Not all worktop damage is the same — and the right repair approach depends on the type of damage you’re dealing with. Scratches and chips are distinct problems that call for different techniques. Understanding the difference helps you get the right repair at the right cost, and sets realistic expectations for the outcome.
What’s the Difference Between a Scratch and a Chip?
A scratch is a linear mark on the surface of the worktop material. In stone worktops, scratches are typically confined to the polished surface layer — the underlying material isn’t removed, but the surface finish is disrupted, scattering light differently and creating a visible mark.
A chip is an area where material has been physically removed from the worktop — usually from an impact. Chips create a concave void in the surface that must be filled with a repair compound.
When Is Polishing the Right Approach?
Polishing is suitable for surface-level scratches on stone worktops where no material has been lost. The process involves abrading the surface to remove or blend the scratch, then re-polishing to restore the surface sheen. Polishing works best when:
- The scratch is fine and relatively shallow
- The worktop has a high polish finish rather than a honed or leathered finish
- The scratch is in a localised area that can be addressed without re-polishing the entire surface
Limitations of Polishing
Polishing has significant limitations. On quartz worktops, the surface layer is very hard, and polishing can alter the sheen in the treated area, making it look different from the surrounding surface. On engineered materials, polishing may also reveal the aggregate particles beneath the surface coating. For this reason, chip filling is often more reliable than polishing for engineered stone.
When Is Chip Filling the Right Approach?
Chip filling uses specialist repair compounds to fill the void left by a chip. The compound is colour-matched to the worktop, built up in layers, cured, and then finished to match the surrounding surface. Chip filling is the right approach when:
- Material has been physically removed from the surface
- The damage creates a visible void or depression
- The damage is at an edge, corner, or around a hob cutout where polishing isn’t practical
Can Both Be Done in the Same Visit?
Yes. If your worktop has both scratches and chips, our technicians can address both in a single visit — assessing each area of damage and applying the most appropriate technique. This is often more economical than booking separate visits.
