So, we took our brand new 5th wheel out for the weekend to a camp ground. Before we left, I was packing stuff into it and had a laundry basket on the counter. I slid the basket off the counter and it scratched! THEN, when we got to our destination, I noticed the counter next to the sink was all scratched up!! Has anyone else encountered this problem?? I'm just wondering what can be done about it?? Of course, it's all under warranty, but is there anything short of replacing the counters that can be done??? HELP!!
Terry and Jo said
02:18 PM Jul 2, 2012
I am probably the last person here with the knowledge to help you, but I would imagine that it would be good to know what kind of countertops you have in your RV.
I would imagine that methods of fixing would be different with each kind of countertop.
Terry
jbarrett72 said
02:58 PM Jul 2, 2012
I'll have to dig a little deeper on that one. The brochure says "Solid Surface Kitchen Countertops." That could be anything!! I'm going to pull out the owners manual.
GENECOP said
03:28 PM Jul 2, 2012
Solid surface usually describes one of the many composite surface tops such as Corion. There are a number of others but Corion is the original mass marketed material. Solid surface counters can be sanded and buffed out repairing most surface scratches. Solid surface counters are known to scratch, but not easily.....A basket as I am picturing should not cause this level of damage, if it did, I would not accept this material.
jbarrett72 said
04:04 PM Jul 2, 2012
So, looked it up and it's Estone. Taking it back to the dealership today to see what can be done about it. Not happy!!
NorCal Dan said
12:06 AM Jul 3, 2012
I'm curious too. What is that laundry basket made out of that it can scratch a counter top???
Racerguy said
01:05 AM Jul 3, 2012
NorCal Dan wrote:
I'm curious too. What is that laundry basket made out of that it can scratch a counter top???
A little curious about that myself.
jbarrett72 said
01:14 PM Jul 3, 2012
Regular old plastic laundry basket!!
Trabuco said
01:43 PM Jul 3, 2012
Can't say I have ever heard of plastic scratching a solid surface counter. Although I haven't heard of Estone. I agree with a visit to the dealer!
canuck said
11:28 PM Jul 3, 2012
My RV manual states that green Scotch brite pad can be used to buff scratches out of solid surface counter tops. You have to blend to make the affected area less noticable. Hopefully the dealer will look after you and you can have a Tech with some expierence fix it up for you. Good Luck!
Readytogo said
02:19 PM Jul 4, 2012
We have corian in our S & B and a cooler has scratched it. It scratches very easy but can be buffed out. Using the kit you get doesn't work. It made it worse.
Terry and Jo said
03:05 PM Jul 4, 2012
Readytogo wrote:
We have corian in our S & B and a cooler has scratched it. It scratches very easy but can be buffed out. Using the kit you get doesn't work. It made it worse.
We have Corian as well. What do you use for buffing out scratches, and do you do anything in addition to buffing?
Terry
Readytogo said
04:36 PM Jul 4, 2012
I tried with the kit they gave me. That made it worse. I ended up hiring a professional. I see scratches that I have no idea how they got there. I think certain colors show the scratches more than others.
If someone knows an easy way to remove the scratches let me know.
RanCar said
11:30 AM Jul 8, 2012
We have Corian in our NT BRS. It's not scratched but is getting "dull" after a year of camping and snow-birding. I bought a large floor tile at Lowe's to put between the sink and stove. It acts as a hotpad and protects the surface in that area. I added felt feet to the tile so that it doesn't scratch the counter top.
RickandJanice said
02:21 PM Jul 8, 2012
Solid surface counter tops such as Corian can either be buffed by any professional counter top shop that deals in solid surfaces or you can try removing minor scratches by using Bar Keeper's Friend, Bon-Ami, or even Copper Magic cleaners. Do Not use Comet or Soft Scrub as they are too abrasive. Scotch Brite pads should only be used on deep scratches. Have also noticed allot of RV Manufactures are using a high gloss finish and dark colors, both of which show scratches very easily. It is best to have a matte finish on any solid surface as it does not show light scratches from every day use. Again, any solid surface counter top shop can buff a top to what ever gloss level you prefer, but lower gloss is better for every day use.
CaptainRandy said
03:48 PM Jul 8, 2012
We have lived full time in our Keystone 1150FL for over a year - straches on the countertops started the first day we moved in - most anything will strach them. The more straches you get the less you notice them. For us at least the straches do not not take away from the overall beauty or utility of the counters.
