When it comes to fading, there are many things that can cause quartz countertops to lose their shine and luster over time. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most common causes of fading and what you can do to prevent it from happening. We will also discuss some tips for restoring your quartz countertops if they have already begun to fade.
One of the most common causes of fading is exposure to sunlight. Quartz is a natural mineral and it can be affected by the sun’s UV rays. Over time, these rays can cause your countertops to lose their color and luster. To help prevent this from happening, it is important to use a quality quartz sealer on your countertops. A sealer will help to protect your countertops from the sun’s UV rays and it will also help to keep them looking shiny and new.
Continue reading this article to learn more about what causes quartz to fade and how you can prevent it. We will also discuss some tips for restoring your quartz countertops if they have already begun to fade.
1. Direct Sunlight
As mentioned earlier, one of the most common causes of fading is exposure to sunlight. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause the colors in quartz to fade or become dull.
For this to happen, the quartz countertop or surface must be in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. If your quartz countertop is in an area that gets a lot of suns, you may notice the colors fading over time.
This will include outdoor countertops, outdoor worktops, and any other quartz surfaces that are regularly exposed to sunlight.
To help prevent this from happening, it is important to use a quality quartz sealer on your countertops. A sealer will help to protect your countertops from the sun’s UV rays and it will also help to keep them looking shiny and new.
You can also prevent this from happening, by installing window film on your windows or placing awnings over your outdoor countertops. You can also try to avoid placing quartz in direct sunlight as much as possible.
2. Harsh Cleaners
Another common cause of fading is the use of harsh cleaners. Some cleaners can be too abrasive and they can damage the surface of your quartz countertops. Over time, this can cause the colors to fade or become dull.
Household cleaners with ammonia or bleach are a common example of harsh cleaners. These types of cleaners can cause your quartz countertops to become etched and stained.
What these cleaners do is remove the protective sealant on your quartz countertops and this can cause the colors to fade. Some of these harsh cleaning substances can also react with the quartz surface and cause it to change color.
To avoid this from happening, it is important to use only mild, pH-neutral cleaners on your quartz countertops. You should also avoid using harsh scrubbers or abrasive pads when cleaning your quartz.
If you do use a harsh cleaner by accident, be sure to rinse the area well with water and dry it completely.
3. Acids and Chemicals
Another common cause of fading is exposure to acids and chemicals. Quartz is a natural stone and it is porous. This means that it can absorb liquids, which can include acids and chemicals.
If your quartz countertop comes into contact with an acid or chemical, it can cause the surface to etch or stain. In some cases, it can also cause the quartz to fade.
Acids from food and drinks can be especially damaging to quartz countertops. If you don’t clean up spills quickly, the acid can seep into the stone and cause damage.
Also, cutting directly on quartz countertops can also cause them to fade over time. The knives can scratch the surface of the stone and leave behind marks.
When you leave chemicals like bleach or drain cleaner on quartz countertops, it can also cause the stone to fade. If you happen to spill these chemicals, be sure to clean them up immediately.
One way to help prevent fading is to seal your quartz countertops. This will create a barrier that will protect the surface from damage. You should talk to a professional about having it sealed. Sealing can help protect the surface of the quartz and keep it looking new for longer.
Another way to help prevent fading is to clean up spills quickly and avoid cutting directly on the countertop. If you do use chemicals, be sure to rinse the area well and dry it completely.
4. Excessive Heat
Excessive heat can also cause fading. Quartz is a heat-resistant material but it can still be damaged by extreme temperatures.
If you place hot pans or dishes on your quartz countertop, it can cause the surface to discolor and fade. The colors in the stone can become dull and they may even start to bleed.
The constant excessive heat will also cause the sealant to wear off over time and this will leave your quartz vulnerable to fading.
To prevent this from happening, it is important to use a trivet or hot pad when placing pots and pans on your countertop. You should also avoid leaving hot objects on the surface for an extended period of time.
5. Age
The final common cause of fading is age. Over time, the colors in quartz can start to fade and become dull. This is because the molecules in the quartz are breaking down and losing their color.
What this means is that over a period of time, all quartz will eventually fade. However, this process happens slowly and usually takes many years. So, if you have a quartz countertop or floor that is starting to look dull, don’t worry – it’s not necessarily time to replace it yet. Just keep an eye on it and when the time comes, you can easily restore its color with a little bit of elbow grease.
