Natural stones make great and versatile materials for kitchen countertops, but they come with the disadvantage of sealing them in order to make them waterproof and stain-resistant. But does the same statement apply to quartz kitchen countertops? The short answer is no, they don’t need sealing. To find out details, keep on reading.
Quartz Countertops And Sealing
Quartz is a material, which can either be naturally sourced or it can be made in factories. Nonetheless, it is treated and manufactured after it is mined, in order to give it extra strength and durability. This makes quartz an amazing and durable material, which doesn’t need to be sealed.
It is a strong and dense countertop material that doesn’t allow water to seep in through its surface and ruin it. It is extremely low on maintenance and you don’t even need to apply varnishes or polishes to it, to make it shiny or waterproof.
They Are Sealed During Production
As mentioned above, quartz goes through extensive treatment before it can be retailed for kitchen countertops. This treatment also includes the application of a strong substance on the surface of the slab, to make it waterproof, so it comes sealed when you buy it from any retailer.
You don’t need to seal it more because the factory seal lasts for a long time, given that you take care of the slab and protect it from heat. It is a strong material that can sustain just about any damage and high temperatures. So, it’s a great investment.
They Are Non-Porous
Quartz is naturally quite dense. The material is very much non-porous and it doesn’t allow any sort of liquid or moisture to get absorbed in the surface, rather it lets the liquid stay on the surface in the form of a bead or droplet.
You need to seal countertops or stones which have open pores because that is an open gateway for water and moisture to seep into the rock and ruin it from the inside. With quartz, however, you don’t need to worry about these things, as it naturally doesn’t allow the liquid to penetrate, making it waterproof.
Why Do Countertops Need To Be Sealed?
Here are some reasons why natural stone countertops like granite and marble countertops need to be sealed. These reasons are also valid if you want to seal quartz countertop for extra protection.
Waterproofing
Stones, which are sourced through mining, are porous in nature and they need to be sealed in order to make them waterproof and last long. Granite and marble are at the top of the list of being super porous and are prone to extreme water damage.
It’s a shame as these materials are already very expensive and they need to be maintained extensively as well, which is why quartz is a wonderful choice of material for kitchen countertops because it makes for a durable and waterproof countertop.
Prevents Contamination
If the stone or material you’re using for kitchen countertops is porous and not sealed, then it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. You use your countertops for everything, from cutting, to cooking and much more and the last thing you want is for your countertops to be contaminated with germs. They can be easily transferred to different foods and whatever comes in contact with the countertop.
This is why it should be a priority to seal your countertops before you even start to use them because you don’t want germs and bacteria to contaminate your food.
Prevents Stains
Last but not least, sealing prevents stains from getting permanent. If you have light-colored countertops and they are porous, then they can easily absorb the moisture and it will show on the light-colored surface. These stains are almost impossible to remove and you will need to get a professional involved to remove these stains.
So, it’s better to be safe than sorry and use a sealant to make sure that stains are never an issue. Commonly, stains are produced from cutting citrusy fruits and juicy and watery vegetables, which tend to leave color on the surface.
Conclusion
There you have it! Quartz is a durable and strong material, which requires little to no maintenance, so you can rest assured that it will last for years to come. Go to a quartz countertops dealer Rockville for selecting quartz colors and slabs.