Sealing Your Quartz and Granite Countertops: Tips, Tricks, and Why We Do It
Are you considering adding a granite or quartz countertop to your Perrysburg or Toledo home kitchen? You may have heard that these counters need a sealant applied every so often. Is it complicated or time-consuming?
Long-Lasting Stone is Porous and Requires Protection
While we perceive products like granite and quartz as solid surfaces, the fact is that every natural stone is made up of a variety of minerals. They bond together, but there are visible and microscopic gaps between the different minerals. Stone will soak up liquids and oil if it is left in its raw state.
Even man-made quartz contains a mix of different size aggregates. This means that it looks, feels, and acts much like granite or marble.
In order to protect your quartz countertops from minor scratches and water damage, it needs to have a sealant applied on a periodic basis.
Sealant Protects Your Granite Countertops for Up to Six Months
Stone sealants create a durable, clear surface on top of your granite countertops. How long your application of sealant lasts depends on how you use your counters and if the sealant was properly applied. If you seal a console table in your hall and never use it to drop off keys or hold dishes, then the sealant could last for years.
Most kitchens need to have their stone counter sealed twice a year. This is because you constantly move items, wash, and place warm pots on it. The sealant wears out which leaves it vulnerable to damage again.
How to Seal Your Quartz Countertops
The act of sealing only takes about 30 minutes, but it is the drying process that is time-consuming.
- Remove everything from the counter.
- Clean all crumbs and surface dirt with a mild soap, like your dishwashing liquid.
- Leave the counter to fully dry.
- Apply the sealant in an even layer using a soft cloth.
- Apply a second coat after about a half-hour.
- Let the counter dry following the manufacturer's directions. Some products say up to 48 hours.
- Put all your small appliances back out and resume normal kitchen or bath use.
The extended dry time for the sealant allows it to bond with the stone and cure into a hard, non-porous surface ready to stand up to daily use. Skipping this step may result in the countertop darkening with age as oils from hands and food seep through the uncured sealant.
Using a Daily Sealant Can Replace the Time Consuming Products
Some stone sealants are sold as daily cleaners. Conditioners are added to a mild soap. They adhere to the stone surface and provide a constantly refreshed defense against grape juice and coffee. If you have a beautiful white marble countertop, you may wish to use both types of sealants to better preserve its elegant appearance.
The best stain prevention for any granite or quartz countertop is to immediately wipe up any spills before they have a chance to sink into the grain of the stone.
If you would like to learn more about how to best care for a natural stone countertop, The Countertop Shop in Monclova is always available to answer questions from their Perrysburg and Toledo area customers. Give them a call or visit their showroom today.
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