Cutting and scratching on concrete countertops

Kitchen countertops made of concrete are generally thin, smooth, pigmented, and polished to a light gloss. But despite their beauty and elegance, they are not designed to resist cuts and scratches. Cutting directly on your concrete countertop does not actually damage the concrete, but it does damage the sealer. Once the sealer has broken down, the ability of your concrete countertop to resist stains and water is reduced. Constant cutting using knives can result to gouges and scratches on the surface’s finish. It can also cause the sharp edges of your knives to chip or become dull.

What causes cuts and scratches on concrete countertops?

• Just like other kitchen countertops, the surface and edges of your concrete countertop can chip or cut if they are struck by a heavy, solid object.
• Due to the inherent characteristics of the materials used in making the concrete countertop, it can be prone to hairline cracks. This is a natural occurrence and is not an indication of the structural failure of the countertop.
• Pointed objects that are regularly slid across, rubbed, or dropped on your concrete countertop can cause minor to moderate cuts and scratches.

How to prevent and repairing cuts and scratches on your concrete countertop

• To prevent cuts, scratches, and stains, seal your concrete countertop properly. Sealing does not only protect the surface, it enhances the sheen and color as well.
• For additional luster and protection against serious damage, apply a finishing wax or other protective coating on your concrete countertop to help preserve the sealer. Apply it regularly to maintain its effectiveness.
• Do not cut directly on the surface of your concrete countertop because it is not designed to serve as a chopping board. Make it a habit to use a separate cutting board when preparing food. Appropriate inserts can also be installed on your concrete countertop that can serve as a permanent area where you can cut, slice, and dice food directly on your countertop.
• Avoid exposing your concrete countertop to strong chemicals like acids, oven cleaners, and paint removers. These chemicals contain destructive substances that can damage the surface. If any contact with these chemicals occurs, wipe the surface with water right away.
• Evaluate the severity of the scratches on your concrete countertop. For small scratches, use a sanding pad with the finest grit to wipe them away. The level of roughness and smoothness of sanding pads are determined by their color. Arranged from roughest to smoothest, sanding pads come in white, yellow, green, peach, lilac, blue, and gray colors.
• Using the appropriate sanding pad, remove the scratches on the surface by rubbing it in a straight line, periodically switching to a 90-degree direction. Make sure all scratches are removed before you stop rubbing. Wet the surface to reduce dust accumulation while sanding.