About Quartz

Composite quartz worktops have quickly become the number one choice worldwide for kitchens and bathrooms, thanks to their solid reputation and high-quality surface. Representing a solution perfectly adapted to contemporary requirements, Prowest quartz successfully competes with natural and acrylic composite materials, offering significant advantages and a lifespan of over 25 years.

About Quartz

Quartz kitchen worktops are manufactured using natural quartz crystals, one of the hardest minerals in nature. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, close to that of diamond, quartz gives worktops unparalleled durability over time. Composite quartz is, in fact, a re-engineered stone, obtained from a mixture of up to 95% natural quartz crystals, combined with polyester resins, pigments, and decorative elements such as glass crystals, mother-of-pearl, or silica.

The manufacturing process of composite quartz begins in the stone quarry, the source of natural quartz crystals. An elaborate process of mixing raw materials follows, where quartz crystals combine with polyester resins, pigments, and decorative elements that give it elegance and uniqueness. The role of resins is essential: they bind and strengthen the re-engineered stone, transforming it into a hard and non-porous form. These qualities prevent the development of bacteria and microbes on the working surface, while offering excellent resistance to stains and scratches.

Unlike natural stones such as granite or marble, the manufacturing process of composite quartz eliminates the disadvantages related to the uneven appearance of the pattern (veining) or hidden weak points that can lead to cracks. Composite quartz thus acquires clearly superior qualities, offering a wide range of available shades and patterns, adapted to any style. This is why the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) has designated composite quartz as the No. 1 choice in the world for kitchen or bathroom worktops.

Advantages

• Exceptional Durability: With an average lifespan of over 25 years, the worktops maintain their impeccable appearance over time.
• Superior Resistance: Due to its hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale and its structure, quartz is extremely resistant to shocks, scratches, and stains.
• Maximum Hygiene: The non-porous surface prevents the development of bacteria and microbes, being NSF 51 certified for direct contact with food.
• Easy Maintenance: Cleaning is simple, with a damp cloth and liquid detergent, without requiring periodic sealing.
• Varied and Uniform Aesthetics: Offers a wide range of shades and finishes, with a uniform pattern, without the veining surprises specific to natural stones.
• Design Flexibility: Allows for the execution of various profiles and cut-outs, adapting perfectly to any furniture or design project.

Maintenance and Usage Instructions

Quartz kitchen worktops are renowned for their remarkable durability over time, with an average lifespan of over 25 years. To ensure that the product retains its natural shine and elegance, it is essential to follow a few simple maintenance rules. It is always easier to clean a fresh stain than a dry one; try to remove traces of food, coffee, or juices immediately after they appear. After any cleaning, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water to remove all traces of cleaning agents.

The composite quartz worktop is very easy to clean, being resistant to stains and scratches. It is sufficient to wipe it with a damp cloth and liquid detergent. Always ensure that, after cleaning, you have removed all traces of detergent with water and do not let residues dry on the surface.

It is important to clean liquid and/or food stains when they are still fresh. Do not let long periods of time (over 24 hours) pass from their appearance, otherwise you may encounter difficulties in total removal, with the possibility of small marks or permanent stains remaining. Also, do not let the quartz worktop surface dry without thoroughly cleaning detergent residues or cleaning agents. Avoid at all costs using cleaning agents containing bleach, as these can irreversibly damage the worktop surface.

Substances and chemical products to avoid when cleaning or maintaining the quartz worktop include: aggressive cleaning agents with a high pH level (oven or grill cleaners, dishwasher detergents), cleaning substances containing bleach, and cleaning products containing oils, powders, or abrasive substances (such as oil-based soaps or abrasive cleaning substances).

