Sealing Quartz Countertops [Is It Necessary?]

Should You Seal Your Quartz Countertop

Quartz countertops are non-porous, which means they do not absorb liquids or stains. Because of this, quartz countertops do not need to be sealed. While sealing a quartz countertop is possible, it’s not necessary.

Quartz countertops don’t absorb liquids like granite or other natural stone materials. That’s because the quartz used in countertops is a man-made material. Still, quartz isn’t totally safe from damage, so sealing it might be something to consider. Here is the best product if you wish to seal your quartz countertops.

Why You Don’t Have to Seal Quartz Countertops

You probably know that some stone countertops, like granite and marble, require sealing. That’s because those stones are entirely natural, and they have pores that liquid can penetrate. While quartz is a stone, it’s not the same as the quartz countertop.

• In the case of countertops, quartz is a construction material. For this, quartz is mixed with silicon dioxide, coloring substances, and bonding resins.
• During the fabrication process, the material remains over 90 percent natural quartz. However, the different elements work together, and they’re not as porous as natural quartz.
• As slabs of quartz are finished, they become very cohesive. Near the end of the fabrication process, a natural seal is formed.
• This means that quartz countertops don’t need the same sealing and resealing that granite or marble countertops require.

Since quartz countertops come “presealed,” you don’t have to worry about adding a sealant yourself. However, that doesn’t mean that quartz countertops won’t get damaged. You still have to be careful when working on or around your countertop.

While it can take more of a beating, you should clean your quartz countertop regularly. That way, you can continue to enjoy it for years and years.

Sealing—Pros and Cons

Pros of Sealing Your Quartz Countertop

While sealing your quartz countertop isn’t necessary, there are a couple of pros and cons to consider. Even though this type of quartz is man-made, it can still be damaged when not cared for properly. Using the right sealant can help you protect your quartz countertop from harsh stains and spills.

If you can seal your quartz countertop correctly, you will have the added benefit of the sealant as well as the natural seal already on the quartz. That can be particularly useful in some homes or for some people. Quartz countertops are easy to clean, but it can be worth the extra investment to seal your counter.

While there may be other pros out there, there are a couple of common advantages to sealing your quartz countertop. You don’t have to seal your countertop, but you may want to, and here are some reasons for that.

Extra Protection

Because quartz countertops are non-porous, you don’t have to worry about stains seeping into the material. For many countertops, a sealant is the first line of defense against absorbing stains. But with quartz countertops, a sealant is primarily extra protection for when you spill something on the counter.

If you tend to be harsh on your countertops, it can be worth adding that extra layer. There are a few ways you might be hard on your counter.

• Whether you’re a self-proclaimed clutz or not, we all spill from time to time. Be it an overfilled pot or a wrong move of your hand, spills are bound to happen occasionally.
• Many of us know the benefits of potholders. They can keep us from burning our hands, and they can also protect our counters from hot dishes. But we may not always have one handy.
• If you use your countertop for many things, something’s bound to penetrate it. The right sealant can protect your quartz countertop from everyday spills and larger messes.

We all like a little extra protection for the things that matter most. Quartz countertops can be expensive, so why not invest a bit more to protect your counter further? Since a sealant can add an extra layer of protection, it might be worth sealing your quartz countertop.

Peace of Mind

Even if you try to be super careful with your countertop, you may still want the peace of mind of sealing the quartz. You can clean your counter every day, and something could always happen. While you may never damage your quartz countertop, some people say better safe than sorry.

• If you spill and don’t notice, it could cause problems. The longer liquid sits on your counter, the easier it will be for that liquid to turn into a stain.
• Spilling harsh chemicals can also damage your countertop. Some chemicals can be harmful to quartz. If you don’t have complete control over what goes on or near your counter, you may want the peace of mind that a sealant can provide.
• While it’s not necessary, the right sealant can’t hurt your counters. As long as you know what sealant to use, adding it can put your mind at ease whenever you or a friend use your kitchen.

We’ve probably all heard of the placebo effect and how it can help us. Even though a sealant isn’t necessary for quartz countertops, it can be helpful. Even that added peace of mind can be a reason to use sealant on your counter.

But before you rush to buy and apply just any sealant, there are some downsides to using it. So consider both sides when deciding if you should seal your quartz countertop.

Disadvantages of Sealing Your Quartz Countertop

Despite the benefits of sealing your quartz countertop, it may not always be the right choice. Since quartz doesn’t need a sealant, there’s no reason to use one. It can be a waste of time and materials, and some sealants may even be harmful to your countertop.

If you’re set on sealing your countertop, think about how that decision might hurt you or your counter. After all, quartz isn’t the same as other common countertop materials. You should make sure that sealing is the right option for you.

Before you can do that, you have to consider some of the negative results that come with using a sealant. You may find that your counter is perfect the way it is.

No Absorption

Quartz countertops don’t absorb stains and spills like granite or marble countertops. While that means they’re more durable for everyday use, it also means they won’t absorb sealants as easily. A quartz countertop doesn’t have the porous structure needed to absorb a sealant properly.

• Since the sealant won’t be absorbed, it won’t go anywhere other than the surface of your countertop.
• As the sealant sits on the countertop, it can become sticky. That can make it hard to remove after you realize that sealing wasn’t the best idea.
• Some sealants may leave a film on the countertop, which can be annoying at best and damaging at worst.
• The wrong sealant might even damage the surface of the countertop, making the natural sealant less effective.

Before you apply anything to the surface of your quartz countertop, consider the potential outcomes. While some sealants may take just fine to your countertop, others may not. The wrong sealant may even do more harm than good.

Of course, the fact that quartz doesn’t absorb spills can come in handy on most days. But that lack of absorption also applies to substances like sealants.

