Printed Quartz is the latest trend to hit the market. It refers to a type of engineered quartz countertop that utilizes digital printing technology to create unique designs and patterns on the surface. This technology allows the creation of intricate and visually striking patterns and designs.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Quartz base: The base is still made from crushed quartz (percentages vary depending on supplier) combined with resins and pigments to create a durable and non-porous foundation.
Digital printing: A high-resolution image of the design is then printed directly onto the quartz base using specialized printers and inks. This allows manufacturers to create a design that mirrors marble, granite or porcelain but with the benefit or maintaining the characteristics of quartz.
Finishing: The printed quartz is then sealed and polished to achieve the desired level of shine and protection.
Benefits of Printed Quartz:
A wide range of styles and designs: Compared to traditional quartz, printed quartz offers a much broader range of design options, closely mirroring natural stones.
Uniformity: Unlike natural stone, which can have variations in colour and pattern, printed quartz ensures consistent design throughout the entire slab. Some suppliers offer full-body designs whereas others may not.
Durability: The printing process and subsequent layers of sealant create a highly durable surface resistant to scratches, stains, and chipping.
Things to consider:
Price: Printed quartz can be slightly more expensive than traditional quartz due to the additional technology and processes involved.
Potential limitations: While the technology is constantly evolving, the depth and texture of printed designs might not perfectly replicate marble or granite.
