If you’ve ever had a crack in your kitchen countertop, you know how unsightly and frustrating it can be. Not to mention the fact that it can be a safety hazard because it weakens the structural integrity of the counter. The good news is that many such cracks can be repaired. Sometimes you can handle minor repairs yourself, while other times it’s best to call the professionals. Let’s talk about some common methods used to fix a crack in a counter.
What to Know Before You Begin
Before we go into the specifics of how to fix a crack, there are a few things you should know. First, it’s important to determine what type of countertop you have. The most common types are laminate, solid surface, and stone. Each type requires different methods and materials for repair. Second, you’ll need to assess the severity of the crack. Some cracks are only surface level and can be easily repaired, while others may require more extensive work. Finally, you should have a budget in mind for the repair. Some methods are more expensive than others, and you don’t want to get in over your head financially.
Fissures Vs. Cracks
One important thing to determine is whether you’re looking at a fissure or a crack–because while these may look similar, they are two different things entirely. The best way to describe the difference is that a fissure is naturally-occurring, while a crack occurs due to damage.
- A fissure is a naturally occurring geological formation that appears as a thin line or crack in the stone. Fissures are not considered structural damage, and in fact, they often contribute to the natural character of the stone. Fissures are quite common–so much so that manufacturers will sometimes fill them before the countertop is installed. If your countertop has fissures, there’s no need to worry. These are not dangerous and typically don’t require repair unless they develop into a full-fledged crack over time.
- Cracks, on the other hand, are cause for concern. These occur when the countertop is damaged, usually from impact. Cracks can range in severity from small cracks at the surface level to large cracks that are structural and may go all the way through. Cracks also provide breeding grounds for harmful bacteria because you can’t clean inside them. It’s important to have cracks repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and potential injury.
An easy way to tell whether you have a fissure or a crack is simply to run your fingernail lightly across the formation. If it’s a fissure, your fingernail will move smoothly over it; if it’s a crack, you’ll notice an uneven texture. (If you’re unsure, call Statewide Stone Care and one of our experts will perform a free evaluation for you.)
Solid Surface Counters
Solid surface counters are made from acrylic resin fabricated to look like quartz or other types of stone. If you develop a crack in a solid surface counter, start by cleaning the area around the crack with soap and water. Then, use a putty knife to apply a thick layer of epoxy filler to the crack. Once the filler is in place, use a piece of sandpaper to smooth it out. Finally, wipe away any excess epoxy with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely.
Marble or Granite Counters
For small cracks in marble and granite, polyester epoxy should be sufficient to fill the crack. Start by mixing the epoxy with a hardener, then use a putty knife to apply it to the crack. Once the epoxy is in place, use a piece of sandpaper to smooth it out. Finally, wipe away any excess epoxy with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely. When you’re finished, sealing the crack with an approved sealant will help prevent staining and discoloration.
One thing to note with marble and granite is that you’ll want to perform color-matching to make sure your epoxy filler doesn’t look worse on the counter than the crack itself. Since these stones have unique colors and textures, it’s generally best to call in experts who understand the color-matching process. Also, if you’re dealing with a deep crack, don’t try to repair it yourself–leave it to the pros.
Laminate Counters
If you have a laminate counter, the best way to fix a crack is with a two-part epoxy resin. Just like with solid surfaces and stone counters, you’ll mix the epoxy with a hardener, then use a putty knife to apply it to the crack. Once the epoxy is in place, follow the same final steps as you would for Marble or Granite.
You may also want to consider using a laminate repair kit, which comes with everything you need to fix cracks and other damage. These kits are available at most hardware stores.
Protecting Your Countertops in the Future
No matter what type of countertop you have, there are a few things you can do to help prevent cracks and other damage:
- Use cutting boards whenever possible. This will help protect your countertop from knives and other sharp objects.
- Avoid putting hot pans directly on the counter. Always use a trivet or hot pad to protect the surface.
- Wipe up spills immediately. Don’t give them a chance to set in and cause damage.
Let Our Stone Experts Take Care of Your Counter Repairs
If you do develop a crack in your counter, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Statewide Stone Care offers expert counter repair in NYC for all types of countertops. We’ll match the color and texture of your countertop for a seamless repair that will make the damage virtually invisible. Contact us today to schedule a free evaluation.
