Q:

Identifying countertop material and removing mug rings

My countertop is a solid off-white material. Its finish is matte, not glossy, and because it has wood trim around the edge it's hard so get a side view - however, there is one point at which two pieces of the material are joined. It appears to be some sort of laminate or melamine. but I'm far from an expert here - these countertops were here when I bought the house.

I would like to know what material the countertops are made of, how heat resistant they are, and how to clean it. There is a place (which I've covered with a drying mat) where some mug rings have stained the countertop. My guess is that it's due to heat. I don't remember whether the rings were here when I came, or whether they appeared later - they have been there for years. Is it possible to fix this, and if so, how? So far the only recommendation I've read is to try carefully scrubbing with a magic eraser or melamine foam, but I want to make sure I know what I'm doing first.
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A:

At first I thought porcelain tile but after looking closer I believe melamine is correct especially after looking at the slight cracks /fractures along the edge.  I have a car polisher I use for quick countertop touch ups.  The random orbital polisher has a large area and buffing compounds really work well at cleaning a surface like this or Formica. Make sure to tape over the wood with masking tape this way if you run over the wood the finish will not be affected. I use a soft bonnet over the pad and a paste buffing compound and work the entire surface with a little extra pressure time spent on deep stains, this method will take light stains out without damage but the surface becomes a little more shiny. I have used this method with a paste wax to bring a “new look” to counters on rentals.

