Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodels due to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance. However, one question that often comes up is whether quartz countertops need to be sealed. Here is a comprehensive look at whether sealing is necessary for quartz countertops.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, sometimes referred to as engineered stone, are made from ground quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The quartz content typically ranges from 90-94%, with the rest consisting of polymer resins that bind the quartz particles together.
The resins make quartz non-porous, so it does not need to be sealed. Natural stone countertops like granite, marble, and soapstone contain pores that require sealing to prevent stains. In contrast, quartz repels liquids, making it stain resistant without a sealant.
The Benefits of Quartz Countertops
There are several reasons why quartz has become a go-to choice for countertops:
- Non-Porous – The resin content makes quartz impervious to liquids, so spills cannot penetrate the surface. This prevents staining.
- Durable – Quartz is very hard and scratch resistant. It holds up well to heavy usage in kitchens.
- Low Maintenance – Since it does not need sealing or polishing, quartz requires very little maintenance.
- Resists Heat – Quartz can withstand heat better than many other countertop materials. However, it is not indestructible, so hot pans should still be used with care.
- Variety of Colors/Patterns – From solid whites to bold patterns, quartz comes in a vast array of options to match any style.
- Hygienic – The nonporous surface inhibits bacterial growth.
With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why quartz has surged in popularity in recent years. The low maintenance is a huge selling point for busy homeowners.
Does Quartz Need to Be Sealed?
Because quartz countertops are non-porous, they do not require sealing. Sealing is only necessary for porous natural stone that absorbs liquids. The resin content in quartz makes it impervious, so sealing would provide no benefit.
In fact, sealing a quartz countertop may actually damage it. Sealants cannot penetrate the solid surface, but they can leave a residue that is hard to remove. It’s best to simply avoid sealing quartz altogether.
The misconception about sealing quartz may stem from the fact that it is often marketed as a stone product. But while real stone needs sealing, engineered quartz contains man-made resins that eliminate porosity and the need for sealants.
Quartz Countertop Maintenance
Since sealing is unnecessary, quartz maintenance is quite simple:
- Clean regularly – Wipe up spills promptly and clean with a mild soap and water. Forstubborn stains, a non-abrasive cleaner formulated for stone can be used.
- Avoid abrasives – Don’t use abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads, as they may dull the surface.
- Prevent heat damage – Always use trivets or hot pads under hot pans, pots, and appliances. While quartz is heat resistant, extreme direct heat can cause damage.
- Re-sand minor scratches – Quartz is scratch resistant but not scratch proof. For light surface scratches, use a fine grit sandpaper to smooth it out.
- Enlist a pro for repairs – For chips, cracks, or major damage, hire a professional fabricator to repair it. DIY repairs often result in obvious unevenness.
With this simple routine, a quartz countertop will stay looking like new for many years without needing a sealant. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines as well.
Does Sealing Quartz Change the Appearance?
Sealing will not alter the appearance of a quartz countertop. Since the sealer cannot penetrate the solid non-porous surface, it will not cause any color or finish changes.
The quartz will look exactly the same before and after sealing. The only difference is that the surface may have a residue from the sealant that can be tricky to remove completely.
Sealing is more likely to diminish the look of quartz by leaving behind sealant residue or areas of buildup. It does not enhance or change the appearance in any way.
Does Sealing Make Quartz Waterproof?
Quartz already repels water very effectively due to its non-porous composition. Since liquids cannot penetrate the surface, quartz is waterproof and stain proof without any sealant.
Sealers provide no additional waterproofing benefit. The resins mixed into the quartz are what make it impenetrable to liquids.
In fact, sealing quartz can actually make it less waterproof in some cases. If the sealer leaves behind a residue, it can make the countertop more prone to holding onto moisture rather than repelling it.
Does Sealing Prevent Stains on Quartz?
Again, sealing provides no stain protection for quartz counters. The resin makes quartz stain resistant without any sealant. Liquids simply bead up and can be wiped away without leaving a mark.
The only way sealing could potentially impact stains is by leaving behind a sticky residue that actually attracts dirt and makes staining more likely.
Since quartz is non-porous, stains cannot penetrate the surface even without a sealant. The best way to prevent stains is simply to wipe up spills promptly.
Does Sealing Prevent Scratches on Quartz?
Sealers do not make quartz more scratch resistant. Quartz is an extremely hard material on its own. The sealing product does not provide a protective barrier against scratches.
The resin and quartz particles give quartz its inherent scratch resistance. A sealer applied on top does not improve that scratch resistance. Proper care and avoidance of abrasives are better ways to prevent light scratches.
Does Sealing Make Cleaning Quartz Easier?
Sealing will not make quartz any easier to clean or maintain. In fact, sealant residues often make cleaning more difficult by leaving behind sticky, greasy areas that attract dirt.
Quartz is already very easy to clean without being sealed. A simple wipe down with a soft cloth and mild soap and water is all that is needed.
Since liquids do not soak into the surface, they are easy to wipe away. Sealing provides no real advantage when cleaning a quartz countertop.
How Often Should Quartz Be Sealed?
Never! Sealing is simply not necessary for quartz countertops. Some sources recommend sealing once a year, but this will not provide any benefit and risks leaving sealant buildup or residue.
Quartz manufacturers clearly state their products do not need sealing. The resins eliminate porosity, so quartz will never require sealing under normal use.
Save your money and skip the sealing process. Focus instead on regular cleaning with a gentle quartz-safe cleaner. Avoid abrasives or damage from hot items instead.
Signs You Need to Seal a Quartz Countertop
There are no signs quartz needs sealing, since it should never require it! Here are a few visual cues that your quartz countertop does not need sealing:
- Water beads up – If water forms droplets rather than soaking in, that means the quartz is effectively repelling liquids.
- No sinkholes – Small indentations where liquids penetrate indicate porous stone that needs sealing. Quartz should be uniformly smooth and solid.
- Consistent finish – Changes like dark water marks signify that sealing is needed. Quartz maintains the same unaltered look over time.
- No visible stains – Stains that sit on the surface and don’t absorb indicate quartz is stain proof without sealants.
- No chalky residue – Chalky areas happen when sealants wear off porous surfaces. Quartz remains unchanged.
If you notice any of these signs, rest assured your quartz countertop does not need sealing!
Can You Over-Seal Quartz?
It is possible to over-seal a quartz countertop. Since the sealer cannot penetrate the solid surface, applying too much can lead to a thick residue or buildup that is difficult to remove completely.
Too much sealing product can create an uneven, sticky, cloudy surface. It could also attract more dirt due to the residue it leaves behind.
There is no need to seal quartz more than once or twice a year. But in reality, sealing more than zero times per year is unnecessary for quartz countertops. It is impossible to “under-seal” quartz.
Removing Excess Sealant From Quartz
If too much sealer was applied, here are some tips for removing the excess:
- Scrape off residue – Use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape off any chunks of dried sealer.
- Clean with acetone – Use a cloth dampened with acetone to rub off residue. Avoid scrubbing too hard.
- Steam treatment – Using a handheld steamer can help loosen sealant buildup so it wipes away easier.
- Erase with eraser – Try gently rubbing the area with a magic eraser sponge to remove residue.
- Mineral spirits – Dampen a cloth lightly with mineral spirits and rub carefully to remove excess sealant.
- Enlist a pro – For a thick or sticky residue, call a professional stone restoration company to remove it properly.
Avoid using razor blades, harsh chemicals, or abrasive pads, as these can damage the quartz surface. Patience and gentler cleaning methods will remove the unneeded sealant.
FAQ About Sealing Quartz Countertops
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about sealing quartz countertops:
Should I seal my new quartz countertop?
No, it is not necessary or beneficial to seal a brand new quartz countertop. The manufacturer will seal any natural stone particles so the entire slab is non-porous. Leave it alone and just clean your new quartz regularly.
Can sealing quartz change the color?
Sealing does not change the color or appearance of quartz countertops. Since the sealer cannot penetrate the surface, it does not alter the color or finish at all.
Is sealing quartz a DIY job?
Sealing quartz is unnecessary, but if you choose to do it, it can be a DIY project. Use a sealant formulated for stone and apply according to directions, removing any excess residue. Hiring a pro for an unneeded process is not cost-effective.
Should I seal my quartz countertop annually?
No, quartz manufacturers agree that sealing is not required at all for quartz countertops. An annual sealing is a waste of time and money and risks leaving behind sealant residue. Keep your quartz pristine through regular cleaning instead.
How long does a quartz sealer last?
Since quartz does not require sealing, any sealer applied will last indefinitely and provide no benefits. Quartz remains stain and water resistant on its own without the need for reapplication. Don’t bother with sealing quartz.
Can I use a granite sealer on quartz?
Any sealer labeled for natural stone can be used on quartz. However, since quartz does not need sealing, it’s best to skip this unnecessary step. Use your time and energy for wiping and cleaning instead.
Conclusion
While sealing adds protection for porous natural stone countertops like granite and marble, it is completely unnecessary for non-porous engineered quartz surfaces.
The polymer resins mixed into quartz make it waterproof, stain resistant, and scratch resistant without any sealant required. Sealing quartz provides no benefits and risks leaving behind sealant residue that can be difficult to remove.
Quartz’s durability and low maintenance are part of its appeal. By refraining from sealing, you can ensure your quartz countertop stays looking like new for many years with simple cleaning as needed. With the right care, a quartz counter will be a beautiful, functional addition to your kitchen or bath.