A Guide On How To Seal Quartz Countertops And More

Choosing countertops is one of the essential steps in your kitchen remodeling process. Even if you’re building one from scratch, they’re still important.

Countertops can be helpful for eating, cooking, and even entertainment. It also helps to improve your space. So, it makes sense that you set measures to ensure your countertop lasts long after you install it.

There are various types of countertops like marble, granite, wood, concrete, and quartz. And while some may look similar, they have differences. That’s why you have to take care of your countertop based on its surface and composition.

If you’re wondering how to make your quartz countertop last longer, then this article is for you.

What’s more? You’ll not only learn to seal your quartz countertop but also get tips that’ll help you maintain it.

Let’s dive right into it.

How To Seal Quartz Countertops

Unlike most countertops, quartz doesn’t need regular sealing. But it can help the surface last longer.

Here are the steps for sealing quartz countertops.

Step#1: Choose a suitable sealant:

The first thing is to choose the ideal sealant for the process. You can’t just use anyone you find. It’s better not to apply a sealer at all than to use the wrong product. Or else, you may end up damaging the surface.

Penetrating seals that work well for some countertops can react with the resin in quartz. Solvent-based sealants may also damage it.

It’s best to avoid sealants that work like waxes. That’s because they can build up on your countertop. So be careful when choosing a sealer.

Use sealants that are safe for engineered stones and don’t affect resin. Such products won’t penetrate the countertop but will protect it.

Step#2: Clean the surface:

The next thing to do is to clean the countertop surface. That will ensure there’s no dirt on it before sealing. Mix mild dish soap in water and wipe the surface with a soft cloth. Then let it dry thoroughly.

Step#3: Apply the sealant:

Now that the surface is clean, apply the sealant. You can spray it on the surface or smear it using a microfiber cloth. It all depends on the quartz sealant you use.

Ensure the countertop dries well before you start using it.

What To Expect From Sealing Quartz Countertop

Most countertops like quartzite and granite require sealing. And that’s because they are natural stones that contain lots of pores. So liquid can easily penetrate them.

However, quartz countertops are not entirely natural. They consist of quartz dust mixed with other elements like silicon dioxide and coloring materials. Resin serves as the bonding agent. That’s why the surface has no pores and doesn’t need sealing or resealing like other countertops.

While quartz countertops don’t need sealant, you have to be careful, or they may get damaged. Regular cleaning will help you maintain it. But you can seal it to help it last longer.

Bear in mind that quartz countertops already have a natural defense against the stain. But sealing it is an added protection.

The extra protection is worth investing in, especially if you’re harsh on your countertop. It’s also a good choice if you use the surface regularly.

You may want to consider sealing it if you’re not the only one with access to the countertop. That’s because it may be damaging for spills to sit on the surface for a long time. But with a sealant, that won’t be much of a problem.

Quartz countertops are more expensive than some countertops like granite. So, it can be pricey to replace it. If you don’t want to seal it, consider saving extra cash in case of emergency replacement.

However, if you can’t afford a total replacement, it’s worthwhile to buy a sealant. The extra protection can go a long way to enhance its durability.

While sealing your countertop can be beneficial, you have to be very careful. Please don’t seal the surface if you’re not sure of the sealant. If you must, ensure you buy a quartz sealer.

Before you apply a sealant to your countertop, bear in mind that it won’t be absorbed. It’s so because it is non-porous. Because of this, it may leave a film on the surface or may get sticky. That can be unpleasant, so weigh your options.

Why Quartz Countertops Are A Wise Choice

Durability:

Quartz countertops are durable. But that doesn’t mean they are indestructible. They don’t crack or chip easily. Instead, the chances of chipping or cracking due to everyday use are minimal.

Elegant appearance:

Another benefit of quartz countertops is their elegant and sleek appearance. They have a modern touch to their design.

They also come in various colors, patterns, and designs. Some styles even look natural. So, you can choose to customize your countertop or select a color that matches your cabinet.

