When your kitchen worktop gets scratched, you can repair the scratches with specific products, or alternatively you can use paste wood wax to camouflage the scratches. While you may not be able to completely get rid of nicks, you can restore the good look of your countertops by using a variety of home improvement products.
Steps
Step 1. Clean the scratched countertop surface
Use lukewarm water with a little liquid dish soap, or spray vinegar (undiluted) to degrease the affected area before treating it. If the nicks are too deep and vinegar isn't enough to remove the dirt, try pouring some denatured alcohol into them
Step 2. Use a soft cloth to remove the soap residue and dry the area thoroughly
Step 3. Fill the scratches with the wood wax paste, wiping it with a soft, clean cloth
Waxing your laminate countertops is a great way to hide and cover up small, shallow scratches
Step 4. Squeeze the wax deeply into the nicks on the countertop
With the soft cloth, gently spread the wax over the entire work surface, including the areas that are not scratches. Thus the appearance of the plan will be homogeneous
Step 5. Polish the wax over the entire surface of the countertop
To polish the wax, use another clean soft cloth or an electric polisher with the appropriate accessory covered in lamb's wool
Method 1 of 1: Remove Nicks with Putty or Laminate Paste
Step 1. Apply laminate putty or laminate repair paste to the nicks in the countertop
- The pastes and putties for repairing laminates are able to penetrate even the smallest recesses of the scratches and hide them completely. There are specific versions on the market for worktops in plastic laminate and for those in wood.
- Choose a paste or putty whose color is close to that of your worktop. You can buy them in shops and department stores specializing in DIY materials. You can also contact the manufacturer of your kitchen furniture directly for information on the most suitable products or to identify the exact color of your counter.
- Apply several layers of paste to each scratch, following the method indicated by the instructions on the package. Failing that, as a reference you can apply layers with a thickness not exceeding 1, 5 mm.
Step 2. Use a small spatula to spread the paste evenly on the surface of the countertop
Step 3. Let the product, paste or putty dry, for at least 24 hours before touching or otherwise using the treated area
Advice
- Laminate repair paste and putty can also be used to repair small cuts or cracks, in addition to scratches.
- As an alternative to furniture wax paste, car wax may also work. In this case, however, it is advisable to consult the manufacturer of the worktop to ensure that the product is suitable and cannot damage the worktop.
- If your attempts to repair scratches are not completely satisfactory, you may want to apply a light coat of paint to the surface of the countertop, choosing a color that doesn't make the scratches stand out.
- Use cutting boards for slicing and shredding foods and more, instead of doing it directly on the counter. Most of the scratches on the worktops are caused by the use of knives and similar sharp tools.
