If you have not had a professional surface repair carried out before, you may be wondering what to expect on the day. Here is a clear, step-by-step guide to what happens during a typical surface repair appointment — from arrival to completion.
Before the Appointment
Most quotations are provided from photographs — you send us close-up photos of the damage along with a wider shot showing the colour and finish of the surface. We provide a written estimate by email. If you are happy to proceed, we book an appointment at a time that suits you. We do not charge a call-out fee.
Step 1: Assessment on Arrival
When the technician arrives, they first assess the damage in person. Photographs give a good indication but the actual repair begins with a physical assessment — checking the depth and extent of the chip or crack, examining the surface material and finish, and assessing the lighting conditions in which the repair will be viewed. This is also the point where colour matching begins.
Step 2: Surface Preparation
The damaged area is cleaned and prepared. Any loose material is removed from the chip. The edges of the damaged area are checked and stabilised. The surrounding surface is cleaned to give an accurate view of the true colour and finish. A protective covering is placed around the repair area to protect the surrounding surface.
Step 3: Colour Blending
The repair compound is blended to match the surface colour. This is done on-site, in the actual lighting conditions of the room, matching the specific shade of the material at that location. For veined or patterned materials, the pigments for recreating the veins are also prepared at this stage.
Step 4: Repair Application
The colour-matched compound is applied to the prepared area in layers, building up to the level of the surrounding surface. For larger chips, multiple layers may be applied. The compound is allowed to cure between applications as appropriate for the material and product being used.
Step 5: Pattern and Veining (Where Applicable)
For veined or patterned materials — marble, granite, stone-effect tiles — the veins or mineral pattern is hand-painted into the cured repair compound using fine brushes and matched pigments. This step requires skill and close observation of the surrounding material.
Step 6: Surface Finishing
The repair area is finished to match the surrounding surface’s sheen level — polished to a high gloss for polished marble and quartz, finished to a satin or matt sheen for honed materials and ceramic tiles. Polishing compounds, polishing machines or hand-finishing tools are used depending on the material and finish required.
Step 7: Final Check and Client Sign-Off
The technician reviews the repair in multiple lighting conditions and invites you to inspect the result. Any adjustments are made at this stage. You are asked to confirm you are happy with the repair before the technician leaves.
How Long Does a Repair Take?
A single chip repair typically takes between 1 and 3 hours depending on the material, the size of the chip, and the complexity of colour matching. Multiple repairs in the same visit are assessed and scheduled accordingly.
