24 hours to set. Similarly, it can take epoxy anywhere from 24-72 hours to cure. Be mindful that this process might take longer in humid weather.
When your patch has fully cured, it is time to sand. We recommend sanding any excess epoxy with 400-grit sandpaper, or you can use diamond pads to sand off the excess concrete grout.
The final (and arguably most important) step is to seal your countertop. Granite sealers provide a layer of protection for your countertop, and they can prevent future chipping from occurring.
Because granite counters are porous, we recommend sealing (and resealing!) them at least once every five years. If your countertop is properly sealed, liquids and oils will bead on top of it instead of seeping into the stone. Not only that, but sealed countertops are a whole lot easier to clean (which is absolutely a bonus).
As with anything, prevention is a lot easier to do than reparation. Therefore, here are some tips for preventing chipped countertops from occurring in the first place:
When placing heavy pots or pans onto your counters, be careful not to drop them. Place them down carefully and avoid placing hot objects onto the surface, as this will weaken your countertops overtime.
Avoid sliding heavy objects off the surface of your counter, as they might catch its edges and yank them off.
This might be a given, but you shouldn’t chop food directly atop the surface of your counter. While granite countertops are likely tougher than even the sharpest of knives, they can still leave scratches overtime. Counters made from delicate materials (like laminate, for example) are even more susceptible.
As we mentioned, sealed countertops are more protected against chips and scratches than their unsealed counterparts.
When choosing your countertop, opt for one that is made from a durable material, like a natural stone countertop. These will be more resistant to chips and other damage.
Embarking on a DIY mission to fix your chipped countertop? We are here to help. Here at Discount Dumpster, we provide a wide variety of roll off dumpster rentals that are perfect for your home improvement and demolition projects.
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