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Kitchen Worktop Repair
Overview
Restore a chipped, scorched or water‑damaged kitchen worktop to a smooth, hygienic surface.
Skill level: 3 / 5 (confident DIYer).
Typical duration: 1 – 3 hours hands‑on.
Safety First
Fine dust inhalation when sanding – wear an FFP2 mask and goggles.
Sharp blades & edges – use cut‑resistant gloves when trimming laminate or resin.
Strong solvents & adhesives – ensure good ventilation and keep away from flames.
Electric shock – unplug nearby appliances before moving or lifting the hob.
Tools & Materials
Item | Purpose |
Orbital sander & 120/240 grit pads | Key and smooth repair area |
Craft knife or laminate trimmer | Remove loose or swollen laminate |
Two‑part filler / colour‑matched repair kit | Fill chips, burns or voids |
Mixing sticks & plastic spreader | Apply and level filler |
Masking tape & dust sheets | Protect adjacent surfaces |
Silicone sealant & gun | Reseal joints or sink edges |
Mineral oil / polish (for wood or stone) | Final protective finish |
Step‑by‑Step
1 – Assess and isolate the damage
Why: Determines whether a filler, patch, or full section replacement is needed.
Pro‑tip: Take a close‑up photo and compare it to online colour charts to choose the best filler tint (1 of 3).
2 – Clean & key the surface
Why: Grease‑free, slightly roughened material gives fillers maximum grip.
3 – Remove loose laminate or charred material
Why: Eliminates weak edges that could flake later.
4 – Mix and apply colour‑matched filler
Why: Fills gaps or chips flush with the original profile.
Pro‑tip: Slightly over‑fill; most fillers shrink a fraction as they cure (2 of 3).
5 – Sand and texture to blend
Why: Creates an even, matte or satin finish that disguises the repair line.
6 – Seal joints and edges
Why: Fresh silicone stops water ingress around sinks or hob cut‑outs.
7 – Polish or oil the repaired area
Why: Restores sheen and provides a protective barrier.
Pro‑tip: Feather polish 10 cm beyond the repair to avoid a glossy “spot” (3 of 3).
Completion Checks
Damaged area feels flush when you run a finger across it.
Colour and sheen blend with surrounding surface under daylight.
No visible gaps, cracks or raised edges.
Silicone beads are continuous with no pinholes or smears.
When to call a pro instead
Hire a specialist if the worktop is split through its full thickness, a large section around the sink is swollen, the material is high‑value solid stone requiring re‑polishing, or if integrated appliances must be removed to access the damage; professionals have industrial polishers, colour‑matching spectrometers and insurance to guarantee an invisible repair.
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