Quartz has become the favorite material for many homeowners in America regarding home furnishings, mainly countertops. Thanks to its aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting nature. Quartz is one of the hardest materials on the earth that can give you a more uniform look and feel. This property makes it a great option for the kitchen and bathroom countertop.
As far as designs go, this long-lasting material provides you with countless wonderful options. Quartz countertops can be built in just any colour you can imagine. This gives you the freedom to match it to the unique decor of your bathroom with ease. The ease of maintenance makes it another plus, mainly for busy families. This post will discover whether quartz needs to be sealed or not.
Sealing Quartz Countertops – A Good or a Bad Idea?
Sealing keeps the counters looking new. Since quartz countertops are man-made, they are exceptionally durable. They typically consist of quartz blended with silicon dioxide and colouring materials. This helps them to handle the everyday wear and tear easily.
So as compared to the natural stone countertops, it is not important to seal Quartz counters. Even if the quartz countertops are made with diverse stones, the manufacturing process creates a permanent seal on long-lasting surfaces. As a result, homeowners get an enduring and visually appealing counter for their homes.
Sealant is usually applied to guard the surface against mould/mildew growth, scratches and stains. Nevertheless, the surface of quartz is non-porous. That means your countertop will not have cracks or holes where spilled liquid can soak into. This is one of the main reasons many homeowners today choose quartz counters in their kitchens and bathrooms.
Furthermore, quartz countertops also have minimal maintenance compared to natural stone countertops. If you want to polish them and make them shine like new, simply clean your countertop surface using warm water and soap regularly.
Quartz counters are typically more costly as compared to granite counters. Therefore, they can be a little bit pricey when it comes to the replacement. So, if you decide to avoid sealing quartz countertops, it will help you save some cash. However, if you can afford a complete replacement, you can buy a high-quality sealant.
What Happens If You Seal Quartz Countertops?
Caesarstone Quartz Countertops usually have non-porous surfaces and Unfortunately, this also means they will not absorb the sealant that you will apply to them. Instead, it will leave a liquid film on the surface.
Remember, quartz counters already consist of a natural defence against stains. However, sealing is extra protection that can go a long way in boosting the durability of quartz. This additional protection is worth investing in if you use your countertop harshly.
How to Seal Quartz Countertops
Sealing quartz countertops are very easy. The best part is “no dilution”; this is essential. Here are its steps:
Step 1: Combine dish soap and water.
Step 2: Now, use a clean cloth to remove any dirt on the countertop surface.
Step 3: Now, dry the surface.
Step 4: Apply the quartz sealer on the surface in a circular motion. It’s a good idea to avoid sealants that work well, similar to waxes.
Step 5: Let the sealer sit there for five to ten minutes.
Step 6: Now, eliminate the extra residue using a clean cloth.
Step 7: Wait for 24 hours.
Step 8: Reapply the sealer as required.
Step 9: Make sure the quartz countertop dries well before using it.
How to Take Care without Sealing Quartz Countertops
Issues can occur when you fail to take proper care of your Quartz countertop. That is why it is essential to follow certain guidelines:
1. Avoid Cleaning Using Products that Can Lead to Abrasion
Do not clean your countertop using abrasion-causing products because they will ruin its shine. In the end, you will get a dull worktop. For example, avoid alkaline cleaners that have a pH higher than 10.
2. Use Heat Protectants
Exposure to extreme heat may destroy the countertop surface because it may not be heat-resistant. However, this does not mean your quartz countertop is heat-proof.
For example, when you put a hot pan or pot on your countertop surface for longer, it might result in marks or discolouration. Therefore, always make sure you add a trivet or potholder before placing a deep fryer, electric pressure cooker or hot pan.
3. Be Careful with the Chemical Exposure
Avoid the exposure of your counter to chemical-based products such as paint thinners, household cleaning products, etc.
4. Do Not Cut Things on the Countertop
Avoid cutting citrus and other acidic foods off the surface of your kitchen countertop. The acids they release may ruin your quartz top and make it appear dull. Rather, use a cutting board for chopping those veggies.
5. Avoid Using Bleach
To avoid losing the shine of your quartz countertop, do not use bleach and solvents (such as acetone).
6. Do Not Repolish
Avoid repolishing the countertop surface using polishing pads or sanding pads.
7. Avoid Using Quartz Stone for Outdoor Kitchen
Although quartz is easy to maintain and highly resistant to stains, it is sensitive to Ultraviolet light. Thus, sun exposure can discolour the surface. That is why you should avoid using this natural stone for worktops or outdoor kitchens.
For more quartz countertop maintenance tips, read here.
Granite, limestone and marble countertops have porous nature. That is because these natural stones contain plenty of spores. So, liquids can penetrate through them easily. That is why these countertops require sealing regularly. If you ignore this, they are subject to wear and tear. But there is no scheduled maintenance needed for the quartz counter. Thus, it is not necessary to seal quartz countertops.
They are usually manufactured using a blend of natural minerals. Also, their surfaces are durable, attractive and solid. Quartz countertops are also simple to maintain. That is why many businesses and homeowners love them. Remember, when you properly take care of the quartz countertop, it will stay with you for a lifetime.
*Photos by Edward Jenner
