How to Clean and Refinish a Corian Countertop
what you'll need
- Absorbent rag
- Sponge or cleaning cloth
- Soapy water or solid surface cleaner
- Mild abrasive liquid cleanser
- Deep cleaner
- Abrasive pads
- Household bleach
- Sandpapers (1200, 1000 and 800)
- Orbital or hand sander
- Polishing paste (if you want gloss finish)
- Spray bottle with water
A Corian countertop, is easy to clean, scratches can be removed, and it is quite durable. When taken care of properly, it will last you a long time. However, if your Corian countertop has accumulated stains and scratches, you can still perform some remedies. You just need to have the tools listed below.
Step 1 – Use Your Usual Cleaning Solvents
For the usual crumbs and dirt, use soapy water, or your preferred solid surface cleaner. You can also use an ammonia based cleansing solution, but not the ones used on windowpanes, since those cause a waxy build up on your Corian countertop. This will eventually give the surface a dull appearance.
Also, because water creates blotchy marks or film build up on Corian countertops, be sure to dry the surface completely, using a clean absorbent rag after any kind of activity.
Step 2 – Remove Stains
In case your Corian countertop has developed blotchy marks due to water, use a mild abrasive liquid cleanser for removing the stains. Apply a moderate amount on a moist sponge or damp cloth. Then, rub away the stain, moving in small circular strokes. You can apply more pressure if the stain is not completely removed.
For other kinds of difficult stains, use a deep cleaner. Always wash the surface with water afterwards, and then completely dry using an absorbent rag.
Step 3 – Use Abrasive Pads
Scratches can be removed by using the green side of abrasive pads. Use a light sanding motion, following the direction of the scratch first, and then against the direction of the scratch. Apply more pressure later as needed. Dust off residue and clean the abrasive pad in between sanding.
Step 4 – Sand with the Coarser Grit Sandpaper
Spray water on the countertop surface. With your hand sander loaded with the 800-grit sandpaper, work your way throughout the countertop with long strokes, focusing on scratches and shifting directions every now and then to prevent leaving prominent marks. Spray with water as you go along. Lastly, wash the countertop with water and dry.
Step 5 – Sand with the Finest Grit Sandpaper
Use the 1000-grit paper, and continue to spray water while sanding. Then use the 1200-grit sandpaper. Follow the same technique. Wash the countertop again with water and dry thoroughly
Step 6 – Refinish your Countertop
Using the sponge, create a matte finish by rubbing the entire surface. If you want a gloss finish, use a white polishing paste together with your sander fitted with finishing pads. Work your way through the surface the same way you did during Steps 4 and 5.
Step 7 – Disinfect
Lastly, disinfect your Corian countertop using 1 part bleach and 1 part water solution. Rinse thoroughly with water afterwards, and then dry completely.