If you have a quartz countertop or floor that is starting to fade, there are a few things you can do to restore its color. First, try cleaning it with a mild abrasive cleaner. If that doesn’t work, you can try sanding it down with finer grit sandpaper. If that still doesn’t work, you can try a color restorer or sealer.
However, before you do any of this, it’s important to test the product on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the quartz. Also, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Age is the most common cause of fading in quartz, but it can be accelerated by other factors like sunlight and cleaning products.
How to Prevent Quartz from Fading
- Use a Quality Quartz Sealer
As mentioned a couple of times already, one of the sure ways to prevent or significantly slow down fading is to use a high-quality quartz sealer.
A good quality sealer will form an invisible barrier on the surface of your quartz that will protect it from damage caused by spills, heat, and everyday wear and tear.
Sealers typically need to be reapplied every few years, but this will vary depending on the type of sealer you use and how often your quartz is exposed to potential damage.
Usually, it is best for a professional to seal your quartz countertops to ensure that it is done correctly.
- Clean Up Spills Quickly
Another way to prevent fading is to clean up spills quickly or immediately when it happens. If you allow spills to sit, it can cause the quartz to become stained and discolored. This is especially true for acidic liquids like citrus juices or vinegar.
In addition, when you are cleaning your countertops, be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. These can damage the surface of the quartz and leave it vulnerable to fading.
- Use a Trivet or Hot Pad
When you are cooking, it is important to use a trivet or hot pad when placing pots and pans on your quartz countertop. This will help to protect the surface from excessive heat and prevent fading.
Not only will direct heat cause the quartz to fade but it can also weaken it over time. So, it is best to avoid placing hot items directly on your quartz countertop whenever possible.
- Be Careful with Cleaning Products
As we mentioned before, harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners can damage the surface of your quartz and cause it to fade. So, when you are cleaning your countertops, be sure to use gentle cleaners and avoid using anything that is too harsh.
If you are not sure which cleaners are safe to use, consult the manufacturer or your local hardware store for advice.
- Avoid Exposing Your Quartz Surfaces To Direct Sunlight
Sunlight is one of the biggest causes of fading in quartz. So, if you can, try to avoid exposing your quartz countertops and floors to direct sunlight.
If this is not possible, then try using a UV protective coating or sealant on the surface. This will help to protect it from the sun’s damaging rays.
- Avoid Scratching or Abrading Your Quartz Surfaces
One of the best ways to protect your quartz surfaces from fading is to avoid scratching or abrading them. This can be done by taking a few simple precautions like using a cutting board when preparing food and avoiding using sharp objects on the surface.
How Do You Restore Quartz That Has Faded?
If your quartz has already started to fade, there are a few things you can do to restore its color.
Clean The Quartz Thoroughly
First, try cleaning it with a mild abrasive cleaner. This will help to remove any built-up dirt or grease that may be causing the quartz to fade. Then, rinse it off with warm water and dry it completely. Observe critically to see if there is any change.
If the fading is due to age, then you may not be able to get rid of it completely. But, if it is caused by other factors like spills or cleaning products, then you should be able to restore the quartz to its original color.
Try a Color Restorer or Sealer
If the above steps don’t work, you can try using a color restorer or sealer. However, before you do any of this, it is important to test the product on a small, inconspicuous area of the quartz to make sure that it is safe to use.
If you decide to go ahead and use it, follow the instructions carefully and be sure to reapply it as often as recommended.
Natural stone color restorers or sealers offer the best results, but they can be expensive. But it is absolutely worth it if your quartz countertops are a significant part of your home.
Talk to a Professional
If all else fails, you may need to talk to a professional about restoring your quartz countertops. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and help you get your quartz looking new again.
This is usually a last resort, but it is worth considering if your quartz countertops are severely faded.
Usually, they will recommend refinishing the surface of the quartz. This process will involve sanding down the quartz and then applying a new finish.
While this may be expensive, it is often the only way to restore severely faded quartz countertops. So, if you are at your wit’s end, this may be the best option for you.
Final Words
Quartz is a beautiful and durable material, but it is not indestructible. There are several things that can cause quartz to fade, including exposure to sunlight, heat, acids, chemicals, to mention a few.
If you take care of your quartz countertops, they should last for many years. But, if they do start to fade, there are several things that you can do to restore their original color.
We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading!
