Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces made from ground quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. They have become incredibly popular in recent years due to their stylish appearance and excellent durability. One common question that arises with quartz countertops is whether or not they need to be sealed. Here is a detailed look at the sealing requirements for quartz countertops.
What is a Sealer and Why Seal Stone?
A sealer is a liquid protective coating that is applied to porous stone surfaces like granite, marble, and quartz. Sealers work by getting absorbed into the microscopic pores and holes within the stone. Once cured, the sealer acts as a barrier that prevents moisture, oils, and acids from penetrating into the stone.
Sealing is recommended for natural stone countertops because it:
- Protects against staining – Sealers prevent stains from absorbing into the stone. This allows stains to be easily wiped away instead of seeping in and causing permanent discoloration.
- Reduces bacterial growth – Sealers create an inhospitable environment for bacteria growth by limiting moisture penetration.
- Minimizes etching and abrasion – Acids and abrasive materials can react with the minerals in stone, causing etching and gradual erosion. A sealer provides a protective barrier.
- Enhances shine – Sealers deepen and enrich the color of stone, providing a wet look shine.
- Prolongs lifespan – By preventing moisture damage, sealers help stone last longer.
So in short, sealers provide an added level of protection to maintain the beauty and lifespan of natural stone surfaces like quartz.
The Difference Between Quartz and Natural Stone
Quartz countertops may look like natural stone such as granite or marble, but they are actually engineered composites made from:
- Ground quartz – Quartz is one of the hardest minerals and makes up over 90% of engineered quartz surfaces. The ground quartz provides strength, hardness, and sparkle.
- Resins – Binders like polyester, epoxy, and acrylic hold the quartz particles together into a durable slab.
- Pigments – Added color pigments give quartz its wide range of hues and patterns.
Unlike natural stone, quartz countertops are non-porous. The resins fill in the spaces between the quartz grains, forming a dense, hard, and impermeable surface. This makes quartz resistant to moisture absorption and penetration from stains, acids, and bacteria.
Due to its non-porous nature, quartz does not require sealing in the same way that porous natural stones do. But there are still some sealing considerations for quartz countertops.
Should You Seal Quartz Countertops?
In most cases, sealing your quartz countertops is unnecessary because quartz is non-porous. Since there are no pores or voids, sealers have nowhere to absorb or bond effectively to the quartz surface. Any sealer applied will only reside on the surface and quickly wear away.
However, some quartz manufacturers and installers may recommend applying a topical sealer to quartz for added protection and enhanced shine. Unlike penetrating sealers for natural stone, topical sealers:
- Sit on top of the quartz surface instead of soaking in.
- Form a thin protective coating that repels liquids.
- Act as a barrier against stains and etching.
- Provide a layer of shine and luster.
Topical sealers can offer some useful benefits for quartz countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. But they require more frequent reapplication compared to natural stone sealers.
Here are some pros and cons to consider regarding sealing quartz with a topical sealer:
Potential Benefits of Sealing Quartz:
- Added protection from stains & etching
- Mildly easier cleaning & maintenance
- Enhanced shine for a “wet” look
- Avoid need to re-polish for improved shine
- Prevent dull spots in high traffic areas
Potential Drawbacks of Sealing Quartz:
- Temporary coating that wears away over time
- Need for frequent reapplication (every 1-2 years)
- Extra cost for purchasing sealer kits
- Labor intensive process to regularly re-seal
- Possible residue or clouding issues from sealer
How to Seal Quartz Countertops
If you opt to seal your quartz countertops, be sure to use a topical sealer made specifically for quartz and other engineered stones. Look for topical sealers with silicone, acrylic, or polyurethane. Steer clear of impregnating “penetrating” sealers which won’t work with non-porous surfaces.
Follow these steps to properly seal quartz countertops:
- Clean the surface – Remove all debris, rinse thoroughly, and let dry completely before sealing.
- Review manufacturer guidelines – Some quartz brands advise against using sealers. Check their care & maintenance recommendations.
- Apply sealer evenly – Use a soft cloth to apply a thin, even coating across the entire surface. Avoid puddling.
- Let sealer cure – Allow the sealer to dry completely, which typically takes 20-30 minutes. Avoid use until cured.
- Buff off residue – Gently wipe away any excess sealer residue that didn’t absorb, using a dry microfiber cloth.
- Re-apply yearly – Expect to re-seal quartz countertops about every 1-2 years for maintained protection.
Quartz Density Matters
Not all quartz countertops are created equal when it comes to porosity. The density of the stone and ratio of quartz to resins impacts its sealing needs.
- High density quartz has low porosity with tighter seams between quartz aggregates. It likely won’t require sealing.
- Lower density quartz tends to be more porous with gaps between quartz particles. Sealing provides added protection.
Higher priced, high-quality quartz brands generally have higher density and lower porosity. Budget quartz options may be more porous and prone to staining, warranting sealer use.
If uncertain about the density, it’s safest to apply a topical sealer to any quartz surface for enhanced protection. Lower density quartz will benefit the most from sealing.
Signs Your Quartz May Need Sealing
Here are some signs that suggest your quartz counters could use a topical sealer for better protection:
- Stains start absorbing instead of wiping clean
- Food and liquids leave behind residue
- Surface feels rough and etched
- Knife scratches appear grayish instead of white
- Countertops lack shine and appear dull
- Spills start to leave a halo effect
If you notice these issues, the quartz likely has some porosity that a topical sealer can help fill for easier cleaning and shine retention.
How Often Should You Seal Quartz?
Since topical sealers sit on the surface rather than soak in, reapplication is needed about every 1-2 years for quartz countertops. Frequency depends on:
- Sealer Type – Silicone sealers last up to 2 years. Acrylic and urethane may need yearly resealing.
