Scratch removal for commercial countertops is a handy skill for keeping your office looking great, but it’s also a good way to help protect your fixtures and extend their life. Scratches in laminate, wood, granite and other counter surfaces not only look unprofessional, but they can speed up surfaces’ deterioration and cause a variety of other problems. Read on for some practical tips for sprucing up your facility’s countertops.
Repairing Scratches on Granite Counters
Many people believe that granite is an impervious surface, but in reality, it is a somewhat fragile natural stone product. Although it’s difficult to do serious damage to granite, it is prone to discoloration and shallow scratches. Commercial stone polish products may be helpful, but if the scratch is at all deep, you may have to use an abrasive powder. Once you’ve buffed out the scratches, apply a good-quality sealer made specifically for granite surfaces. If your granite is not sealed, many seemingly innocuous products can permeate the microscopic pores of the stone and cause permanent stains.
How to Fix Scratches on Solid-Surface Countertops
Solid-surface acrylic counters are the hot ticket today in commercial interior design. This product is one of the most affordable, durable and attractive finishes available today. It’s not easy to mar a solid surface product, but depending on the product, it can become dull and lifeless over time, thanks to hundreds of microscopic scratches. You may not even notice a problem until suddenly one day you notice the finish has lost its luster. Depending on the composition of the surface and the extent of the damage, you may be able to restore the shine with polishing compound, a wool pad and a coat of wax. Deeper scratches may require a light rub with fine-grit sandpaper. Before attempting this repair, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for care to avoid damaging the surface further.
Repairing Laminate Counter Scratches
Laminate is the new darling of designers, thanks to its affordability and durable nature. Today’s laminate products stand up to a lot of abuse, but scratches and gouges do happen. Experts advise cleaning the surface first, then applying a coat of car wax with a soft cloth, taking care to push the wax into any visible scratches. Allow the wax to sit for several minutes, then buff just as you would your car. Commercial laminate filler and patch products are also widely available today. Choose one that matches the shade of your countertop and apply according to the package directions for best results. If you have edges or joints that have begun to lift, use a little contact cement to reattach, and place something heavy on top until the bond has established.
In many cases, counters and other commercial surfaces can be damaged as a result of inexperienced cleaning staff using improper products and techniques. Town and Country Office Cleaning knows how to protect your office furniture, fixtures and equipment while keeping them sanitary and sparkling clean. Contact them today for all of your commercial cleaning needs and, while you’re at it, ask them for advice for countertop scratch removal.
