Does Your Stone Countertop Need to Be Sealed?

So you’re in the market for a new countertop? Maybe you’re looking at Granite for your kitchen and Marble for your guest bathroom.

You love how they look, but there’s more to it than that! Different materials require different short and long-term maintenance. Marble is natural and porous, requiring more care than, say, Quartz, a man-made stone. 

While not every countertop requires sealing, it's crucial to safeguard natural stone countertops because they possess tiny channels or pores within the stone that are typically filled with air. Failing to maintain a proper seal can result in the infiltration of food or water into the stone, leading to stains. Not to mention, harsh cleaning products are the sworn enemy of natural stone. Even citrus, which you may consider more natural and gentle, can damage a countertop if it is not appropriately sealed. 

Arista’s primary collection includes Quartz, Quartzite, Granite, Marble and Porcelain, let’s dive into which of these materials needs to be sealed!

Quartz: Man-made and nonporous, quartz doesn’t need to be sealed, in fact sealing the material can damage the material. It typically will not stain or etch, but we do encourage you to use warm soapy water to clean up stains promptly. 

Quartzite: Natural and porous, quartzite does require sealing. It is a more durable than other natural stones, so it is less likely to stain and etch, but it does need to be sealed with a sealer that bonds to the stone material to prevent staining.

Granite: Sealant is a must for granite countertops! This natural stone is susceptible to staining, etching and discoloration (it’s sensitive, okay!), making it crucial for it to be sealed. Be sure to wipe up spills promptly, even post-sealing.

Marble: How do you say ‘high maintenance’ without saying ‘high maintenance’?   Marble might need the most TLC of all materials. While sturdy and stunning, it is incredibly susceptible to staining and etching and requires initial sealing and regular maintenance. 

Porcelain: Porcelain is man-made and infused under high heat and high pressure, making it the hardest and most durable material on the market. It is low maintenance and doesn't require any sealing!

What questions do you have about stone maintenance and sealing materials? Arista is home to experts in the field and we are happy to guide you through the Arista process and assist you in choosing your dream stone. Stop in and visit us today!