Bathroom Counter Burn Removed! (Without Removing the Countertop!)

I'd been barely tolerating this flat iron burn on my cultured marble bathroom counter for about a year. One weekend I decided to take things in my own hands and try to do something about it. I would love new counter tops, but there are other priority projects that need to be done with my home that made it not cost effective.

Step 1: Step 1: Gather Supplies

I texted my husband at his deer lease with the simple question, "Where is the palm sander?". (I had to spend a few minutes relieving the fear that I apparently evoked with that text. FYI, I get bored frequently & do projects.) Electric Palm Sander located, sand paper, scissors & some sheets for drapes.

Step 2: Step 2: Prep & Begin

It is my recommendation to remove EVERYTHING from the bathroom and put into the next room. Work with the door closed. This creates a RIDICULOUS amount of powder/dust that layers every surface. I also used a scarf around my face & protective glasses to keep from breathing it or getting it in my eyes.

I was a bit nervous about totally destroying my bathroom counters (and having to explain that to hubby when he gets home!).. so I started sanding with 'fine' sand paper.

Step 3: Step 3: Will I Be Sanding FOREVER?!

OK, after 45 minutes... this is the result. Apparently the 'burn' had bubbled the cultured marble fairly deep. Using the 'fine' sand paper initially is like taking a plastic knife to a gun fight. It just wasn't getting the job done. I dusted myself off, and made a trip to the local hardware store and picked up the most coarse sand paper made for plastic/metal/wood.

Step 4: That's More Like It!

After just 15 minutes of using the more course sand paper... progress! Use wide circular sweeping motions when sanding. Once the stain or burn is removed, use the fine sand paper to make the counter nice & smooth ** My counter is approximately 15 years old. I didn't realize until I began this project, that it actually had 'yellowed' a bit over the years. Once I got the burn totally removed, I had a 'white' circle. So I lightly went over the entire counter surface until the 'yellow' tinge was gone.

Step 5: Success!

Project Cost: $6.00 for sand paper

Time: This is really a 1/2-1 day project to do it correctly and to also include cleanup, depending upon how deep the stain is & how much counter top you are sanding.

Bam! Burn gone & no need to come up with a really good story for hubby about how I destroyed the counter top. :)
I will now do some R&D to find out what I might use to seal the counter top if necessary. Good Luck!

Comments

[slh399]

I've been wondering how to remove some burns and a hideous stain in our two bathrooms for years. Your instructions made me laugh, and I'm pretty certain that not only are we "evil" twins ( I, too, get bored and begin major projects!), but also married to twin, terrified husbands, lol!

Thanks so much for your help through your Instructable. I'm almost brave enough now to attempt righting the wrongs in both my powder rooms!

[slh399]

Oh, btw, I'm a Susan H, as well!

[ebergh]

Nice job! To do a final polish and seal the cultured marble and acrylic tops after final sanding, you can use a product called Gel Gloss. It comes in either a spray can or as a liquid in a can... you apply it, let it sit a bit and then rub it off with a paper towel to get a nice polished finish like before sanding. Comes in pink containers, and can be found at the big box stores like da Depot, etc. Makes Formica shine nice too!

[KellyN1]

What about acrylic milder countertop in an apartment suite??? Please help I hate looking at the damage the previous tenants did

[hetalmd]

to fix acrylic countertop in an apartment suite you can buy a kit from Menards and use that. It is not as cheap as this solution for $6 but it works. Instruction is there also acrylic counter top is very cheap so if you put few more bucks in you can buy new one and replace it. if you do not know how to change there are plenty of video on you tube which can help you.

[DYI-er]

I'm really not sure. It works if the countertop is made of the same material all the way through. Many cultured marble & acrylic counters are solid with the same material all the way through. You might want to try sanding a spot underneath, out of sight, to make sure first. Good luck!

[nathanhobbit]

use turtle wax

[SusanH75]

Nice job. I backed up to the beginning to double check the counter material. you said it was cultured marble. Is it porous like marble? if so, have you thought of sealing it in some fashion?

[DYI-er]

All of the builders & construction people here call these counters 'cultured marble'. I don't really what it is made out of. One of the builders here told me that they are made out of particles, powder, resin, pigments, etc into a solid product. So it's not like a natural marble rock. Even with all of that said, I think it would be a good idea to seal it after to prevent future staining, but I don't know what product to use to do that.

[DIY Hacks and How Tos]

Nice life hack.