How to Fix Cracks in Ceramic Cooktops
Ceramic cooktops are modern innovations that excel both in design and function. Cracks, scratches and chips can occur when dishes are hurriedly moved across their shiny surfaces, or the surfaces are accidentally hit with something sharp. Learning how to fix cracks prepares you for frequent repairs, especially if your cooktop is exposed to heavy use, saving you from a costly replacement. However, consider replacing the cooktop if the crack is large, or if it runs from one end to the other, as this creates a safety hazard and the cooktop will fail to work efficiently. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Clean cloth or sponge
- Denatured alcohol
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Bowl
- Repair filler paste
- Repair hardener
- Spatula
- Fine-tipped paintbrush
- Popsicle stick
- Painter’s tape
- Enamel spray
Instructions
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1
Wipe a cloth or sponge soaked in denatured alcohol across the crack on the ceramic cooktop to remove grease, grime and other residue. Dry the surface of the cooktop with a clean cloth to remove residual alcohol and expose the crack.
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2
Rub the crack with fine-grit sandpaper to remove loose or crumbling ceramic pieces surrounding it. Using the finest-grit sandpaper, and work directly above the crack in small, circular motions, so you do not scratch more surface than required.
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3
Prepare a 2-inch-thick bead of repair compound using 20 parts filler and one part hardener. Mix the ingredients in a bowl using a spatula.
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4
Apply the repair compound over the crack using a fine-tipped paintbrush. Push it inside the crack with a popsicle stick. The compound should fill the crack and overlap its edges by one-half to three-quarters of an inch on either side. Use a damp cloth to remove excess compound from the area surrounding the crack. Allow this compound to dry according to the directions on the label, since drying time varies according by brand.
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5
Rub the surface of the repair patch with fine-grit sandpaper until smooth. Work carefully around the edges so it blends with the surrounding cooktop surface.
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6
Rub a cloth soaked in denatured alcohol over the repair patch to clean its surface. Allow the alcohol to dry completely.
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7
Apply painter’s tape over the surface of the cooktop around the repaired section to avoid spraying over it. Position the tip of a can of enamel spray over the repaired section and spray a light mist of the enamel over that surface. Allow the sprayed section to dry for two to three days before removing the tape and using the cooktop.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear rubber gloves to prevent direct contact with the repair agents.
Don a face mask when spraying enamel over the repaired section of the cooktop.