Versatility:

Quartz countertops are versatile. You can use them in your kitchen, bathroom, bar, and other areas in your home.

Stain-resistant:

Quartz is more stain-resistant than many other countertop materials. And that’s because of its non-porous nature. In case of a stain, all you have to do is wipe it off immediately.

Don’t necessarily need sealing:

Unlike most countertop materials, quartz doesn’t need to get filled. Since it is non-porous, it doesn’t have tiny pores that need sealing. But you can choose to do so to give it extra protection or in case of damage.

Even when you seal the surface, you won’t have to think of resealing for a long time.

Warranty:

Most manufacturers offer a warranty on quartz countertops. They are confident of their durability if appropriately handled.

Easy to clean:

Unlike some countertops, quartz is easy to clean. Its sleek nature makes that possible even without sealing it.

You don’t even need any complex cleaning agent to take care of the surface. You can do it with just mild soap and water. You may not need a unique cleanser if you don’t seal the surface.

How To Clean Quartz Countertops

To clean your quartz countertops, you have to do both daily cleaning and deep clean at intervals.

Daily cleaning:

You have to clean your quartz countertop daily. Even though it can resist staining from liquids, ensure you wipe off spills immediately. Please don’t allow it to dry. Take care of messes as soon as possible using dish soap and microfiber or soft cloth.

Use a surface or glass cleaner, a soft sponge, and little elbow grease to clean dried stains. A plastic knife will come in handy for scraping off food, paint, or any hardened mess. But you can let it soften under a damp cloth and then clean it off.

To remove cooking grease, use a degreasing cleaner. It’ll help to loosen the dirt from your quartz countertop. Use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Deep cleaning:

Your daily cleaning routine doesn’t stop deep cleaning at regular intervals.

Spray a non-abrasive surface cleaner on your quartz countertop to deep clean it. Leave it for about 10 minutes. And then use a soft sponge to clean it up.

Tips For Maintaining Quartz Countertops

Avoid abrasives or chemicals:

Never use chemicals, scouring pads, or any abrasives on the surface. They can make it look unattractive.

Some chemicals can destroy the bond between the resin and quartz. So, never use acidic or alkaline cleaners. Ensure that the cleanser you use is explicitly for quartz. If not, soapy water can serve the purpose.

In case your quartz countertop encounters any harmful substance, rinse it immediately with water.

Permanent markers and inks are hard to remove, so use a protective covering before writing or crafts.

But in case of such stains, use denatured alcohol. Pour a little on a soft cloth. Then rub them off with it. Finally, clean it off with warm water.

Avoid extreme heat:

An excellent way to maintain your quartz countertop is to avoid excessive heat. Always use hot pads or trivets on your countertop. It’s best to place hot pans or crockpots on them and not directly on the surface.

It’s important to note that quartz is heat-resistant, but resin (the binding material) is not. Resin is plastic and can melt at a temperature above 300 degrees Fahrenheit. You don’t want your countertop to crack from sudden or prolonged heat exposure.

Never slice on the surface:

It’ll help maintain your countertop if you don’t dice or slice directly on the surface. Quartz may not be able to bear the effects of continuous slicing.

If you don’t want to have permanent ugly scratches on your countertop, use cutting boards.

Avoid outdoor use:

If you want to maintain your countertop, never use quartz for your outdoor kitchen. Consistent sunlight and effects from elements will fade its colors. It’ll also start splitting or warping over time.

Bear in mind that warranties for quartz countertops don’t cover outdoor use.

Avoid pressure:

Ensure you don’t drop heavy objects or stand on your countertop. It may crack or chip the surface. You don’t want to void your warranty.

Conclusion

Sealing your quartz countertop is easy, but it’s not compulsory. You don’t need a professional to help do so. But ensure you use the correct sealant. You don’t want to damage the surface.

You can use your quartz countertop without sealing it. However, it’ll have added protection if you do.

Ensure you clean it daily. And don’t ignore stains. Even though it’s durable, effective maintenance will help it last longer.