Counter top scratches - RV-Dreams Community Forum

jbarrett72 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Counter top scratches

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I am probably the last person here with the knowledge to help you, but I would imagine that it would be good to know what kind of countertops you have in your RV.

I would imagine that methods of fixing would be different with each kind of countertop.

Terry

jbarrett72 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'll have to dig a little deeper on that one. The brochure says "Solid Surface Kitchen Countertops." That could be anything!! I'm going to pull out the owners manual.

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Solid surface usually describes one of the many composite surface tops such as Corion. There are a number of others but Corion is the original mass marketed material. Solid surface counters can be sanded and buffed out repairing most surface scratches. Solid surface counters are known to scratch, but not easily.....A basket as I am picturing should not cause this level of damage, if it did, I would not accept this material.

jbarrett72 · RV-Dreams Family Member

So, looked it up and it's Estone. Taking it back to the dealership today to see what can be done about it. Not happy!!

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm curious too. What is that laundry basket made out of that it can scratch a counter top???

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

NorCal Dan wrote:
I'm curious too. What is that laundry basket made out of that it can scratch a counter top???

A little curious about that myself.

jbarrett72 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Regular old plastic laundry basket!!

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

Can't say I have ever heard of plastic scratching a solid surface counter. Although I haven't heard of Estone. I agree with a visit to the dealer!

canuck · RV-Dreams Family Member

My RV manual states that green Scotch brite pad can be used to buff scratches out of solid surface counter tops. You have to blend to make the affected area less noticable. Hopefully the dealer will look after you and you can have a Tech with some expierence fix it up for you. Good Luck!

Readytogo · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have corian in our S & B and a cooler has scratched it. It scratches very easy but can be buffed out. Using the kit you get doesn't work. It made it worse.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Readytogo wrote:
We have corian in our S & B and a cooler has scratched it. It scratches very easy but can be buffed out. Using the kit you get doesn't work. It made it worse.

We have Corian as well. What do you use for buffing out scratches, and do you do anything in addition to buffing?

Terry

Readytogo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I tried with the kit they gave me. That made it worse. I ended up hiring a professional. I see scratches that I have no idea how they got there. I think certain colors show the scratches more than others.

If someone knows an easy way to remove the scratches let me know.

RanCar · RV-Dreams Community Member

We have Corian in our NT BRS. It's not scratched but is getting "dull" after a year of camping and snow-birding. I bought a large floor tile at Lowe's to put between the sink and stove. It acts as a hotpad and protects the surface in that area. I added felt feet to the tile so that it doesn't scratch the counter top.

RickandJanice · RV-Dreams Family Member

Solid surface counter tops such as Corian can either be buffed by any professional counter top shop that deals in solid surfaces or you can try removing minor scratches by using Bar Keeper's Friend, Bon-Ami, or even Copper Magic cleaners. Do Not use Comet or Soft Scrub as they are too abrasive. Scotch Brite pads should only be used on deep scratches. Have also noticed allot of RV Manufactures are using a high gloss finish and dark colors, both of which show scratches very easily. It is best to have a matte finish on any solid surface as it does not show light scratches from every day use. Again, any solid surface counter top shop can buff a top to what ever gloss level you prefer, but lower gloss is better for every day use.

CaptainRandy · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have lived full time in our Keystone 1150FL for over a year - straches on the countertops started the first day we moved in - most anything will strach them. The more straches you get the less you notice them. For us at least the straches do not not take away from the overall beauty or utility of the counters. hmm

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

Using an automotive buffing compound works well too.
Wet sand with an 800 grit sandpaper, move up to a 1200 or higher grit.
If you use a paint paddle/stir stick to wrap the sandpaper around it will keep you from dishing out the area of the scratch.
As far as buffing compound, a fine rubbing compound works best.
Using a little elbow grease- no power tools- keeps the mess contained to the counter.
It may take a couple of times to get the finish back, but its an easy project.

We install Corian Solid Surface in all of the custom boats/yatchs we build. One of the options is polished shinning countertops. But we advise about the upkeep on them.
Our factory standard is a matte finish that doesn't show the marks.

laurly · RV-Dreams Family Member

We've gotten a lot of small, fine scratches on the kitchen counter. One a bit deeper when cutting fruit on a paper plate with a sharp knife..oops :) The best thing we found, and it helps a bit, is called 'Perfect Countertop' by Hope. We found it a Lowe's..it shines it up like new!

Pat L · RV-Dreams Family Member

Brass-O works very well. I am in construction and we use it on all most every type of man made materials. Hand power saves some mess but power tools makes the job go much faster. We use a large piece of cardboard to block the splatter. A palm sander with very fine pads works great for bad scratches and does not make to much mess. A wool buffing pad on a drill motor is good for the Brass-O. Slow speed only.
Pat

jbarrett72 · RV-Dreams Family Member

It is a black high gloss. I'm guessing that sanding it wouldn't work and would just put in more scratches. I've read in another forum that the 2013 models don't have this countertop for just this reason. I'm guessing it's just something I'm going to have to live with.

RickandJanice · RV-Dreams Family Member

jbarrett72 wrote:
It is a black high gloss. I'm guessing that sanding it wouldn't work and would just put in more scratches. I've read in another forum that the 2013 models don't have this counter top for just this reason. I'm guessing it's just something I'm going to have to live with.

If you plan on keeping your rig, try having a Corian or other solid surface counter top installer sand and buff the surface to remove the existing scratches. While buffing, request them to buff to a matte finish so future scratches do not show as much. Black is very bad abut showing scratches but so is the high gloss finish.

Speedhitch · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sand on the bottom of your cooler or laundry basket can cut the surface very easily. Be sure to clean the bottoms of any thing that might have been outdoors in the sand before you place it on your counter.