Some countertop materials, like laminate and quartz, do not require sealing. However sealing stone countertops made of marble, granite, and quartzite is a way to ensure that they stay beautiful and strong.
Natural stone tiles, especially light colored ones, should be sealed prior to and after installation with a product that is best for the stone type. Concrete tiles should be sealed prior to and after installation. Saltillo tiles, unless they come already sealed, should be sealed prior to and after installation.
Unlike granite, quartz doesn't need to be sealed on a regular basis in order to prevent staining. The nonporous surface makes it an ideal choice for food preparation and maintenance. You can clean these countertops with some warm and soapy water when necessary.
Quartz is non-porous and therefore resistant to stains. Granite has low porosity and permeability. It is durable, but not as durable as quartz. Marble has higher porosity than granite and is particularly susceptible to damage from acidic substances such as vinegar.
Granites vary in how porous they are. Actually, some granites never need sealer and should never be sealed. This goes for most black granite countertops which are typically very dense and will neither stain nor absorb sealer. Other stones may need several coats of sealer.
Quartz counters do not need sealing due to their lack of porosity. Liquids and stains cannot penetrate non-porous materials because they have a built-in seal. Natural stone countertops, such as polished marbles or granite, have pores and small splinters that require sealing on a regular basis.
Water Will Discolor Them
Even something as simple as leaving a cold glass with condensation on your unsealed counters can change them. That's because water can penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks, permanently altering the appearance of your counters and potentially making them look dirty.
The undisputed, unbeaten champion of the Porous Test, quartz is non-porous. Quartz's non-porous nature allows it to resist staining much better than granite, marble and concrete. Quartz can repel the harshest spills, from juice to oil to tomatoes, coffee and more.
Igneous or metamorphic rocks have the lowest primary porosity because they commonly form at depth and have interlocking crystals.
In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
Quartz is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, plus it's non-porous. This makes quartz one of the most durable countertops you can buy for your kitchen or bathroom.
Not sealing a stone countertop or floor tiles — which get the heaviest traffic and are the most susceptible to wear and tear — leaves the surface vulnerable to absorbing foreign substances, which can weaken the stone and potentially lead to the growth of bacteria.
The Difference Between Manufactured Stone and Natural Stone
Natural stone is heavier in weight, making it difficult to transport. Manufactured stone requires less installation time while also being cost-effective. Manufactured stone creates less waste than natural stone. Manufactured stone adheres to multiple surfaces.
A simple Water Drop Test is one of the easiest ways to examine whether or not your natural stone needs sealing! First, sprinkle a tablespoon of water on your stone. Leave the water on the surface for about 15 minutes. If the stone darkens or if the water is absorbed in less than 4 minutes, then resealing is needed.
The compact rocks which do not have the pores, these rocks do not allow water to enter or pass through them. Hence, they are referred to as impermeable rocks or impervious rocks.
Rocks such as pumice and shale can have high porosity, yet can be nearly impermeable due to the poorly interconnected voids.
Limestone and sandstone have both high porosity and permeability and can be susceptible to corrosion and etching. Its most commonly used as a construction material and in outdoor settings on pavers and feature walls.
Do you want it to last without spending a lot of time on countertop maintenance? Quartz is a great material but has its drawbacks, including being difficult to install, expensive, vulnerable to heat and having visible seams. Evaluate its pros and cons to make an informed purchase.
Staining: The resins in quartz countertops make them considerably more resistant to staining than granite. Bacterial resistance: Quartz is also less susceptible to harboring bacteria, again thanks to the resins that make the surface less porous than granite.
To identify if you have porous tiles or stone, drop a small amount of water on the surface. If it is porous, water marks and darkening are visible after the floor is wet, leaving areas patchy and discoloured until they dry out. Most natural stone is porous, some more than others.
Clorox and Lysol sprays and wipes are convenient, but they are not safe for granite countertops. They rarely contain bleach, but they do generally contain citric acid to help remove soap scum. Avoid using bleach as well.
Granite is Heat Resistant
Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.
Choosing the Right Sealant is Essential
For this reason, look for products in the class known as impregnating stone sealers. They are chosen by professional contractors for sealing granite, marble, and slate countertops. The top-rated product in this class is Tenax Hydrex Impregnating Stone Sealer.