Due to their toughness, design, and maintenance-free aspect, quartz countertops are usually the most popular material along with stainless steel and laminate for kitchen and bathroom countertops. However, one of the questions that most homeowners ask is, “Should quartz countertops be sealed?” The commonly accepted opinion is no; quartzite does not require sealers or coatings like granite or marble. But to appreciate the difference and more importantly,y how to take care of your quartz countertop, it is important to go into details.
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Will a Seal Quartz Make It Better?
If you are inclined to seal natural stones such as granite or marble, the thought of applying a seal to quartz countertops may seem good. The truth is, however, instead of being porous, quartz countertops are a composite which is nnonporousbecause they are bonded by a resin. Therefore, unlike other natural stones, they are not subject to staining, since they cannot absorb liquids or oils. As such, sealing them would only provide a superficial coating which would likely diminish the natural vibrant shine of the countertop, as well as affect its texture.
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Quartz Stone Benchtops Having Natural Non-Porous Configuration
Among several characteristics of quartz countertops, the most significant, as noted above, is their non-porous nature. As a quick reminder, quartz is an engineered stone that consists of natural quartz crystals (90-95%) and epoxy resins and polymers. Since it is composed of a very high percentage of crystals, quartz absorbs water to a very low extent. This non-porous nature of quartz means it does not require any sealing treatment in contrast to granite or marble which are porous and need sealing to avoid absorbing water and liquid splotches.
Another question that one may have is about sealing white quartz countertops. Sealing is not required for any quartz countertops, white quartz countertops do not have such a requirement either, as they do not absorb or retain stains. However, due to their porous surface, certain substances such as wine, coffee, and even oils can make them prone to staining. In this case, sealing is not compulsory but mandatory cleaning and quartz countertop sealant may be used to avoid the risk of spill stains in the countertops made of white color.
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Ways to Prevent Stains on Quartz Countertops
Even though quartz countertops don’t need to be sealed, it is still important to take good necessary care of them to reduce the chances of stains. One way to protect the countertops from staining is to attend to spills quickly and not set hot pans down directly on the counter’s surface. However, excessive heat can still damage quartz countertops because they are somewhat heat resistant. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild detergent is enough to keep the counters in good condition.
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How Do Quartz Countertops Hold Up when the question of Staining Arises?
An advantage of quartz worktops is their stain resistance. Liquids are not able to get through the surface because it is nonporous. However, some things such as ink, food coloring, or strong chemicals left on the surface for long periods could stain it. This does not happen very often so it is best to clean spills when they happen. Since they are less susceptible to staining than granite or marble, they make a perfect option for rooms with heavy use, including kitchens.
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Do You Rely On the Best Quartz Countertop Sealer?
Due to the fact that they are non-porous, quartz countertops do not require sealing however, some people would still apply such a seal for additional coverage in high-use areas. If you decide to apply a sealer, make sure to purchase a quartz countertop sealer made specifically for engineered stone surfaces such as quartz composite. Note that many manufacturers of quartz countertops recommend against sealing, as it could change the original appearance of the surface.
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Do You Have To Now Frequently Seal Off Your Quartz Countertops?
As quartz kitchen countertops come pre-sealed, then the question arises as to why they need to be sealed at all and this casts a question mark on the post-maintenance procedures. Most of the users are only required to clean their quartz countertops with some kind of soap and that’s mostly for regular maintenance. In case you are looking to seal off your countertop using a quartz countertop sealer, then it would only have to be done once a year.
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Is there any need for Sealing Quartz Countertops?
Most of the time, sealing a quartz countertop is not necessary. The sealing of natural stones was done due to the porous nature of the material and its potential to absorb stains, moisture, and microbes however, quartz countertops are nonporous and do not require sealing. It is true that sometimes sealing may add to the level of protection of your countertop but that is not a requirement for the appearance or longevity of the material. Sanding and Shampooing should be enough to keep the Countertop in shape.
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Discussing the Quartz Countertop Sealing: The Advantages and the Disadvantages
In the case of Quartz, sealing is not mandatory however if the applicator chooses to do so, the practice does have its advantages and disadvantages. There are a few professionals who are convinced that there’s an added advantage in protecting the surface of the countertop with some sort of sealing, and in this case with a quartz countertop sealer if there is going to be a concern with scratching or staining of the surface. However, there are certain drawbacks according to common opinion which include alteration and change in the appearance of the countertop as sealers tend to change the gloss or finish. For instance, sealers can also be quite tedious to work with and may need to be applied multiple times.
Custody of a quartz countertop is quite easy To keep the stone in its best condition, follow these basic steps:
Keep clean: Soap and water are enough to clean this area. Wiping it with a gentle dishcloth is appropriate.
Stay away from strong cleaning chemicals: If strong cleaners break down the resin that binds the quartz crystals together, the entire stone will be compromised.
Cut tomatoes on a cutting board: Avoid cutting on the surface itself to avoid scratches.
Keep hot pots off from direct contact: Pots and pans can easily damage the quartz surface so it is best to use pots and pans warmers.
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Comparison Between Sealing Quartz Countertops and Other Stones
A granite and marble countertop is porous in nature and requires constant sealing, otherwise there is a risk of liquid penetration and staining. Quartz countertops on the other hand do not require such procedures and thus could be a reason as to why these stones have become so popular lately. Considering their strength, stain resistance, and neglectful maintenance, these stones are much easier to take care of than conventional stone counters.
Conclusion: Should Sealing Quartz Countertops be Done?
Summing up, quartz countertops do not need sealing since they are non-porous and do not stain. While some may view sealing as an added layer of protection, it is not a necessity for the maintenance and longevity of quartz countertops. Follow proper cleaning and care, and your quartz countertop is bound to remain in good condition! If you want an added layer of protection, a quartz countertop sealer can be used, but only if it is specifically made of engineered stone.
When it comes to replacing granite, homeowners looking for less maintenance, more durability, and elegance should consider quartz countertops for their kitchens and bathrooms. Quartz countertops do not need sealing since they do not absorb liquids and are hard to stain, however, those who do apply it do so because they hope to create extra protection for busy areas. Applying a bit of detergent with some water and following a few steps can keep quartz countertops in a good state, meaning that sealing can be helpful but isn’t necessary. Even if you don’t apply a seal to your quartz countertops, they are a good choice for those looking for a natural stone-looking decoration with little to no maintenance.
