Your kitchen countertops take a beating—from spilled wine and dropped pans to those mysterious scratches that seem to appear out of nowhere. The good news? Many countertop mishaps can be repaired without breaking the bank, helping you maintain both the beauty of your kitchen and the value of your home. Of course, some larger issues may require a pro, but for the most part, with a little know-how, you can handle a lot on your own.

Here’s a breakdown of how to treat common countertop issues—when to DIY and when to call in the experts.

Granite Countertops: Fix and Shine

Even durable granite isn't immune to kitchen mishaps. But with the right approach, you can bring back its original shine.

• Cracks, chips, and scratches: For small nicks, epoxy resin (matched to the color of your granite) works wonders. Make sure the surface is clean before you start—use acetone to break down grease. Tip: Be sure to ventilate the area well by opening a window.

• Stains: The type of stain determines the solution. For grease, oil, ink, or bleach marks, a paste of flour and hydrogen peroxide should do the trick. Wine stains? Mix flour with bleach instead. Apply the paste, let it sit, then wipe away the stain.

Once you've made the necessary repairs, don’t forget to reseal the granite to protect it from future damage!

Solid-Surface Countertops: Keep Scratches in Check

Solid-surface counters, like Corian, are known for their resilience, but they’re not entirely scratch-proof.

• Minor scratches: Rub a white polishing compound on the affected area with a wool pad, and finish with a layer of countertop wax to restore the shine.

• Deeper scratches or cuts: These usually require a professional touch. Expect to pay around $15 to $35 per hour for labor. If the damage is severe enough to need new sections, you’re looking at about $35 to $65 per square foot.

Laminate Countertops: Small Repairs, Big Results

Laminate countertops are budget-friendly but prone to chips, burns, and scratches. Fortunately, minor fixes are possible.

• Small chips: Use laminate repair paste to fill in the gaps, making sure it matches your countertop color.

• Scratches: Buff these out with countertop polish or car wax for a quick refresh.

• Peeling laminate: Reattach it using contact cement on both surfaces, pressing firmly to set it in place.

Coffee and tea stains? A little vinegar or a baking soda paste paired with a household cleaner should take care of that. Larger issues, like significant burns or gouges, might require replacing the damaged section, but finding a perfect match for older laminate can be tricky. Sometimes, it’s easier (and more visually pleasing) to replace the whole countertop. Costs range from $3 to $100 per linear foot, depending on the design, with labor typically running $15 to $35 an hour.

Tile Countertops: Patch It Up

Tile countertops are beautiful but can crack and scratch over time. If you’ve saved extra tiles from your original installation, you’re in luck! Otherwise, here are a few fixes:

• Scratches: Rub them out with a little toothpaste on a cloth.

• Cracks: Fill cracks with epoxy glue, applied with a toothpick. Once dry, you can color the repair with oil-based artist paint to match the tile.

• Old grout: Use a utility knife to scrape out the old grout, then apply new grout with a rubber trowel to keep everything looking fresh.

Stainless Steel Countertops: Bring Back the Gleam

Stainless steel may be sleek, but it can get scratched and dull over time. While you can’t fully erase scratches, you can buff them into a softer, warm patina.

• Scratches: Rub a small amount of vegetable oil into the surface to help minimize the appearance of scratches.

• Stains: A paste made from baking soda and dish soap is excellent for removing stains without scratching. You can also try a sprinkle of Barkeeper’s Friend for extra shine.

Maintaining your countertops not only keeps your kitchen looking sharp but also helps protect the value of your home. Don’t let small issues become big headaches—tackle those scratches and stains today! And if you find yourself dealing with something bigger than you can handle, reaching out to a professional is always a smart move.

Ready to give your kitchen the love it deserves? Start with these simple countertop repairs and keep your space looking its best.