Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodels thanks to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. Unlike natural stone counters like granite or marble, quartz counters are engineered from ground quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments, creating a very hard, non-porous surface that stands up well to daily wear and tear. But there is still some confusion around whether quartz counters need to be regularly resealed like natural stone. Below we’ll examine do quartz countertops need to be resealed and help clear up some of the misconceptions about sealing and caring for quartz.
What Is Sealing For Countertops?
Sealing is the process of applying a protective liquid coating to the surface of natural stone counters like granite, marble, slate, etc. Sealing fills in microscopic pores that are naturally present in these stones. This helps prevent liquids like water, oil, and acidic juices from penetrating into the stone and causing stains. It also makes the stone easier to clean and maintain on a daily basis.
Sealers wear off over time and need to be reapplied, usually once a year or so depending on usage and quality of the sealer. Without regular resealing, stone counters become more prone to staining and may require professional deep cleaning or restoration.
Do Quartz Counters Need Sealing?
Quartz countertops, unlike natural stone, do not require any kind of regular sealing. This is thanks to the advanced non-porous nature of engineered quartz:
- Quartz counters are made from approximately 90% ground quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments.
- The resins fill in all the spaces between the quartz particles, resulting in a very dense, non-porous, and stain-resistant surface.
- This makes quartz counters naturally impervious to stains from spills and everyday usage. Liquids and oils do not easily penetrate into quartz like they would with porous natural stone.
- Quartz manufacturers apply a durable factory sealant to further prevent stains and damage. This factory sealant does not require reapplication or resealing over time.
- The only exception is if you notice staining or absorption occurring on your quartz, which may indicate a worn factory sealant. This is rare, but sealants can wear in high-use areas over many years of heavy usage. A professional can re-seal affected areas if needed.
Easy Maintenance Tips for Quartz Counters
To keep do quartz countertops need to be resealed looking like new, follow these simple maintenance guidelines:
- Clean frequently – Use a mild soap and water to wipe down quartz daily or after preparing food. This prevents buildup that could dull the surface.
- Blot spills quickly – Immediately wipe up any spilled liquids, oils, or grease. Acidic substances like wine, tomatoes, and citrus can dull or etch quartz if left too long.
- Avoid abrasives – Don’t use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which can scratch the surface over time. Use soft cloths or non-abrasive sponges only.
- Minimize heat exposure – Quartz can withstand brief exposure to moderately hot pans. But prolonged direct heat can damage the resins leading to burns or cracks. Use trivets and hot pads whenever possible.
- Re-polish as needed – You can restore the glossy shine using a quartz polish product. Apply polish to a soft cloth and rub in a circular motion.
- Check manufacturer care tips – Always consult your specific quartz manufacturer’s care and maintenance guide for any additional advice. Certain quartz products may have more specialized requirements.
Conclusion
Thanks to its durable non-porous composition, quartz provides a practically maintenance-free countertop that won’t need regular sealing. Just clean quartz counters frequently using mild detergents, immediately dry spills, and avoid exposing the surface to excessive heat or abrasives. With simple care, quartz countertops will stay looking like new for many years before ever needing professional maintenance. Be sure to consult your manufacturer’s specific guidance too. With quartz, you can enjoy beautiful worry-free counters that don’t require yearly sealing appointments.