Can Countertops Be Refinished?
Countertop refinishing is possible for most materials, but the method and results vary dramatically. Granite can be re-polished to like-new condition for $200-$600 by a stone restoration specialist. Quartz can be professionally buffed for $300-$800 but has limitations. Laminate can be resurfaced with epoxy or paint for $100-$300 DIY or $500-$1,500 professionally. Full countertop replacement costs $2,000-$6,000, making refinishing a smart alternative when the stone is structurally sound.
TL;DR
- Granite is the most refinishable material - professionals can restore it to factory condition for $200-$600
- Quartz can be buffed and polished but deep scratches may be permanent due to the resin binder
- Marble can be re-honed and re-polished, but etching will return without ongoing maintenance
- Laminate resurfacing costs $100-$300 DIY with epoxy kits or $500-$1,500 professionally
- Refinishing costs 70-85% less than full replacement for most materials
- The process takes 1-3 days depending on material and damage level
- Heavily damaged surfaces with cracks, chips larger than a quarter, or structural issues should be replaced, not refinished
Refinishing Options by Material
Granite Refinishing
Granite is the most forgiving material when it comes to refinishing. Because it's a solid natural stone with no resin layers, you can grind, hone, and polish it back to its original finish.
What can be fixed:
- Dull, worn finish from years of use
- Light scratches from everyday wear
- Etch marks from acidic foods (rare on granite but possible)
- Stains that have penetrated the surface
- Minor chips along edges
The process:
| Step | Method | Time | Cost Component |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep cleaning | pH-neutral stone cleaner and degreaser | 30 min | Minimal |
| Scratch removal | Diamond abrasive pads (50-200 grit) | 1-2 hrs | $50-100 in pads |
| Honing | Progressive diamond pads (400-800 grit) | 1-2 hrs | $50-100 in pads |
| Polishing | High-grit pads (1500-3000 grit) + polishing compound | 1-2 hrs | $75-150 |
| Sealing | Penetrating stone sealer, 2 coats | 1 hr + cure time | $25-50 |
Professional cost: $200-$600 for a standard kitchen (40 sq ft) DIY cost: $75-$200 in materials plus a variable-speed polisher rental ($50-$75/day)
Quartz Refinishing
Quartz is trickier to refinish because it's an engineered material - about 93% ground quartz crystals bound with 7% polymer resin. The resin layer is what gives quartz its uniform appearance, and once that layer is damaged, it can't be fully restored like natural stone.
What can be fixed:
- Surface-level scratches (light buffing)
- Minor dullness in high-traffic areas
- Small chips (with color-matched epoxy)
- Water spots and residue buildup
What can't be fully fixed:
- Deep scratches that penetrate the resin layer
- Heat damage (white marks or discoloration from hot pans)
- Large chips (repair is visible on close inspection)
- Chemical etching from harsh cleaners
Professional quartz refinishing costs $300-$800 for a standard kitchen and involves fine-grit diamond pads followed by specialized quartz polishing compounds. Results are good for surface-level damage but won't match factory finish on deep damage.
Marble Refinishing
Marble refinishes beautifully but etches easily, so you'll be in a cycle of periodic refinishing unless you switch to a honed finish (which hides etching better than polished).
Professional marble refinishing: $300-$700 for a standard kitchen. The process is similar to granite but requires more care because marble is softer (3-5 on the Mohs scale vs. 6-7 for granite).
Important consideration: If your marble is heavily etched from years of kitchen use, switching from a polished finish to a honed (matte) finish during refinishing will dramatically reduce visible etching going forward. Honed marble hides etch marks because the surface already has a matte character.
Laminate Refinishing
Laminate can't be re-polished like stone, but it can be resurfaced:
Option 1: Epoxy resurfacing kits ($100-$300 DIY) Products like Stone Coat Countertops or Giani Countertop Paint Kit apply a thick epoxy layer over existing laminate. Results look decent from a distance but won't fool anyone up close. Lifespan is 3-5 years with careful use.
Option 2: Professional resurfacing ($500-$1,500) A professional applies a thicker, more durable coating system. Results are better than DIY but still won't match real stone. Good for rental properties or budget kitchens.
Option 3: Laminate overlay ($300-$800 DIY) Apply new laminate sheets over the existing surface using contact cement. This gives a fresh laminate surface and is more durable than paint or epoxy.
When to Refinish vs. Replace
| Factor | Refinish | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $200-$800 for stone | $2,000-$6,000+ for stone |
| Structural damage (cracks) | Not suitable | Required |
| Surface scratches and dullness | Ideal candidate | Overkill |
| Outdated color/pattern | Won't help | Best solution |
| Chips larger than a quarter | Poor results | Better option |
| Multiple seam failures | Not suitable | Required |
| Timeline | 1-3 days | 2-4 weeks |
| How long results last | 5-15 years with care | 15-30 years |
The 50% rule: If refinishing would cost more than 50% of replacement, replacing is usually the better investment. You get new material, new warranty coverage, and 15-30 years of life.
