Should White Quartz Countertops Be Sealed
Should White Quartz Countertops Be Sealed?
Many consumers choose variations of white quartz because of its predictable patterning, durability, and plethora of misinformation.
As the author of this blog, I've spent more than 30 years in the stone industry and 25 of those years as the owner of a stone fabrication business. We had a full-time service department that maintained all types of natural/engineered stones and related applications. I've since retired from the stone supply and fabrication business, but I'm still actively involved in consulting with industry professionals.
It's common for us to receive questions about stone care problems, products, or procedures. I've decided to address any concerns and misinformation about white quartz and some real expectations.
Today, we received an email from a customer who recently had a white quartz countertop installed in her kitchen. Having questions about quartz care and maintenance, she reached out to us with an email.
Does Quartz Need to be Sealed
From The Customer: "Leigh P"
"We just installed new white quartz countertops. The company we used said it is man-made and, therefore doesn't need to be sealed. I just read that I should never "seal" quartz countertops. I was told that sealants can dull the shine over time. Now I'm confused and have a couple of questions.
- Should I seal my quartz countertops?
- Can I use Supreme Surface Granite, Quartz & Marble Treatment to make them more protected, shiny, and bright?"
From Our Stone Pro:
It is true that engineered stone countertops, or “quartz" countertops, are man-made. However, this has nothing to do with the rate of absorption or durability.
Should Quartz Countertops Be Sealed
In my opinion, yes, white quartz should always be protected against stains and against mineral deposits from bonding to the surface. However, it is meaningful to understand that common sealers for granite/quartz only protect against stains. The other problem is that engineered stones such as quartz countertops can't just use any penetrating sealer because of the possibility of an adverse reaction.
Do Not Use Common “Penetrating Sealers” on Quartz Countertops
Quartz counters are made from a natural stone aggregate and unsaturated polyester resin. The resin can have an adverse reaction with a solvent-based sealer. This is one reason why I wouldn't recommend sealing quartz countertops with common penetrating sealers, "NOT" because they "won't" or "can't" stain.
As you have discovered, quartz counters do not shine like polished granite. It is not recommended to use a standard type of polish on quartz surfaces because many standard types of polish contain wax that can build up, flake off, and show wear over time.
Chemicals Quartz Countertops
According to popular brands such as Silestone, Cambria, TechniStone, Zodiaq and more, consumers should avoid using products that contain:
- Abrasive solutions
- Strong alkaline
- Acid cleaners
- Free radicals
- Oxidizers
Discover "The ioSeal™ Advantage on Quartz
- An additional level of protection against stains, hard water spots, calcium and limescale buildup
- Safe to use on unsaturated polyester resin, natural and engineered stones
- Surfaces become smoother, more reflective
- Colors become more vibrant
- Helps protect against UV rays and fading
- Supreme Surface® Granite, Quartz & Marble Treatment with ioSeal offers a safe and simple solution to clean, shine, protect, and preserve quartz countertops, all in one spray.
Helpful Links:
- Quartz Countertops: How Safely Remove Hard Water Spots
- Supreme Surface Treatments with ioSeal
- Composite Sinks: Deep Cleaning and Routine Protective Care
- White Haze On Composite Sinks
- Tom Munro
Comments 6
Joyce
What if I applied some water base stone protector on the quartz countertop, I only applied it once on my new quartz countertop. Have I done any damage to my new quartz countertop? Please advice!
Susan Goto
We have new quartz countertops- white with a bit of gray- 511 was recommended for us to seal the countertops- do you think the product is alright.? The counter is so beautiful I’m afraid to put anything on it, but I can see it needs to be sealed. Thank you
Aleksander Banchs
I bought several of your products. They work great. Does any of your products get rid of water stain on white quartz? I have your all in one and daily cleaner and they do not do the trick. Thanks
Shalini Rawla
We recently did our kitchen with a quartz countertop. It is a U shape platform with three separate slabs. Unfortunately the middle slab connecting the two parallel slabs has puffed up on the edges. Do not know what the Mason used for epoxy but within a few months the edge has an ugly open mouth with a gaping hole. We don’t know what to do. We filled it with white cement and used a hardener and left it for 3-4 days with clamps on but that too has cracked up and the Gap is still visible. We did not have any bevelled edges to the counter top but a smooth 2 inch edge or moulding. Where has the contractor hone wrong?
Karen Boyd
A contractor chipped one of the two quartz quarter-round shelves in the tub enclosure he installed. I asked him to replace it. Instead he ground off the edges of both shelves so they are no longer shiny. I don’t mind the look. I am concerned they may stain or be damaged with use. Can you answer this query?
JEP
Excellent product.wish I had known about it four years ago when I installed my granite countertops. They now have a high gloss , and smooth feeling . Much easier to maintain