• Spilled Liquids: A damp cloth and a liquid detergent. Rinse with water and dry.
• Dried Liquids (juices, sauces, coffee, tea, etc.): A damp cloth or cotton rag and Scotch Brite / 3M sponge, plus a spray detergent (Cif Power Spray / Mr Muscle Kitchen Spray). Rub with the cloth or the soft side of the sponge, then rinse well with water and wipe.
• Grease: A damp cloth and Ajax Spray or Mr Muscle Kitchen Spray. Apply to the stain, remove the stain, then rinse thoroughly with plenty of water and wipe the surface.
• Hard-to-remove Dried Stains (mustard, chewing gum, paint, nail polish): A plastic spatula, damp cloth, and Mr Proper Active Gel or Domestos. Apply to the stain, gently scrape with the spatula and remove the stain, then rinse thoroughly with plenty of water and wipe the surface.
• Rust or Limescale: Cilit Bang Anti Calcar or Marc Deo Lime and Rust Removing Gel. Apply directly to the stain, remove the dirt, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Good to Know

What is a quartz worktop?

Quartz kitchen worktops are made from composite quartz slabs through cutting, cut-out, and joining operations, performed with professional machinery. Composite quartz is a material obtained from a mixture of up to 95% natural quartz crystals, combined with polyester resins, pigments, and various decorative elements. Quartz is one of the hardest minerals in nature, with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, close to that of diamond, which gives it exceptional resistance to shocks, scratches, and durability. Composite quartz is also known by other names, such as composite granite, composite stone, or quartz.

What benefits does composite quartz offer me?

By choosing a quartz worktop for your kitchen, you will benefit from a lifespan of over 25 years, with the surface intact. The worktop does not scratch or stain easily, being more flexible and resistant than granite and marble. It is very easy to maintain and is a hygienic material, allowing food to be cooked directly on its surface, maintaining its antibacterial and fire-retardant properties. You will have greater freedom in choosing shades and finishes, without surprises in pattern uniformity, as is the case with natural stones. A Prowest quartz worktop will enhance your furniture and kitchen, bringing a premium design to the entire home.

How does composite quartz compare to other materials?

Compared to granite, the quartz worktop does not require periodic sealing, offers much greater control over colors and textures, and the joints between pieces are much less visible. Thanks to its non-porous structure, quartz does not stain and, thanks to the quartz and resins in its structure, it is much more resistant to scratches, shocks, and flexing. Compared to marble, the quartz worktop is non-porous, much more resistant, and does not stain, eliminating the need for constant sealing.

Where are quartz worktops not recommended?

Composite quartz worktops are ideal for interior spaces. Their use is not recommended outdoors or in areas directly and prolonged exposed to UV rays, as the resins in their composition can be affected, leading to discoloration. It is also advisable to avoid direct contact with hot pots, always using a protective trivet to prevent surface damage.

Warranty

The quality of Prowest brand quartz kitchen worktops is indisputable, attested by over 10,000 satisfied customers. Quartz or ceramic worktops produced by Prowest have an average lifespan of over 25 years. Trusting in the quality of our material and services, we offer a 2-year warranty for each product, whether it is a quartz worktop or a composite quartz kitchen island, manufactured by Prowest.

Additionally, our products are internationally certified for hygiene by the LGA Gmbh Product Safety and Analysis Center. The NSF 51 International Certification attests to their antimicrobial qualities and ease of cleaning, making them ideal surfaces for direct and safe contact with food. To ensure you enjoy the desired product designed with us, please review the Prowest warranty terms: each piece forming the quartz kitchen worktop assembly must be received and carefully inspected by you at the time of delivery and after the installation performed by our team. Our team will ask you to sign the product acceptance or kitchen worktop installation report. Pay attention to these steps, as any complaints arising after the installation team's departure cannot be taken into consideration.

The warranty for composite quartz kitchen worktops implies adherence to maintenance and usage instructions. The warranty is valid only in the presence of the purchase invoice and the acceptance report. The warranty certificate is personalized and will not be transferred to third parties. The 2-year warranty is strictly valid for products made from composite quartz or ceramic and does not extend to materials such as silicone, mastics, or adhesives. For any aspect related to the warranty of Prowest products, please contact us.