DIY Refinishing: What You Can Do at Home
Granite and Marble Polish Restoration
For minor dullness (not deep scratches), you can restore shine at home:
- Clean thoroughly with a pH-neutral stone cleaner
- Apply a stone polishing compound (like MB Stone Care MB-20 or Granite Gold Polish)
- Buff with a soft cloth or low-speed buffer
- Apply a penetrating sealer once polish is fully dry
- Cost: $30-$60 in products
This won't fix scratches or damage, but it can bring back the glossy finish on stones that have dulled from soap film buildup or improper cleaners.
Quartz Surface Restoration
For light surface haze on quartz:
- Clean with a non-abrasive quartz cleaner
- Apply Bar Keeper's Friend (the liquid, not the powder) to affected areas
- Buff gently with a soft cloth in circular motions
- Rinse thoroughly
- Cost: $10-$20
For actual scratches on quartz, you need professional help. DIY sanding on quartz almost always makes things worse.
Laminate Touch-Ups
For small chips or scratches in laminate:
- Clean the damaged area
- Apply laminate repair paste (color-matched) like SeamFil
- Smooth with a putty knife
- Let cure for 24 hours
- Cost: $10-$25
Finding a Refinishing Professional
Stone restoration is a specialized trade. Not every countertop fabricator does refinishing - it's often a separate service provider. Here's how to find one:
- Natural Stone Institute directory - search for certified stone restoration technicians
- Ask your original fabricator - they may offer restoration services or have referrals
- Check for SRT (Stone Restoration Technician) certification - this is the industry credential
- Get 3 quotes - refinishing pricing varies widely based on experience and methods
Red flags to watch for:
- Using household chemicals instead of professional stone products
- Not having liability insurance
- Unable to explain the grit progression they'll use
- Prices that seem too low (under $150 for a full kitchen likely means they're cutting corners)
FAQ
How much does it cost to refinish granite countertops? Professional granite refinishing costs $200-$600 for a standard 40 sq ft kitchen. This includes cleaning, scratch removal, polishing, and sealing. DIY refinishing costs $75-$200 in materials plus polisher rental.
Can you change granite from polished to honed? Yes. A stone restoration professional can change a polished granite finish to honed (matte) for $300-$700. This involves grinding off the polished layer with diamond pads. Reversing from honed to polished is also possible.
How often should granite be refinished? With proper care and annual sealing, granite typically needs professional refinishing every 10-15 years. Kitchens with heavy use may need attention every 7-10 years. Regular cleaning with proper products extends the time between refinishing.
Can you refinish quartz to remove scratches? Light surface scratches can be buffed out professionally for $300-$800. Deep scratches that penetrate the resin layer are difficult to fully remove. Prevention (using cutting boards, avoiding abrasive cleaners) is much easier than repair.
Is countertop refinishing worth it? If your countertop is structurally sound with no cracks or major chips, refinishing saves 70-85% compared to replacement. A $400 refinishing job vs. a $4,000 replacement makes the math straightforward for most homeowners.
Can you refinish concrete countertops? Yes. Concrete countertops can be re-ground, re-polished, and re-sealed. You can even change the finish from polished to matte or vice versa. Professional cost is $200-$500 for a standard kitchen.
Does refinishing change the countertop color? No. Refinishing restores the original finish without changing the stone's color. However, re-polishing dull granite can make the colors appear more vivid because the polished surface reflects more light, revealing the stone's natural depth.
How long does countertop refinishing take? Most professional refinishing jobs take 4-8 hours of on-site work. You'll need to stay off the countertops for 24 hours while sealers cure. Total project time from start to full use is typically 1-2 days.
Can painted laminate countertops be refinished again? Yes, but each layer reduces durability. Most professionals recommend a maximum of 2 refinishing applications on laminate before the layers become too thick and start peeling. At that point, replacement is the better option.
Calculate Your Countertop Options
Whether you're refinishing existing countertops or planning a replacement, it helps to know the numbers. Use our cost calculator to compare refinishing costs against new countertop pricing for your specific kitchen layout.
[Try the SlabWise Cost Calculator →]
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute - Stone Restoration and Maintenance Standards, 2024
- Marble Institute of America - Stone Surface Refinishing Guidelines
- National Kitchen & Bath Association - Countertop Lifecycle Costs
- SBA - Home Improvement Cost Analysis
- IBIS World - Stone Restoration Services Industry Report, 2025
- International Surface Fabricators Association - Countertop Maintenance Guide