When it comes to kitchen countertops, quartz is a popular choice. This is because it is durable, low-maintenance, and comes in a variety of colors. However, one question many people have about quartz is whether or not it needs to be sealed. In this article, we will provide an ultimate guide on how to tell if the quartz countertop is sealed.
The truth of the matter is that quartz countertops do not need to be sealed. This is because the material is non-porous, meaning that it will not absorb liquids or stains.
However, some people choose to seal their quartz countertops for extra protection. If you are considering sealing your quartz countertop, you should keep a few things in mind.
First and foremost, it is important to note that quartz is a very hard material. This means it is not as susceptible to scratches and other damage as other countertop materials.
As such, sealing the quartz will not make it any more durable. In fact, it may actually make the quartz more susceptible to certain damages because some sealants can act as a barrier, making it more difficult for liquids and stains to be removed.
Another thing to keep in mind is that quartz is a very low-maintenance material. This means that it does not require much care or upkeep.
Sealing the quartz will not make it any easier to clean or maintain. In fact, it may actually make it more difficult to clean because the sealant can build up over time and become difficult to remove.
If you are considering sealing your quartz countertop, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. Ultimately, the decision to seal or not to seal should be based on your personal preferences and needs.
How To Tell If Your Quartz Countertop Is Sealed
If you’re curious about whether your quartz countertop is sealed, there are a few ways you can find out.
1. Ask The Installer
One way is to simply ask the person who installed the countertop. If they seal the quartz, they will likely be able to tell you.
It is best to ask about sealing your quartz countertops when discussing with your installer how they would do the installation–meaning before the job starts.
You can ask the installer about their prepping processes and the type of finishes they use during installation.
If they don’t mention anything about sealing, then it is likely that your quartz countertop does not need to be sealed.
If you personally prefer your quartz countertops to be sealed, you can go ahead and ask them to do it.
You should also ask them what type of sealant they are going to be using and how frequently you would have to reseal the quartz.
Keep in mind that most installers will likely charge you an additional fee for sealing your quartz countertops. So if you’re on a budget, you may want to consider skipping this step.
2. Doing The Water Test
Another way to tell if your quartz countertop needs to be sealed is by doing a water test. This is a simple test that anyone can do at home.
To do the water test, start by placing a few drops of water onto the surface of your quartz countertop.
Observe how long it takes for the water to bead up and remain on the surface. If the water beads up and remains on the surface for hours, then your quartz countertop does not need to be sealed, or it may have already been sealed.
If the water is absorbed into the surface or if it beads up but then disappears within minutes, then your quartz countertop needs to be sealed.
3. Dark Spot Test
This method is often used on porous countertop materials like marble, granite, and limestone. But it can also be used on quartz to see if the surface is protected by a sealant.
To do the dark spot test, start by placing a few drops of water onto the surface of your quartz countertop.
Then after 10 minutes, wipe the surface of your quartz countertops with a clean, dry cloth. If the countertop is not sealed, you will see a faint dark spot on the surface of the quartz.
This would mean the quartz surface is wet and will disappear after the countertop has had ample time to dry. On the other hand, if the countertop had been sealed, there would be no dark spots.
This method is effective on light-colored quartz countertops. However, if you have a dark-colored countertop, the water spot may not be as visible, and you might not be able to see any dark spots.
4. Doing The Fingerprint Test
This fingerprint test is common among many homeowners. It is quick, easy, and does not require any special materials.
Begin by cleaning your quartz countertop with a mild soap and water solution. Once it is dry, apply a small amount of pressure to your finger and touch the surface of the countertop in different areas.
If your fingerprints do not appear on the surface, then it is likely that your countertop is sealed. If you can see your fingerprints, then it is likely that your countertop needs to be sealed.
The logic behind this test is that unsealed surfaces are more porous and will absorb the oils from your skin. A sealed surface will repel the oils and cause them to sit on top of the surface.
5. The Soda Water Test
This is another test that is commonly used to test the porosity of a surface. The soda water test can be used on any type of countertop material, including quartz.
To do this test, start by pouring a small amount of soda water onto the surface of your quartz countertop.
Then observe how long it takes for the soda water to be absorbed into the surface. If the soda water is absorbed within minutes, then your quartz countertop is not sealed or it needs to be resealed.
On the other hand, if the soda water beads up and sits on the surface for hours, then your quartz countertop is most likely sealed.
Sealing your quartz countertop is important if you want to protect it from stains, water damage, and etching.
The reason why we use soda water for this is that it is carbonated and will react differently on a sealed versus unsealed surface.
6. Check The Label
When in doubt, always check the label. The label on your quartz should indicate whether or not the surface has been treated with a sealant.
If the label does not say anything about sealing, then it is likely that your quartz countertop has not been sealed.
This is important to know because some quartz countertops come pre-sealed from the factory and do not need to be sealed again.
Other types of quartz countertops will need to be sealed after installation. Knowing whether or not your quartz countertop needs to be sealed is important in order to maintain its beauty and longevity.
FAQs
Q: How often should I seal my quartz countertop?
A: The frequency of sealing depends on the type of quartz, the amount of use, and the environment. Generally speaking, you should reseal your countertop every 12 to 18 months.
Q: Can I use any type of sealer on my quartz countertop?
A: No, you should only use a sealer that is specifically designed for quartz. Using the wrong type of sealer can damage your countertop.