How do I fix a chip in my quartz or granite countertop?

Small chips in quartz or granite countertops can often be repaired with a colour-matched epoxy or resin kit, costing $15 to $50 for a DIY fix, though larger chips or cracks near edges may require professional repair at $150 to $400. The approach differs between the two materials, but both are repairable without replacing the entire slab in most cases.

For granite chips, clean the damaged area thoroughly with acetone or rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely. Apply a clear or colour-matched epoxy or super glue (cyanoacrylate) to fill the chip, building it up slightly above the surface. Let it cure for 24 hours, then carefully shave the excess with a razor blade held flat against the surface. Finish by polishing the area with a granite polishing compound. For dark granites, clear epoxy works well. For lighter stones with visible grain, a colour-matched granite repair kit gives better results — these are available online for $20-$40 and include tinted epoxy that you can blend to match.

Quartz chip repair follows a similar process, but quartz repair kits are specifically formulated for engineered stone. Clean the chip with rubbing alcohol, apply colour-matched acrylic adhesive or epoxy from a quartz repair kit, allow it to cure, then level with a razor blade and buff smooth. Because quartz has a more uniform colour pattern than granite, colour matching is usually easier, and small repairs tend to blend in well.

When to Call a Professional

DIY repair works well for chips smaller than a loonie (roughly 25mm across) that are on the flat surface of the countertop. However, certain situations call for professional help. Edge chips larger than a quarter, cracks that run along the surface, chips near the sink cutout where water exposure is constant, and damage along seams all warrant a professional stone repair technician. Professional countertop repair in New Brunswick typically runs $150 to $400 depending on the severity and the technician's travel distance — most repair specialists are based in Moncton, Fredericton, or Saint John, so rural locations may see higher service call fees.

To prevent chips in the first place, avoid dropping heavy objects like cast iron pans onto the countertop edges, which is where most chips occur. Use cutting boards rather than cutting directly on the surface — while quartz and granite resist scratching, hard impacts on edges and corners cause chipping. In NB kitchens where heavy winter cooking is common — cast iron stews, roasting pans, and the like — be particularly careful when handling heavy cookware around countertop edges.

If your countertop has a chip near a high-moisture area like the sink, repair it promptly. In New Brunswick's humid summer climate, water penetrating through a chip in granite can cause staining beneath the surface that becomes much harder to fix later. For quartz, water intrusion through chips is less of a concern since quartz is non-porous, but the chip itself will collect grime and become more noticeable over time if left unrepaired.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations