Quartz countertops have become popular because they are durable, low maintenance, and easy to clean. But do you need to seal them before use?
The short answer is that no, quartz does not have to be sealed, but if you prefer to seal them, you can also go for it.
Sealing a quartz countertop does not change its appearance; rather, it protects your investment from scratches and stains by providing an additional layer of protection over the top of the stone. It also helps keep your counters looking newer – something that just cleaning alone would not give.
Therefore before you seal your quartz countertops, consider whether you need to do so at all. Quartz doesn't easily scratch or stain when properly cared for using common household cleaners and materials. Learn more about the pros and cons of a quartz backsplash for your kitchen on our blog as well!
Pros of Sealing Your Quartz Countertop
The pros of sealing your quartz countertops are various. Here are the top benefits for future buyers interested in a do-it-yourself project or current ones that want to protect their quartz further.
It's inexpensive to seal your quartz
Sealing your quartz countertop is very doable and won't cost much more than buying a do-it-yourself kit at your local hardware store or home improvement retailer. The sealers used on quartz are made from materials you find in your kitchen when baking cakes, so do not be intimidated by the process.
Added durability to your quartz
Quartz countertop sealer is designed to do what it says-seal.
This means that it will protect your quartz for years to come, even if you do not use the product correctly. You may even want to consider sealing a new quartz countertop if it will be used as an island or bar top where food and drinks are frequently present, as this type of surface needs all the help protecting against staining and spills it can get.
Some experts have reported that sealed surfaces do show signs of wear after 10 years or more, so if you plan on keeping the same stone for longer than that, sealing might be very beneficial.
Stain protection for your quartz countertop
If a stain has already occurred and is in the process of being removed, sealed quartz countertops will provide extra protection against permanent damage. Quartz countertop sealers do exactly what their name implies – they just “seal” the quartz so that any substance used to clean up a spill will not be absorbed into the stone, and therefore will do less damage. If any extraneous material has already made its way into your quartz, it's important to do a small patch test before proceeding with the whole countertop so that you do not cause further damage to other parts of the stone.
Peace of mind for you in terms of your home investment
Quartz is an investment because of how much money it can add to your home's value. What better way to keep that investment going strong than by sealing its surface?
You'll be able to do routine maintenance without worrying about costly replacements.
What is the best sealer for quartz countertops?
The best sealer to use for your do-it-yourself quartz countertop depends on the type of stone you have. Quartz is a naturally occurring substance, so it has many variations, most notably in color and chemical composition.
It is important to do proper research about what kind of quartz you have before applying any sort of sealer or treatment products to the surface just in case there are specific instructions that need to be followed when sealing different types of quartz.
If you live near a home improvement retailer, they will be able to do an analysis on the stone for free and help point out the best do-it-yourself solution for your needs.
Products found in home renovation stores will be designed specifically for this purpose and do a good job sealing quartz countertops with very little effort.
It's important to look over all instructions before applying anything to your do-it-yourself quartz countertop just in case there are any special instructions about cleaning or preparation steps that you might need to take beforehand.
If you're still unsure what type of sealer is best for your do-it-yourself project, get help from a professional or the store you purchased your quartz countertop at.
Protecting your quartz countertops
The most important things are that you'll want to wipe up spills immediately, avoid placing hot items directly on your quartz and try to use coasters or pads for glasses and cups when possible.
When it does come time to clean your quartz countertops, experts recommend using warm water and mild dish soap. This should do the trick in most cases, but if you do need an extra boost in cleaning power, reach for liquid kitchen cleansers instead of abrasive scrubbers that may damage the surface of your countertops
Over time those tiny nicks and scratches may accumulate into bigger problems, so regular upkeep with gentle cleaners will help keep your quartz looking like new long after installation.
Sealed quartz countertops will also resist damage from scratches and stains, which means your investment in this beautiful stone will go even further. Quartz is one of the strongest materials commonly used for countertops, so you're covered if flukes or accidents do happen.
Although no sealer can protect against all damage, a quality sealer will help keep out liquids while adding an extra layer of protection between spills and wear and tear on quartz countertops.
Polishing your quartz will also protect it in the long run.
Guidelines to provide the right kind of care for your quartz countertops without sealing
If you decide not to seal your quartz, then you should take extra care to protect it from scratches and stains in the first place.
Do not do heavy-duty or very physical tasks on quartz – including cooking or frying (this includes microwaves) as well as too much food prep (chopping, dicing, etc.). Quartz is not 100% heat resistant
Also, if you have pets or young children, then this is the time to use pilling feet protectors. Just bear in mind that any small scratches may still happen.
Final thoughts on sealing quartz countertops
In conclusion, do quartz countertops need to be sealed? No, they do not. But when you seal them, there is a lot less hassle for you than if you don’t.
In addition, you will keep your investment secure and valuable over time.
If you're not sure which product would work best for sealing your quartz countertop, consider getting help from experts or the store that sold you your quartz countertop.
They will provide thorough instructions on cleaning and preparing your surface so that nothing interferes with how well the sealant product works on your specific type of stone.
