How to Remove Burn Marks from Solid Surface Countertops

Orange burn marks on a white countertop.
  • 2-4 hours
  • Beginner
  • $30-60
What You'll Need
Warm water
Dish soap
Used rugs or rug samples
Regular toothpaste (white)
Soft cloth
Retailed countertop cleaner
Fine-grit sandpaper
Countertop polish
What You'll Need
Warm water
Dish soap
Used rugs or rug samples
Regular toothpaste (white)
Soft cloth
Retailed countertop cleaner
Fine-grit sandpaper
Countertop polish

Countertops are among the most heavily-used domestic surfaces, exposed to daily usage and neglect. Staining and issues like burn marks on the surface are a persistent problem, but removing a burn mark from solid surface countertop is not a demanding task. You need to follow some basic instructions and have a systematic approach for treating any kind of blemish.

Note: The degree of countertop surface bruising, due to burning, varies across different types of materials. Marble surfaces are more tedious-to-treat since the white backdrop is very difficult for concealing a burn mark. Granite and darker marbles are better equipped to conceal treated, burn marks since the background has a darker shade along with dense graining.

In some cases (such as when working with laminate countertops), you may also find that the burn is deep enough you may need to sand the burn mark away and then use fillers or sealants (such as wood putty) to make the spot level again. Research how deep a burn mark has to be before you need to use fillers or sealants before you start using this solution.

Step 1 - Prepare the Surface

Create a solution using warm water and a few drops of any household soap. Dip a rug sample, or a piece of old rug, into this mix. It should be moist, but not wet, so squeeze it to drain out the excess water. Wipe the scorched site with this rug. This is useful for removing the small debris-like deposits found along the periphery of a solid countertop burn mark.

Step 2 - Remove Discoloration

Please check if your solid countertop was chemically treated at the time of installation. If it was, this technique will not be very useful.

Squeeze out some regular, white-colored toothpaste on to the burn mark. Then, using a soft cloth, rub it into the grain. You can even use an old toothbrush for this to ensure that the toothpaste is evenly scrubbed into the site. Though many folks recommend this technique for softer materials, it is useful for treating the brownish tinge of solid countertop burn marks too.

Step 3 - Treat/Polish Burns

The above technique may or may not fully neutralize the discoloration of the burn mark. However, to ensure that it is properly concealed, you should use a dedicated solid surface countertop cleaner. Special cleaners are retailed for all the common, solid surface countertops, like granite or marble. Each one is essentially a kit containing specially-formulated solutions and application brushes. Apply the cleaner according to packaged instructions, rubbing in the formulation repeatedly until the discoloration fades away.

Then, use fine-grit sandpaper for re-shaping the minute, burnt edges of the mark. This is vital for camouflaging the burn mark in the background of the unspoiled surface. Continue rubbing with the sandpaper until the burn mark is well-concealed. You can also use a countertop polish to ensure the burnt spot does not develop a visibly dull hue.

Step 4 - Take Some Basic Precautions

Ensure that the polished surface is not immediately exposed to water as moisture can neutralize the polish. Also, the treated spots should be protected from greasy foods for a few days because grime-like deposits can develop around the slightly sticky, polished edges.