Quartzite countertops offer many benefits. These natural stone countertops are made from metamorphic stone, which means they are extremely hard and heat resistant. One of the most asked questions concerning quartzite countertops is whether they must be sealed.
Quick Answer: Do quartzite countertops need to be sealed? Yes, quartzite countertops do need to be sealed just like any natural stone countertop and it does require a special sealer.
This is the best sealer for quartzite countertops.
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Quartzite is considered an easy to care for countertop; however, different types of quartzite require different levels of care, due to the mineral makeup of the quartzite. Quartzite is primarily composed of sandstone, which is a combination of silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate, and iron oxide; however, it can also contain trace amounts of magnetite, zircon, rutile, and even fossils. These trace minerals can affect the porosity of the quartzite countertop.
Quartzite is the hardest countertops on the market and resistant to scratching and etching; it is still porous and vulnerable to staining. Quartzite is denser than other countertop materials like granite and marble. Certain kinds of quartzite offer some stain resistance; however, no quartzite is stain proof. Be sure to note that before you seal your quartzite countertops you should clean them. Check out our list of the best cleaners for quartzite countertops.
Many people are surprised to learn that there are two different types of stone sealers on the market – topical stone sealers and impregnating stone sealers. Each of these has different properties, application processes, and benefits.
A topical sealer for quartzite countertops prevents water, oil, and other liquids from absorbing into the surface of the stone and staining the quartzite countertop. Once the topical sealer is applied, it creates a film to repel liquids. Topical sealers must be reapplied to protect against stains. Most of these topical sealers must be stripped away before another coat of topical sealer can be applied. Many homeowners do not use this product because it has to be stripped before another application is applied.
An impregnating sealer penetrates the countertop surface. This water-based sealer repels water, oils, and other liquids. Unlike topical sealers that coat the surface of the countertop, impregnating sealers allow the stone to breathe. Liquids cannot enter into the surface of the countertop; however, any moisture contained in the stone can escape. Impregnating sealers can be reapplied without needing to strip off the previous sealer.
The most common quartzite impregnating sealer is made from silicone, siloxane, or Teflon. These sealers are great for kitchen and bathroom countertops. However, with heavy use and over time, the impregnator will not protect as well as it once did. Countertop experts recommend reapplying an impregnating sealer annual to reduce porosity and keep your countertops stain resistant.
The best stone sealer for quartzite countertops is impregnating nano sealers. This innovative stone sealer contains tiny particles that penetrate the surface and fill the pores of the countertop, creating a countertop that is almost impenetrable to stains. The technology used in impregnating nano sealers penetrates deeper into the countertop and bonds to decrease the porosity of the stone. An impregnating nano sealer provides long term protection and is warrantied to continue protecting your countertops from stains for fifteen years. Check out the Stonewalled Sealer Here!
A high-quality stone countertop sealer will not change the look of your quartzite countertops. However, the sealer may enhance the colors in your quartzite. For example, if you have Elegant Brown Quartzite installed in your kitchen or bath and you seal it using a high-quality sealer, the gold, blue-gray, and purple veining may be more noticeable.
An impregnating sealer will not change the finish on your quartzite countertops. Whether you have polished countertops, satin countertops, or honed countertops, the finish will not be altered with a sealer. However, if our countertop has an uneven finish, the sealer may help smooth the finish for a more even appearance.
The best way to determine if your quartzite countertops need to be resealed is to take a look around the sink. If you notice that the quartzite has darkened, it is an indication that your sealant is not working as well as it was. If any moisture, dust, dirt is on the countertop when the sealant is applied, they will be sealed into the countertop. Therefore, clean well and allow to dry thoroughly before applying a sealer.
Once you have chosen the appropriate sealer, prepared the countertop surface, and allowed the countertop to dry for at least 24 hours, it is time to apply the sealer. Read all instructions on the sealer before beginning. Homeowners who have experience with sealers will have no problem applying a sealer to quartzite. If you have no experience, you may want to leave the job to the professionals. If the sealer is not applied correctly, the countertop may not be fully protected and prone to stains.
Quartzite is a durable stone countertop and has some stain resistance; however, if a liquid is allowed to remain on the quartzite, it can penetrate the quartzite and result in a stain. To help prevent stains, always wipe up spills immediately. Use absorbent paper towels to soak up the stain and then use a countertop cleaner or a little soap and water to ensure all traces of the liquid has been removed.
When shopping for a sealer for your quartzite kitchen countertops, you must find a sealer that is food safe. Most sealers are food safe; however, you must allow the sealer to thoroughly dry before allowing food to come in contact with your countertop. The actual cure times will vary from product to product; however, most sealers are fully cured and food safe after seven days.
There are various natural stone sealers on the market that guarantee protection for 15 or more years; however, most countertop specialists recommend sealing the quartzite countertop annually for the first five years. This reapplication helps to build up the stain resistance of the countertop. An impregnating sealer will not need to be removed before another coat is applied.
Quartzite installers do not recommend using topical sealers because this type of sealer will need to be removed before another coat is applied. Instead, use a high quality impregnating sealer to protect your countertops.
If you would like to add a touch of shine to your polished quartzite countertops, a spray-on polish can be used. Weiman Granite Cleaner and Polish This easy to use polish is formulated for natural stone and enhances the beauty of your countertop by revealing the natural patterns and veins in your quartzite countertops.
Quartzite countertops are stunning. This natural stone is similar to marble, with its beautiful coloring and veins. Quartzite comes in a variety of colors and patterns, depending on the chemical makeup of the stone.
Quartzite is naturally stain-resistant; however, it is not stain-proof. Applying a natural stone sealer specially formulated for quartzite will reduce the porosity of the stone and increase its ability to repel liquids and oils.
Even if your countertops have been sealed, spills should be cleaned up immediately. Stains happen when liquids are allowed to sit on the countertop. The liquid will slowly seep into the surface of the countertop. As the liquid evaporates, a stain will occur.
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