Updated June 9th, 2024
If you are working on researching what kind of countertop to install in your kitchen and leaning towards Quartz, you have found the right article.
I am calling this article my comprehensive guide that answers the million dollar question : Do I need to seal quartz countertops ?
Quartz countertops are a fantastic option for those seeking durability, style, and low maintenance in their kitchen.
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You do not need to seal quartz countertops. It has simple maintenance requirements, a quartz countertop is an excellent investment for your home.
In this article I will cover :
This post is about “Should you seal quartz countertops”
Sealing Quartz Countertops: A Comprehensive Guide
What is a Quartz Countertop ?
Quartz is a man-made material.
Quartz counters are composed primarily of ground quartz, about 90-94%, which is combined with a small amount of polyester resins to bind it together and pigments to give it color.
Quartz slabs are available in a wide variety of colors.
The natural quartz, one of the hardest minerals on earth, provides the countertop with its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
How is Quartz Made ?
The Manufacturing Process: From Quartz Mining to Finished Countertops
- Quartz Mining: The process begins with the mining of quartz, which is typically done in open pit mines. Large rock ( natural stone aggregate) containing quartz is extracted from the earth and transported to a processing plant.
- Crushing and Sorting: The quartz rocks are then crushed into a powder. The powder is sieved to sort out grains of specific sizes.
- Mixing: Once sorted, the quartz powder is mixed with resin and pigments. The resin serves as a glue that holds the quartz particles together, while the pigments give the countertop its color.
- Molding: The mixture is then poured into a mold in the shape of the final product – the countertop. The size of the mold depends on the desired size of the finished countertop.
- Heating and Pressing: The mold is subjected to heat and vibration, which compacts the mixture and forces out any air bubbles. It’s then pressed under a vacuum to create a solid, non-porous surface.
- Curing and Polishing: After heating and pressing, the countertop is allowed to cure. Once fully cured, it’s polished to a desired finish, whether that’s high gloss, matte, or something in between.
Why Quartz is so popular (Advantages of Quartz) ?
- Durability: Quartz is one of the hardest minerals, which makes quartz countertops a very durable material and resistant to scratches and chips.
- Non-porous: The manufacturing process closes all the minute pores which results in a non-porous surface, meaning it’s stain resistant and doesn’t harbor bacteria.
- Customizable: Pigments can be added during the manufacturing process to create a lot of colors and patterns.
- Easy Maintenance: Quartz countertops are easy to clean and don’t require sealing or other regular maintenance like natural stone countertops.
- Consistent Appearance: Unlike natural stone, quartz countertops have a consistent pattern and color throughout, which you might prefer more.
- Resistant to Heat and Cold: Quartz countertops are relatively resistant to heat and cold, but they may not withstand extremely high temperatures without damage.
What is sealing of Countertops ?
Sealing process involves applying a protective layer to the countertop surface to prevent staining and water damage.
Natural stone kitchen countertops, like marble and granite, have porous surfaces.
They need sealing to prevent liquids from seeping in and causing damage or staining.
Why doesn’t Quartz need sealing ?
The question “do quartz countertops need to be sealed ? ” is something I get practically every other day at the design gallery.
Quartz slabs being engineered, are non-porous. It’s because of the manufacturing process that involves resin binders.
This means they don’t have tiny holes where liquids can seep in. This quality is why most experts would say quartz countertops do not need sealing.
Why Some Countertops Need Sealing ?
Natural stones like granite and marble have high porosity level. Porosity in countertops means the presence of tiny, often microscopic, holes or spaces in the material.
Granite: Granite countertops are porous to some degree and, thus, they need to be sealed periodically to prevent staining and bacterial growth.
Marble: Marble countertops is a highly porous stone, making it susceptible to staining from spills if not immediately wiped up.
It requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance and prevent damage.
Cleaning & maintaining Quartz Countertops (Do’s and Don’ts of Quartz Countertop Care)
- Regular Cleaning or Routine Maintenance : Use a
microfiber cloth or sponge with mild soap water for daily cleaning. You can also use an everyday cleaner or mild detergent in a spray bottle to clean quartz countertops.
- Dealing with Spills: Wipe up any spills as soon as they happen to prevent possible damage.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Don’t use bleach or acidic cleaners as they can dull the surface.
- Use Trivets or hot Pads: Even though quartz is heat-resistant, its not heat proof. you should use trivets or pads under hot pots and pans to prevent potential heat damage.
- Cutting Boards : Don’t use your countertop as a
cutting board . An abrupt sharp knife stroke can cause a scratch. - Things to avoid: Despite of the non-porous nature of quartz, You should avoid leaving lemon juice or tomato sauce on your new quartz countertop.
- These are acidic substances and when left for a long time can cause tough stains.
- Nail polish remover is another one you should be careful about. Nail polish remover often contains a solvent called acetone, can impact quartz countertops. Oven cleaner is another product that can potentially damage quartz countertops.
Pros and Cons of Sealing Quartz Countertops
- Quartz is an engineered stone. If you still decide to seal quartz countertop surfaces, I would recommend using the best sealer for quartz stone. Using a quartz countertop sealer will give you peace of mind.
- Sealing quartz countertops can add an extra layer of protection, potentially keeping your countertops looking new for a longer period.
- Sealing might potentially increase the lifespan of the countertop by offering additional protection against everyday wear and tear.
You should use a professional installer to get the sealing done on your new countertops.
Quartz is naturally non-porous and resistant to stains, so sealing it might be an unnecessary expense.
Applying a sealant could potentially leave a residue or excess sealer on the surface of the quartz, affecting its natural shine and finish.
Some sealants may potentially damage the resin that binds the quartz together.
FAQs
How do I protect my quartz countertop?
Quartz is a man-made product. Follow regular cleaning routine. Do not put really hot pans directly. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
Can you use Clorox wipes on quartz countertops?
It’s not recommended to use Clorox wipes, it may have citric acid that could cause discoloration.
Can I put a hot pan on my quartz countertop?
You can put a hot pan on the quartz. Its advisable not to though.
Quartz is heat resistant but not heat proof.
You should use trivets to be on the safer side so that you don’t damage quartz surface with intense heat.
Does water ruin quartz countertops?
No, water does not ruin quartz countertops. water itself will not harm the surface, allowing water to sit on any countertop for an extended period can lead to other issues.
For example, if water is left on the surface and then evaporates, it can leave behind mineral deposits that cause unsightly rings or spots.
What cleaner is safe for quartz?
A non abrasive cleaner is safe for quartz.
How do you maintain Quartz countertops ?
You can use a soft cloth with warm water to wipe the surface. It’s a good idea to wipe with a dry cloth or paper towel afterwards.
Can quartz countertops be used outdoors?
Due to their sensitivity to UV light, it’s not recommended to use quartz countertops outdoors.
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This post was about “Do i need to seal quartz countertops ?”
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