One of the biggest advantages of solid surface countertops is that they can often be repaired, refinished and renewed rather than replaced.
Over the years, SPW Surfaces has helped homeowners throughout North Texas restore countertops that were badly scratched, etched, cracked, discolored, heat damaged or simply worn from years of use.
Because solid surface materials such as Corian®, HI-MACS®, Staron®, Wilsonart® Solid Surface, LivingStone®, Durasein®, Meganite® and similar products are repairable, many problems that would require replacement with other countertop materials can often be corrected by an experienced solid surface fabricator.
SPW has more than 20 years of experience working with solid surface and has offered dedicated repair and refinishing services since 2015.
Solid Surface Refinishing
Over time, even a well-maintained solid surface countertop can develop scratches, dull areas, stains, etching or an inconsistent finish.
Refinishing removes a controlled amount of material from the surface through a progressive sanding process. The countertop is then brought back to a clean, consistent finish.
In many cases, a properly refinished solid surface countertop can look dramatically better without the cost and disruption of replacing the entire countertop.
It should be noted that if you have a white solid surface countertop over time it can develop a yellowish tint due to the oils on your hands. Depending on the extent of this patina your countertops may appear much brighter white after they are resanded.
Refinishing Pricing
Our current refinishing rate is:
$250 for the first hour
$150 per hour for each additional hour
As a general guideline, an average kitchen of approximately 55 square feet usually requires about 3 to 4 hours to refinish.
The exact amount of time depends on the existing condition of the countertop, including the depth of scratches, level of etching, discoloration, previous repairs and the finish that needs to be restored.
For a typical 3-hour refinishing project, the cost would be approximately $550.
For a typical 4-hour project, the cost would be approximately $700.
These are general estimates. We can usually give you a better idea once we see photographs of your countertops.
What Refinishing Can and Cannot Fix
Refinishing is extremely effective for normal surface wear, scratches, dull areas, light etching and inconsistent finishes.
However, there are limits.
Extremely deep scratches, severe chemical damage, heavy etching, burns or discoloration that penetrates deeply into the material may not disappear completely through normal refinishing.
Removing too much material in an attempt to eliminate very deep damage can create other problems, so our goal is always to improve the surface while preserving the integrity of the countertop.
The good news is that experienced fabricators can usually determine very quickly whether refinishing is likely to remove the damage completely or whether another repair method should be considered.
We would rather tell you that upfront than have you pay for a refinishing service that is unlikely to produce the result you expect.
Common Solid Surface Repairs
In addition to refinishing, SPW performs a wide range of solid surface repairs.
Some of the most common problems we see include:
Cracked countertops
Cracks can occur for several reasons, including improper installation, inadequate reinforcement, building movement, or concentrated stress in the countertop. Depending on the location and extent of the damage, many cracks can be routed out, repaired, reinforced from below, bonded with solid surface adhesive, and refinished to blend with the surrounding countertop.
Cooktop cracks
The area around a drop-in cooktop is one of the most common locations for cracking because of the heat generated by the appliance and the stresses created around the cutout.
Cooktop repairs often require more than simply filling the visible crack. We evaluate the cause of the failure, repair the damaged material, reinforce the area when appropriate and address the cooktop opening so the repair has the best chance of performing long term.
Sink replacement
Sinks can become worn, cracked, dented, stained or damaged over time.
In many installations, the existing sink can be removed and replaced without replacing the entire countertop. The new sink is bonded into the countertop and the surrounding area is refinished to create a smooth transition.
Sink replacement can be considerably more economical than replacing an otherwise serviceable countertop.
Heat damage
Hot cookware and appliances can discolor, scorch, crack or otherwise damage solid surface.
Some heat damage can be corrected through sanding and refinishing. More severe damage may require the affected section to be removed and repaired with color matching material.
The repairability of the damage depends on its depth, location and whether matching material is available.
Acid and chemical damage
Products such as nail polish remover with acetone, harsh chemicals, drain cleaners and other solvents can damage some solid surface finishes.
Chemical damage often appears as a dull, white, etched or discolored area.
Light damage may be removed through refinishing. More aggressive chemical damage sometimes penetrates deeper into the material and requires additional repair work.
Deep scratches and impact damage
Minor scratches are normally addressed during refinishing.
Deep gouges, chips or impact damage may require a localized repair before the countertop is refinished.
One of the advantages of solid surface is that damaged sections can often be repaired and blended back into the surrounding material instead of forcing the homeowner to replace an entire countertop.
Not Sure If Your Countertop Can Be Repaired?
You usually do not need to schedule a service call just to find out.
In most cases, SPW can make an initial assessment from photographs and give you a reasonable ballpark estimate before scheduling the work.
For the best assessment, please send us at least two photographs of the affected area:
1. An up-close photograph of the damage
Place a tape measure or ruler next to the damaged area so we can understand its approximate size.
2. A wider photograph showing the surrounding countertop
This helps us understand where the damage is located in relation to seams, sinks, cooktops, walls, backsplashes, edges and other features.
Additional photographs are always helpful. The more clearly we can see the damage and surrounding area, the more accurately we can evaluate the repair.
For cracks, it is especially helpful to show where both ends of the crack terminate and whether the crack is near a cooktop, sink, seam, inside corner or appliance opening.
Once we review the photos, we can usually tell you whether the countertop appears repairable, what type of repair is likely needed, and a ballpark range for the work.
A Better Alternative to Replacement
A scratched or damaged countertop does not necessarily mean you need new countertops.
Solid surface was designed to be renewable.
With the proper equipment, materials, and fabrication techniques, many countertops that look worn or damaged can be restored for a fraction of the cost and disruption of replacement.
SPW Surfaces has decades of experience fabricating, installing, repairing, and refinishing solid surface countertops. That experience allows us to evaluate the problem, recommend the appropriate repair, and be straightforward about what can realistically be achieved.
If your solid surface countertop is scratched, cracked, etched, burned, discolored, or simply showing its age, send us a few photographs.
There is a good chance it can be repaired.