With quartz confusion resolved, we set about to remove a long scratch and etch marks in the marble counters.

The initial request came in when the client called and said their renters made a large scratch on their quartz kitchen island counter. And withholding the security deposit they wanted an estimate to fix it. In addition they wanted all the quartz countertops cleaned, sealed, and polished. So upfront the island portion would be paid for by the renter’s deposit, and they would pay the rest.

But before we began, we asked about their stone first. They informed us their realtor told them the counters were quartz. But it’s an industry secret that 9 times out of 10 it is not, it is marble. And although our clients were ok with being told it was marble, other clients get insulted when being told this reality.

Why? Because quartz is promoted as an exclusive surface at premium price as part of a custom installation.

And tip-toeing beyond that, stone purveyors, designers, the building industry, and their clients are all quietly uninformed. Unless performing a test, no one can be for sure.

Even despite the marketing, labeling and paperwork stated in writing, stating that the surface being purchased is quartz, it is not. Although a sly practice in the industry, because of demand and such an exact man made replication of real marble, they get away with it. It is more plentiful and easier to produce.

A restoration conundrum, if you sense it is marble despite being told it is quartz, contractors will either explain this industry secret and inform them quartz won’t etch, then give them pricing to fix it. Or, some times it’s better left unsaid for the contractor to fix it and not “go there” by blowing up the clients satisfaction and prestige of having quartz. (In this case we were transparent and got them fully up to speed, which they were ok with.)

Quartz is not quartz until it is tested and proven!

Stone restoration experts will always, 100% test the surface before developing the scope and finalizing the numbers. But they will also look at pics closely, and develop a hunch at what it is. With that said, because this is in Cape May we provided our customer an idea of pricing. All in all it would be finalized once we were there and before we began. There were two ranges:

• Diamond grind the island, then clean, seal and polish  it

And two options for the rest:

• Clean, seal and polish the other counter surfaces (called runs) or
• Diamond grind the other counter surfaces as well, then clean seal and polish

Bingo, the acid test was done- it was marble, not quartz!

Then we had to identify the surface precisely. And finally, then we could determine the depth of the scope and the cost to complete the work.

Quartz does not etch!

To explain further. Etching is defined as an absorption of a foreign acidic substance into the stone which removes the shine of the stone along with producing a visible blemish. In addition to seeing it you can rub it and feel the roughness. A stain on stone also results from acidic exposure and creates a visible blemish. But, it does not remove the shine or create a rough patch when it does.

Bingo, the acid test was done, and revealed it was marble, not quartz!

The Problem

With the identity crisis over, we reviewed the scope of the work with them. Due to etching on all surfaces, it would require full-on diamond grinding in addition to the clean, seal and polish. This would be for all surfaces completely, and at the upper end of the pricing we gave them. They approved.

Our work at hand involved a decent sized but not large kitchen which involved the following areas:

• a modest island kitchen
• counters atop cabinetry near the sink and stove
• a side bar serving surface near the table

The Prep

We began by preparing and protecting the cabinetry and surfaces with plastic and tape. And because it was wet grinding where splatter occurred, we put the plastic up to contain the slurry. This minimized the rare chance of causing collateral damage. Unlike in manufacturing with a controlled environment when the counters were prepared, this work was done in the field. So every precaution was and is always taken to minimize any issues.

The Work

After preparation we essentially diamond ground the stone using hand held grinding -polishing machines, similar to what you see people using to polish a car or boat exterior.

First we tackled the island where the long scratch mark was highly visible. But there were also etch marks on the island. And with the appropriate grit pattern our team got under the scratch and etches (meaning it was equivalently sanded off). Then they continued the appropriate sanding pattern to refine the island. We did the same with the other counters too.

Once refined the surfaces were now ready to be cleaned, sealed and polished. All was done slowly taking a good, long day. The blemishes were removed and the counters were restored, polished and shined. They were brilliant and beautiful once again!

The Results

Team Sparkle was at it again working magic and ‘Sparklized’ marble counter tops thrilling our Cape May clients!

PS- In Avalon the previous week we did the same suspected quartz etch repair in the kitchen and polished all 8 bathroom stone surfaces for a large home. Then back 2 other days in Cape May to polish various stone and other surfaces for our Viking Yacht Manufacturer’s 2 homes once again, to help get their homes ship shape for a wedding! Then we did the same for a prestigious listed property in New Hope Pa about 2 days later.

If you have counters or stone surfaces with scratches, dullness let us fix and polish them! For questions or to discuss your project Call 609.953.0472. Or Contact Us online and we’ll reach out!