- Usage – High traffic kitchens may need to reseal more often than low use surfaces.
- Cleaning Habits – Frequent cleaning with harsh chemicals can gradually break down the sealer coating.
Be sure to properly prep and re-seal your entire quartz counters and tile backsplashes for even coverage. Watch for shrinking efficacy between applications. Reapply as needed to keep quartz surfaces looking their best.
Can You Over-Seal Quartz?
It is possible to over-apply a topical sealer to quartz countertops. This can lead to a clouded, hazy appearance or visible residue on the surface.
To avoid over-sealing quartz:
- Apply thin, even coats and wipe away excess.
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for application and drying time.
- Buff surface completely dry after each coat.
- Limit to 2-3 applications for maximum benefit.
Too much sealer or inadequate drying time between coats can create a cloudy buildup. But any haze or residue can be removed with a bit of elbow grease and a granite polish cleaner.
Sealing FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about sealing quartz countertops:
Should you seal quartz every year?
No, yearly sealing is likely overkill for quartz countertops. Every 1-2 years is sufficient unless you notice the sealer efficacy wearing sooner.
Does sealing quartz change the look?
Sealers help enhance the appearance by making the colors pop and giving a glossy wet shine. This is especially helpful for light colored quartz.
Can I use a granite sealer on quartz?
You’ll want to use a sealer specifically formulated for engineered stone rather than actual granite sealers. Make sure it is approved for use on quartz.
Can you seal just part of a quartz countertop?
It’s best to seal the entire surface evenly. Spot sealing can lead to visible differences in luster and shade.
How long does quartz sealer last?
Expect topical quartz sealers to last 1-2 years typically before needing reapplication, depending on usage and cleaning habits.
Do professional quartz installations come sealed?
Not always. Many fabricators do recommend applying a sealer after installation for added protection. Check with your installer.
Does sealing quartz make it shinier?
Definitely. Topical sealers help enhance the glossiness and light reflection for a wet look shine on quartz surfaces.
Enhance Quartz With Premium Sealing
While sealingquartz countertops provides optional added protection, premium sealing services take it to the next level:
- Multi-Step Process – Deep cleaning, conditioning, sealing, and polishing.
- Longer Protection – Advanced sealers last 3-5 years instead of just 1-2 years.
- Extreme Shine – Showroom quality gloss that pops the colors.
- Smudge Resistance – Repels fingerprints and watermarks.
- Easy Maintenance – Allows quick wipeups and less frequent deep cleaning.
- Professional Application – Done by experts for maximum results.
- Warrantied – Many services include guaranteed satisfaction.
Look for premium quartz sealing and conditioning services in your area to maximize the beauty and longevity of your investment.
Maintain Quartz Counters Without Sealing
You can keep your quartz counters looking fantastic even without sealing through proper care:
- Use trivets and cutting boards to protect from hot pans and knife marks.
- Clean up spills quickly to prevent stains from setting.
- Use a mild stone soap and soft cloth for routine cleaning.
- Avoid abrasive cleaning pads and powders.
- Re-polish minor scratches carefully with a quartz polish kit.
- Sanitize surfaces periodically with diluted bleach disinfectant.
- Have pros deep clean and re-polish every few years as needed.
Is Sealing Quartz Countertops Worth it?
Sealing quartz countertops does require an initial investment and periodic reapplications. But the benefits of extra protection and easier cleaning can be worthwhile:
Pros of Sealing Quartz
- Added stain, scratch, and etch resistance
- Prevent absorption and halo effects
- Boost shine for a “wet” look
- Easier cleaning and maintenance
- Avoid dulled spots in high traffic zones
- Prolong the need for professional re-polishing
Cons of Sealing Quartz
- Upfront costs for sealer kits
- Time spent applying and drying sealer
- Need for reapplication every 1-2 years
- Potential for clouding or residue issues
- Masking of seam adhesive failures
- Minimal impact for high density quartz
In the end, sealing quartz provides optional added protection that many homeowners appreciate. Consider your quartz quality, usage levels, and maintenance habits to decide if sealing is worthwhile for you.
Natural Stone Alternatives
For those who prefer the look of natural stone but want maximum protection, consider these more stain-resistant natural options:
- Soapstone – Steatite stone resistant to acids. Requires frequent sealing.
- Concrete – Durable exposed concrete counters with sealed finish.
- ** Quartzite** – Hard metamorphic stone less porous than granite.
- Limestone – Dense sedimentary stone available with honed finish.
Always seal natural stone counters with a quality impregnating sealer. But these alternatives have lower porosities optimal for kitchens.
Key Takeaways
To summarize the key points regarding sealing quartz countertops:
- Quartz is non-porous so sealing is often unnecessary.
- Topical sealers can provide optional added protection.
- Reapply topical sealers every 1-2 years for maintained performance.
- High density quartz is less likely to need sealing than lower density products.
- Look for signs of staining or etching to indicate sealing may be beneficial.
- Aesthetic enhancement is another benefit of sealing quartz surfaces.
- Regular maintenance cleaning is still required even with sealing.
- Consider granite-lookalike alternatives like quartzite and soapstone if sealing natural stone is undesirable.
Conclusion
Quartz countertops bring style and luxury to kitchens with extreme durability. While sealing is not required, topical sealers can offer worthwhile benefits by acting as a protective barrier against stains and damage. Lower density quartz is more likely to gain advantages from routine sealing. Make sure to use a product specifically designed for engineered stone and reapply every 1-2 years for ongoing protection and shine. With the proper sealing approach, you can keep your beautiful quartz counters in top condition for many years of enjoyment.