Requires Special Sealer

Another con to sealing your quartz countertop is that you can’t use just any old sealant. Because quartz countertops differ from other materials, they have different care regimens and require different types of sealants. If you want to seal your quartz countertop, make sure you choose the right option.

• Some “penetrating” sealers work well for granite countertops, but they can have an adverse reaction with quartz countertops. Specifically, the resin in the quartz can react negatively to solvent-based sealants.
• Some chemicals can damage your quartz countertop. These include abrasive solutions, strong alkaline, acid cleaners, free radicals, and oxidizers.
• Avoid sealers that function like waxes since they can build up on your countertop.
• Instead, choose a sealant that is safe on resin and engineered surfaces. These sealants will still protect your counter, but they won’t try and penetrate the surface.

While the right sealant can be an advantage when sealing a quartz countertop, the wrong one can be damaging. Since there are plenty of harmful options out there, you have to be careful when choosing a sealant.

Advantages of Not Sealing Your Quartz Countertop

Just as there are pros and cons to sealing your quartz countertop, there are pros and cons to skipping that step. Of course, you don’t have to seal your quartz countertop for it to work well. Quartz is already a pretty durable material, and a sealant may not protect your counter much more.

If you decide not to seal your quartz countertop, it will be durable and usable after you install it. You won’t have to worry about choosing the right sealant to use, and you can enjoy your countertop right away. Now, you will still want to be careful and clean your countertop regularly.

However, there are a couple of important advantages to not sealing your quartz countertop. So consider these benefits before you decide.

Ready to Use

Possibly the biggest pro to not sealing a quartz countertop is that it’s ready to go. The fabrication process makes the material strong and durable. Near the end of fabrication, a seal is created that will remain permanent on your counter.

If you need to install and use your quartz countertop immediately, you can do that. You won’t have to find the right sealant and wait for it to dry. Instead, you can focus on other parts of your home rather than choosing a countertop sealant.

You can use your quartz countertop for almost anything that you would use another countertop for. That means you can start prepping, cooking, and even eating in your kitchen. You can store bathroom products on the counter in your bathroom.

Of course, you’ll want to use a cutting board when cutting meat or produce. You should use the right kitchen tools for other things. However, you won’t have to worry about sealing or resealing your countertop.

Easy to Clean

In the past, it was hard to find a countertop that was both easy to clean, and that looked good. Today, countertops are both low maintenance and attractive. Quartz countertops are especially easy to clean, even without the use of a sealant.

• You can use mild soap with some water to clean your countertop. Use a cloth to help clean the counter.
• If you have a bigger mess on your counter, you can use mild dishwashing soap. That’s right. You don’t need a special cleanser for your unsealed quartz countertop.
• You also don’t have to worry about scheduled maintenance, like resealing. Even white quartz countertops don’t need any special cleaning to stay in good condition.
• Avoid cleaning your countertop with harsh chemicals, like bleach and oil-based soaps.

While cleaning your countertop is a part of life, quartz countertops make it easy. Odds are, you probably have some mild soap around your house. You can use that with water and a clean cloth to wipe down small and large messes.

And since these countertops don’t take well to certain chemicals, you can keep your cleaning routine reasonably simple. You also don’t have to worry about resealing your countertop in the future.

Disadvantages of Not Sealing Your Quartz Countertop

While you don’t have to seal your quartz countertop, you may want to, and that’s okay. Even though sealing isn’t necessary, there are some pitfalls to not sealing quartz. Of course, this list isn’t that long, but it is crucial to consider every side of every argument before you decide if you should seal your quartz countertop.

After all, you will probably use your quartz countertop every day. The more you use it, the more likely something will happen to it. Of course, you can be careful when using or putting things on your countertop, and that can help minimize the risk of issues.

But a quartz countertop is still a countertop. And countertops are still at risk of stains, spills, and other forms of damage.

Quartz Isn’t Perfect

As durable as quartz is, it can be easy to think that nothing can hurt it. When using it, you may want to throw as much at it as you need. From regular spills to other messes, quartz can handle quite a bit.

However, quartz is far from perfect, and it can get damaged like any other countertop. That’s why sealing a quartz countertop might be a good idea.

• Of course, spills can lead to stains. While quartz is non-porous, it can still absorb liquid if a spill is left untouched.
• Using harsh chemicals on or near your countertop can also lead to damage. One wrong move and an acidic chemical can spill and hurt your counter.
• You may also need to set hot pots or bowls on your countertop. Doing so without a trivet can damage your unsealed quartz countertop.
• Also, avoid cutting vegetables directly on your countertop. Instead, use a cutting board that’s meant to handle knife chops.

Quartz is a durable material, and its combination with resin and bonding materials makes a quartz countertop even stronger. Still, quartz can be damaged when not cared for properly. Whether you don’t protect your counter from heat or you use the wrong chemicals for cleaning, you can easily damage the surface just from daily use.

If you decide not to seal your quartz countertop, make sure you avoid harmful products. Always keep a hot pad on hand for your hot dishes, too.

It Can Get Expensive

Since quartz countertops are man-made, they can be more expensive than granite or other options. That means that replacing your countertop can be pricey. If you decide not to seal your quartz countertop, you may want to save some money for an emergency replacement.

While that shouldn’t deter you from using a quartz countertop, it is something to consider. If you can’t afford a full replacement, it might be worth the cost of a sealant so that you can have that extra bit of protection from stains and other damages.

Final Thoughts

Quartz countertops don’t need to be sealed, but there are some benefits to sealing them. However, there are also some downsides to adding that extra layer. Consider the pros and cons of both situations before you decide if you should seal your quartz countertop.