Kitchen countertops endure daily exposure to an array of splatters, spills, heat, and general wear-and-tear. Some countertops require sealing to reduce staining and absorption. Others are dense enough that sealing proves unnecessary. The experts at Bedrock Quartz say that identifying whether your existing or planned countertops need sealing helps set proper care expectations.
Countertop Materials That Need Regular Sealing
Several popular countertop options commonly used throughout kitchens and bathrooms qualify as porous substances. Without a robust non-porous finish, liquids can penetrate the surface leading to permanent discoloration and even structural issues in extreme cases of prolonged exposure. Applying a moisture-resistant sealant protects the countertop while retaining the visual appeal. Reapplication every few years maintains efficacy.
Stone Surfaces Call for Sealing
It’s crucial to seal porous natural stone countertops like granite, marble, travertine, limestone, and soapstone. This barrier prevents things like wine, cooking oil, and cleaning products from penetrating and causing difficult-to-remove stains. Sealing stone countertops might be a tedious but it is a crucial task to prevent damage and save money on replacements.
Concrete Also Needs Sealing
The handcrafted, raw vibe of concrete countertops comes with porosity. Liquids soak through unsealed concrete, leaving behind ugly marks. Sealing concrete kitchen countertops properly is the only way to realize their full durable potential.
Signs It’s Time to Reseal Countertops
To uphold maximum stain protection, reapply sealant to porous countertops every three to five years. However, certain red flags indicate spots needing touch-up sealing sooner:
- Noticeable dark or light marks appearing where spills occurred.
- Rings forming around wet glass placement sites.
- Liquids no longer beading up on the surface.
When these symptoms emerge, test sections with droplets of water. If absorption occurs, schedule resealing soon to shield from permanent damage.
Non-Porous Countertops That Don’t Require Sealing
In contrast to natural stone and concrete, select engineered countertops, along with a few indestructible natural materials, feature non-porous qualities eliminating the need for sealing. These surfaces maintain their own resilient, impermeable barrier with proper cleaning.
Quartz Offers Durability Without Sealing
As one of the most popular modern kitchen countertops, quartz earns favor for its scratch, stain, and water resistance. Crafted from crushed quartz layered with resin, quartz counters remain intact from knives, spills, and typical impacts. Basically non-porous, quartz counters don’t necessitate sealing. At most, reapplying a topcoat polish every few years renews its shine.
Stainless Steel Repels Liquids
The non-reactive, tightly woven molecular structure of stainless steel makes it impossible for moisture to penetrate. Liquids sit atop stainless steel countertops rather than being absorbed. So stainless steel’s non-porous properties eliminate the need to ever seal its durable surface.
Solid Surfaces Inherently Resist Liquids
Solid surface countertops like Corian lack pores for liquids to permeate. Though not completely indestructible, quality brands resist moisture absorption and stand up well to typical kitchen stressors without after-market sealants. Occasionally rebuffing scratches or slight cuts refreshes their built-in water repelling abilities.
Additional Seal-Free Surfaces
Beyond today’s most popular options, select other countertops also feature impenetrable exteriors that don’t call for sealing. These include:
- Epoxy resin countertops
- Glass countertops
- Recycled paper countertops
- Remnant tile countertops
- Laminate countertops
Conclusion
Considering countertop porosity alongside priorities like appearance, pricing, and longevity guides you to the best fit. While many gorgeous natural stone and concrete counters require sealing, their massive durability outweighs that maintenance demand for the right homeowners. And some sealed surfaces like granite still outlast other options dramatically. Alternatively, low-maintenance quartz, stainless steel, and solid surface counters offer beauty and function without regular sealing. Identifying sealing expectations from the start sets you up to properly care for surfaces so they maintain both visual appeal and practicality throughout years of kitchen use.
