Quartzite countertop: do faucet holes need to be sealed?

4 years ago

Hello, I tried searching for an answer to this question, but couldn’t find it. I was wondering if the inside of hole cut-outs in a quartzite countertop should be sealed by the fabricator prior to install in order to protect the stone, especially in areas where there’s a lot of water (faucet hole).

I am choosing between two fabricators (both with good reviews on Houzz and Google/Yelp). I haven’t finalized my slab selection, but will likely choose a Mont Blanc quartzite, and I will definitely have a polished finish.

Fabricator 1 uses StoneTech Impregnator Pro Sealer and says that all exposed surfaces must be sealed, including the inside of the faucet hole and other cut-outs.

Fabricator 2 uses Aqua Mix Enrich N Seal and says the inside of holes do NOT need to be sealed, as sealers don’t make the surface waterproof anyway (they just buy you time for wiping stuff off the counter).

So now I’m confused. If you have experience with quartzite countertops, which viewpoint would you endorse? Is there really an advantage to sealing holes (for example, has anyone had to redo a quartzite or other stone counter because of damage around an unsealed hole)?

Thank you in advance for your time.

Featured Answer

wilson853

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

It is very smart that you are vetting the fabricators. Definitely seal the inside of all holes. A true quartzite will not etch but some are more porous and benefit from sealing. If you do a search above on 'quartzite staining' you will pull up numerous threads from posters that have had issues. Our quartzite was installed two years ago. We have two sinks each with three holes. One soap dispenser hole was accidentally not sealed and it developed a shadow around the hole about a month after installation. We removed the pump head immediately and when it dried out our fabricator came back and sealed the inside of the hole. Since then we have had no problems. Before choosing a stone I would read karin_mt's threads on here and the helpful articles that she has written. I would follow her recommendation and test the stone that you plan to purchase. In the tests that I did at home some samples that were marked as quartzite failed miserably with etching and staining.

https://usenaturalstone.org/properties-of-quartzite/?utm_source=related-articles/

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2438427/countertop-geology-part-5-marble-quartzite-and-other-favorites#n=165

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Comments (11)

Aglitter
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Quartzite doesn't usually need to be sealed and can even be hindered by sealant because it is so dense the sealer can just sit on the top and cloud the surface. If it's not true quartzite and has more properties of marble, then of course you'd need sealant. Have you etch and stain tested a sample piece? True quartzite will not etch or stain, nor should it absorb water. It's more important that you get a fabricator experienced with quartzite who uses a lot of water when cutting, rounds the edges (including the inside of the faucet hole) to prevent cracking, and has adequate equipment to transport and install the quartzite without damage. Quartzite is very dense which can make it brittle. I guarantee you some people who are pro designers will argue on this point because they think due to quartzite's being dense that it is also strong, but the very denseness is what gives it issues with cracking, so beware. There are plenty of posts here at Houzz where you can research this topic of quartzite installation failures. Get a fabricator who not only has done quartzite but has done A LOT of it. Ask them how many quartzite installations they do per year. Find out their warranty policy if your quartzite cracks at any point in the process.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
4 years ago
I'd seal the faucet holes.
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J E
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you so much for your feedback! I have done a lot of research on this topic on Houzz (especially grateful for Karin’s posts), and appreciate you all taking the time to help out.
live_wire_oak
4 years ago
Quartzite can be extremely porous. Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it won’t absorb everything. You need to test your choice.
paigedesign13
last year
I know this is an old thread but im having the same problem. Ive finally got rid of the shadow. What can i seal it with now the keep it from absorbing water and soap?
Aglitter
last year
Stonetech BulletProof Sealer. It is the best in the industry. Floor & Decor stores in the USA carry it, and it can be ordered online.
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Joseph Corlett, LLC
last year
Tenax ProSeal.
Cindy
5 months ago
last modified: 5 months ago
Taj Mahal Qiartzite integrated sink has a gray circle cloud around the drain! Literally just had plumber install the faucet and ran the waterb to test and that night…. a gray cloud around drain! DRain holes and faucet holes were not sealed. Is that it? Can this be reversed????? I am in tears!!!!
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Joseph Corlett, LLC
5 months ago
You can probably poultice it out.
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Joseph Corlett, LLC
5 months ago
You'll want to disassemble your drain to do it. I'd find a rubber gasket instead of plumber's putty or silicone or urethane caulk to seal the flange.

Quartzite countertop: do faucet holes need to be sealed?

wilson853

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Aglitter

Joseph Corlett, LLC

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Quartzite countertop: do faucet holes need to be sealed?

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