Most homeowners prefer quartz to natural stone countertops. There are many reasons why quartz is a favorite of many American homeowners including the fact that the countertop material is available in a wide range of colors, it is strong and durable, and requires less maintenance than any other countertop material. Although the good qualities come with a higher price tag, the countertop material has gained more popularity and is quickly overturning granite, marble, and travertine. Because almost all other countertop materials require sealing, is quartz countertop sealing necessary? Read on to learn more.
Quartz Countertop Sealing: Understand How Quartz is Made
Unlike most countertop materials carved from natural stone, quartzite is engineered stone. The material is made of ground natural quartz stone, resin binders, and pigments of any color you can imagine. It also contains silicon dioxide. After the engineering process, quartz countertops bear the strength of quartz natural stone and the beauty of any shade that you might want.
The sleek appearance and the sturdy nature of the quartz countertop make it appealing to many homeowners. Granted, you might wonder, do quartz countertops need sealing? No, these materials are completely bound leaving no microscopic pores that can let liquids seep through.
Why Quartz Countertops Do Not Need Sealing
Quartz countertops are made of ground quartz stone and resin binders. These materials are cohesive and when compressed under high heat, they leave no pores. The material, therefore, does not exhibit porous characteristics like marble or granite. During the fabrication process, the countertop material develops a permanent seal on the surface. As such, even though the material consists of ground natural stone, there is no way it lets in liquids. This way, homeowners get a visually appealing and strong countertop surface.
If other materials are not sealed, they will absorb water or other liquids that can stain them, discolor them, or damage them with time. But quartz is different.
What if you Seal Quartz Countertops?
If you are still wondering, “do quartz countertops need sealing?” you might end up applying a sealant. However, quartz is nonporous and will not absorb the sealant you apply on its surface. As such, the sealant will sit on the surface of the countertop leaving behind a film of liquid whenever you pour any liquid on the surface.
With natural stones such as marble and granite, when a sealant is spread on the surface, it is absorbed to cover the pores and ensure water does not seep through. Given the fact that your countertop does not need quartz countertop sealing, it shows that quartz is low maintenance – wipe the surface of the countertop and you are good to go.
How to Care for a Quartz Countertop without Sealing
Although quartz does not need sealing, you still need to take care of it to ensure it lasts for more than a decade with its shine and colors. If not well cared for, the surface of your quartz countertop might become dull with time. You can read more on how to care for your quartz countertops for durability on Caesarstone. Below are simple steps to keep your countertop shiny for decades:
- Avoid Abrasives: Abrasives might not scratch your countertop the first few times you use them. However, with time, these abrasives can leave your countertop looking dull. If you have been using abrasives and your countertop now looks dull, polish it to maintain its shine.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Acids and strong bases should be kept off your countertop. Quartz is a strong stone and will not etch when exposed to acids and strong bases. However, the resin binders and the pigments are affected by these chemicals. Acids might discolor the surface of your quartz countertop. As such, wipe them immediately they spill on your countertop surface.
- Protect from Heat: Natural quartz can withstand high heat. However, the resin binders can only withstand up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit heat – this is still higher than what most natural countertop materials can withstand. To keep the surfaces shiny and in good condition, use heat protectants such as trivets and potholders when placing hot pots on the surface of your countertop. These protectants will protect your counter from scorch marks.
- Use Chopping Boards when Cutting Things: Quartz countertop material is resistant to scratches. However, if you are determined, you can still introduce scratches. To ensure scratches do not develop, ensure that you do not cut anything directly on the surface of your countertop. Again, the acids from the foods you are cutting might leave your countertop dull after repeated cutting.
Are There Chemicals That Can Damage Quartz?
Do quartz countertops need sealing to protect them from certain chemicals? Some chemicals will interfere with the appearance of your quartz countertops and as such, you should steer clear of them. They include:
- Products with strong bases
- Abrasive cleaning products
- Oxidizers
- Highly acidic cleaning products
- Free radicals
Because your countertop does not have a sealant, you need to be careful of the products you use to clean it. In most cases, mild soap and water will work just fine in removing dirt from the surfaces. If the surface has dried gunk, scrape it off using a plastic tool. If the surface has grease, use degreasing products that do not contain bleach. These degreasers should be washed off immediately after cleaning to avoid discoloring the surface of the countertop.
If there are tough stains on the surface of your quartz countertop, use an adhesive remover. Wipe off the cleanser immediately after cleaning the surface.
Conclusion
Do quartz countertops need sealing? They do not need sealing because the sealant cannot permeate the surface of the countertop. As long as the countertop is protected from excess heat, exposure to sunlight, strong acids and bases, and other elements, it will serve you for more than a few decades. The countertop material is strong, heat resistant, scratch-resistant, and does not stain easily. Compared to all other countertop materials, quartz is the strongest and the most versatile seeing that it is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes.
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