What is this countertop and can it be fixed?
April 19, 2018 12:46 PM Subscribe
Help us identify and possibly save a bathroom countertop.
Bathroom countertop has some damage, probably caused by an unknown cleaner that wasn't supposed to be used on it. We don't know what the countertop is made of, so there's a good chance we'll make it even worse.
House is ten years old, countertop is probably original. A near as we can tell, it's a solid slab, not a laminate, and has no repeating pattern. Unused areas are super glossy, used surfaces show wear, damaged area is de-glossed.
Imgur gallery here shows the damaged spot, a picture of the rest of the countertop, and the underside, which appears to be unpolished and undyed.
Assume we don't know the visual difference between things like Corian and Silestone and terazzo and granite and quartz and et cetera.
So what is it? And is this something we can fix ourselves or should we call in some sort of pro?
Bathroom countertop has some damage, probably caused by an unknown cleaner that wasn't supposed to be used on it. We don't know what the countertop is made of, so there's a good chance we'll make it even worse.
House is ten years old, countertop is probably original. A near as we can tell, it's a solid slab, not a laminate, and has no repeating pattern. Unused areas are super glossy, used surfaces show wear, damaged area is de-glossed.
Imgur gallery here shows the damaged spot, a picture of the rest of the countertop, and the underside, which appears to be unpolished and undyed.
Assume we don't know the visual difference between things like Corian and Silestone and terazzo and granite and quartz and et cetera.
So what is it? And is this something we can fix ourselves or should we call in some sort of pro?
My best guess is that it's concrete with very large aggregate, i.e. those cosmetic rocks, rather than (or in addition to) sand. It's definitely none of those things you listed. In which case your only option is probably to reseal it. Search online for guides and videos on "resealing concrete countertops." Maybe you can re-apply the sealer to just that spot, since redoing the whole thing is going to be a major pain in the butt for such a relatively minor flaw.
And yeah, before you start you should probably consult an expert, but I don't know that you should go straight to calling the pros. You could start by going to a local store that specializes in flooring and counters and showing them these pictures to see if they can offer an educated opinion about what the material is and how to treat it.
posted by Joey Buttafoucault at 1:13 PM on April 19, 2018 [2 favorites]
And yeah, before you start you should probably consult an expert, but I don't know that you should go straight to calling the pros. You could start by going to a local store that specializes in flooring and counters and showing them these pictures to see if they can offer an educated opinion about what the material is and how to treat it.
posted by Joey Buttafoucault at 1:13 PM on April 19, 2018 [2 favorites]
Some kind of engineered stone, Silestone or whatever. I had a homeowner damage one of these with Crystal deodorant, you know the pink stuff that's just a big round ball? It's just alum, and the residue from it ate the finish on his engineered stone vanity top.
Anyway, I don't believe we ever did find a way for him to repair the dull spots. Tried a few products, talked to the sales reps and manufacturer's reps, but the marks were persistent. You may be out of luck, sorry. Try calling up some custom counter installers though and see what they use. Maybe they have something, and maybe they can sell you some.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 1:16 PM on April 19, 2018 [1 favorite]
Anyway, I don't believe we ever did find a way for him to repair the dull spots. Tried a few products, talked to the sales reps and manufacturer's reps, but the marks were persistent. You may be out of luck, sorry. Try calling up some custom counter installers though and see what they use. Maybe they have something, and maybe they can sell you some.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 1:16 PM on April 19, 2018 [1 favorite]
Some variety of stone impregnator will probably fix it for a few months, then reapply again. This is the beginning of the patina of your stone.
Here’s an example of a stone impregnator. I’ve never used this one but the spray might be practical for you vs just a container.
posted by littlewater at 6:40 PM on April 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
Here’s an example of a stone impregnator. I’ve never used this one but the spray might be practical for you vs just a container.
posted by littlewater at 6:40 PM on April 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Update for posterity: Still don't know what it is, but a headlight renewal kit (!) did a great job of removing the actual damage and restoring the color. Further polishing may restore more gloss, but for now it looks totally normal.
posted by sageleaf at 2:09 PM on October 15, 2018
posted by sageleaf at 2:09 PM on October 15, 2018
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posted by bq at 12:55 PM on April 19, 2018