Can I Change the Look of a Corian Countertop?

Selection

• When picking a style of Corian countertop for your home, devote enough time to the process that you will be satisfied with the color and style of the countertop you select. Although minor changes are possible, you are essentially stuck with the look of the countertop once you buy and install it. Corian is available in more than 100 different styles, so take the time to find the one that's right for you.

Cleaning

• Giving your Corian countertop a thorough cleaning will help restore its original look. With excessive water, the countertop can develop a film atop it. Add a few drops of dish soap to a sponge, wet it in warm water and give the entire countertop a thorough cleaning. After cleaning it, use a microfiber cloth to dry the countertop. Avoid using an ammonia-based cleaner on Corian, as these products leave an opaque film.

Scratches

• It is difficult to scratch your Corian countertop during routine use, but if you notice scratches on the surface over time, remove them to improve the look of the counter. Use an abrasive cleaner to scrub the countertop over minor scratches, moving in a circular pattern. Wipe the cleaner residue off the countertop and check to see if you removed any of the scratches. For larger scratches, wash the counter in the area of the scratches and buff the scratched area lightly with a Corian cleaning pad, ensuring the peach color is facing downward. Move the pad in straight lines until the scratches are less obvious. If they still persist, upgrade to an aqua or gray Corian pad and repeat the process.

Polishing

• It is common for Corian countertops to have a matte finish, but it's possible to polish the countertop to give it a glossy sheen to change its look. Home improvement stores sell products that help you give a shine to Corian. For the highest gloss finish, this process involves using sheets of fine sanding film with a random orbit sander to slightly remove the Corian's existing finish, and then buff it with a polishing solution and a power buffer. To maintain the high glossy finish, regular buffing is necessary.