How to Remove Burn Marks from Solid Surface Countertops

Removing a burn mark from solid surface countertops is not a demanding task. You need to follow some basic instructions and a systematic approach for treating any kind of countertop blemish. You should understand that countertops are among the most heavily-used domestic surfaces, exposed to daily usage and neglect. Thus, staining and issues like burn marks on the surface are a persistent problem. Burn marks are often called scorch marks. The degree of countertop surface bruising, due to burning, varies across various countertop materials. Marble surfaces are more tedious-to-treat since the white backdrop is very difficult for concealing a burn mark. Granite and darker marbles are better equipped to conceal treated, burn marks since the background has a darker shade along with dense graining.

Step 1 - Preparing Burn Marks of Solid Surface Countertops

Prepare a mix of some warm water and a few drops of any household soap solution. Dip a piece of old rug into this mix. The rug should be moist, not wet. Squeeze the rug to drain out the excess water. Wipe the scorched countertop site with this rug. This is useful for removing the small debris-like deposition that is found along the periphery of a solid countertop burn mark.

Step 2 - Removing Burn Mark Discoloration

Please check if your solid countertop has been chemically treated at the time of installation. If it is chemically treated, this technique will not be very useful. Use regular, white-colored toothpaste. Squeeze out some of toothpaste on to the burn mark. Using a soft cloth, rub the toothpaste into the grain of the burn mark. You can even use an old toothbrush for ensuring that the toothpaste is evenly scrubbed into burn site. Though many folks recommend this technique for softer countertop materials, it is useful for treating the brownish tinge of solid countertop burn marks too.

Step 3 - Treating/Polishing Burn-marks

The above technique may or may not fully neutralize the discoloration of the burn mark. To ensure that it is properly concealed, you should use a dedicated solid surface countertop cleaner. Special cleaners are retailed for all the common, solid surface countertops, like granite or marble countertop cleaners. Each cleaner is essentially a kit containing specially-formulated solutions and applications brushes. Apply the cleaner according to packaged instructions. Rub in the formulation repeatedly until the discoloration fades-away. Now, use fine-grit sandpaper for re-shaping the minute, burnt edges of the burn mark. This is vital for camouflaging the burn mark in the background of the unspoiled, countertop surface. Continue rubbing with the sandpaper until the burn mark is well-concealed. You can also use a countertop polish to ensure the burnt spot does not develop a visibly, dull hue.

Basic Precautions

Ensure that the polished surface is not immediately exposed to water as moisture can neutralize the polish. Also, the treated spots should be protected from greasy foods, for a few days. This is because grime-like deposits develop around the slightly sticky, polished edges.