How can I remove or disguise scratches in countertop?

Submitted by julie__duncal t3_z16h93 in DIY

I've moved house and the kitchen countertops are much less durable than I'm used to. Just pulling a mug or plate across leaves scratches. I cannot replace the countertop. I don't know the exact material, it's some sort of composite.

I don't have any fancy tools like a buffer. and I'll want to touch it up once a week or so. I tried waxing the surface but I'm concerned that might not be food safe and besides, it didn't really help. At the moment, I'm coloring in the scratches with a dark brown sharpie. Is there a better solution?

https://imgur.com/a/Q4PwRFC

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ZAFJB t1_ix9a8m5 wrote

Do nothing until you hate it so much that you are motivated to do the right thing and replace it.

Seriously, this is not worth expending effort on.

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julie__duncal OP t1_ixc0hl7 wrote

Lol you are right. But sadly replacing it is not an option.

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guy_n_cognito_tu t1_ix9b63g wrote

Looks like soapstone. It’s easy to scratch.

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Nearfall21 t1_ixaktsx wrote

If it is really bothering you and you are on a budget, you could cover it with an epoxy. Diy kits are not that expensive and do not look difficult to install. As you are basically painting the current countertop.

Another suggestion if that is stone, is to get a stone sealer compound and reseal it. Floor & decor as well as similar stores that specialize in home remodeling could give good advice on what specific product you need.

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julie__duncal OP t1_ixc0rmp wrote

Epoxy is not going to work because the countertop wraps up into vertical sections which would be impossible to cover. I'll take a look for a food-safe stone sealer, thank you.

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timetoremodel t1_ixavg87 wrote

You could rub mineral oil on it. Let it sit for an hour and then wipe off.

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ProfessionalWaltz784 t1_ixdp9kj wrote

It appears to be LG Himacs or Corian synthetic solid surface. Basically hard plastic. “If it is”, it can be sanded and buffed to the desired sheen. I’d look for an experienced person to do this so it comes out uniformly. I had LG and it looked best when i used stainless steel spray polish, basically mineral oil, which hid the scratches. The benefit of this solid surface, is that it can be rejuvenated and repaired invisibly. But prone to gouges and scratches. If it’s a soft stone it can probably be buffed by a pro…

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julie__duncal OP t1_ixhir75 wrote

Thanks. I think it is not Corian simply because it scratches so very easily. I don't know LG Himacs so perhaps it's that? I've tried oiling it but the finish only lasted until I cleaned the countertops so basically only a couple of days. And it didn't really help with preventing new scratches. Oh well, I shall have to learn to live with it. Thanks for your advice!

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The_Darkprofit t1_ix99bid wrote

Write out HOPE in big capital letters, jk those stencils make houses look trashy.

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kitten0077 t1_ix99y5o wrote

I would contact the seller/previous owners to find out what the countertop is made from.

IMO You would be better off with a concrete countertop. Easy peasy to diy and dang cheap

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Nearfall21 t1_ixak4fo wrote

I did a cement top for my bathroom vanity. It turned out amazing, but I shudder to think how heavy a full kitchen countertop is.

Also it's much harder to keep clean than a traditional countertop material.

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julie__duncal OP t1_ixc0kkz wrote

I tried contacting the previous owners but they are not helpful - they say they don't remember anything, not the name of the contractor, nothing... :-(

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