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
04:32 PM Jul 8, 2012
Using an automotive buffing compound works well too. Wet sand with an 800 grit sandpaper, move up to a 1200 or higher grit. If you use a paint paddle/stir stick to wrap the sandpaper around it will keep you from dishing out the area of the scratch. As far as buffing compound, a fine rubbing compound works best. Using a little elbow grease- no power tools- keeps the mess contained to the counter. It may take a couple of times to get the finish back, but its an easy project.
We install Corian Solid Surface in all of the custom boats/yatchs we build. One of the options is polished shinning countertops. But we advise about the upkeep on them. Our factory standard is a matte finish that doesn't show the marks.
laurly said
02:00 AM Jul 9, 2012
We've gotten a lot of small, fine scratches on the kitchen counter. One a bit deeper when cutting fruit on a paper plate with a sharp knife..oops :) The best thing we found, and it helps a bit, is called 'Perfect Countertop' by Hope. We found it a Lowe's..it shines it up like new!
Pat L said
05:58 AM Jul 10, 2012
Brass-O works very well. I am in construction and we use it on all most every type of man made materials. Hand power saves some mess but power tools makes the job go much faster. We use a large piece of cardboard to block the splatter. A palm sander with very fine pads works great for bad scratches and does not make to much mess. A wool buffing pad on a drill motor is good for the Brass-O. Slow speed only. Pat
jbarrett72 said
11:59 AM Jul 10, 2012
It is a black high gloss. I'm guessing that sanding it wouldn't work and would just put in more scratches. I've read in another forum that the 2013 models don't have this countertop for just this reason. I'm guessing it's just something I'm going to have to live with.
RickandJanice said
02:10 AM Jul 12, 2012
jbarrett72 wrote:
It is a black high gloss. I'm guessing that sanding it wouldn't work and would just put in more scratches. I've read in another forum that the 2013 models don't have this counter top for just this reason. I'm guessing it's just something I'm going to have to live with.
If you plan on keeping your rig, try having a Corian or other solid surface counter top installer sand and buff the surface to remove the existing scratches. While buffing, request them to buff to a matte finish so future scratches do not show as much. Black is very bad abut showing scratches but so is the high gloss finish.
Speedhitch said
10:40 PM Jul 12, 2012
Sand on the bottom of your cooler or laundry basket can cut the surface very easily. Be sure to clean the bottoms of any thing that might have been outdoors in the sand before you place it on your counter.
So, we took our brand new 5th wheel out for the weekend to a camp ground. Before we left, I was packing stuff into it and had a laundry basket on the counter. I slid the basket off the counter and it scratched! THEN, when we got to our destination, I noticed the counter next to the sink was all scratched up!! Has anyone else encountered this problem?? I'm just wondering what can be done about it?? Of course, it's all under warranty, but is there anything short of replacing the counters that can be done??? HELP!!
I am probably the last person here with the knowledge to help you, but I would imagine that it would be good to know what kind of countertops you have in your RV.
I would imagine that methods of fixing would be different with each kind of countertop.
Terry
A little curious about that myself.
We have corian in our S & B and a cooler has scratched it. It scratches very easy but can be buffed out. Using the kit you get doesn't work. It made it worse.
We have Corian as well. What do you use for buffing out scratches, and do you do anything in addition to buffing?
Terry
I tried with the kit they gave me. That made it worse. I ended up hiring a professional. I see scratches that I have no idea how they got there. I think certain colors show the scratches more than others.
If someone knows an easy way to remove the scratches let me know.
We have lived full time in our Keystone 1150FL for over a year - straches on the countertops started the first day we moved in - most anything will strach them. The more straches you get the less you notice them. For us at least the straches do not not take away from the overall beauty or utility of the counters.
Wet sand with an 800 grit sandpaper, move up to a 1200 or higher grit.
If you use a paint paddle/stir stick to wrap the sandpaper around it will keep you from dishing out the area of the scratch.
As far as buffing compound, a fine rubbing compound works best.
Using a little elbow grease- no power tools- keeps the mess contained to the counter.
It may take a couple of times to get the finish back, but its an easy project.
We install Corian Solid Surface in all of the custom boats/yatchs we build. One of the options is polished shinning countertops. But we advise about the upkeep on them.
Our factory standard is a matte finish that doesn't show the marks.
Pat
It is a black high gloss. I'm guessing that sanding it wouldn't work and would just put in more scratches. I've read in another forum that the 2013 models don't have this countertop for just this reason. I'm guessing it's just something I'm going to have to live with.
If you plan on keeping your rig, try having a Corian or other solid surface counter top installer sand and buff the surface to remove the existing scratches. While buffing, request them to buff to a matte finish so future scratches do not show as much. Black is very bad abut showing scratches but so is the high gloss finish.