Some of the most realistic marble-look quartz is "printed". It is a great product, but it behaves differently at the edges, and it helps to know why before you choose.
What is printed quartz?
Traditional, or full-body, quartz has its colour and pattern running through the whole thickness of the slab. Printed quartz has its veining printed onto the surface. That allows incredibly detailed, natural-looking patterns such as Taj Mahal, Summer Daze and Calacatta Luxury.
What it means for your kitchen
Because the pattern sits on the surface, cut edges and sink cut-outs do not carry the full veining through. On a straight polished edge this is barely noticeable, but it matters for drainer grooves, undermount sink edges and some edge profiles. We plan all of this at templating so the finished worktop looks seamless, for example by using mitred edges on islands so the pattern wraps around.
Thickness
Printed quartz is available in 20mm only.
Edge profiles that work best
Square and slightly eased edges work best on printed quartz. Mitred edges are ideal on islands and waterfall ends, because the pattern continues over the corner rather than showing the base colour. Heavily rounded, ogee and bullnose profiles expose more of the body and are best avoided.
Sinks and hobs
Undermount sinks show a small polished edge inside the cut-out. On printed quartz this edge shows the base colour rather than the pattern, which most people never notice. If you would rather avoid it, an inset or flush-mounted sink hides the edge completely. Hob cut-outs are covered by the hob itself, so they are not an issue.
Joins
On long runs, joins in printed quartz need careful planning so the pattern lines up. We plan join positions at templating and, where we can, place them where they are least visible, such as at a sink or hob.
Our printed quartz range
Our printed range includes Taj Mahal, Soft Sleet, Moonrock, Bianco Gold, Calacatta Extra, Classic Arabescato and Lightening Bolt. You can see each one fitted on a waterfall island on its page.
Is printed quartz worth it?
If you want the most dramatic, natural-looking veining, yes. It gives a look that full-body quartz struggles to match. If you want drainer grooves, lots of exposed edges or a 30mm worktop, a full-body quartz such as Calacatta Borghini or Calacatta Oro may suit you better.
In short
- Printed quartz has its pattern on the surface; full-body runs through.
- Printed gives the most realistic veining; edges and cut-outs need planning.
- Printed quartz is 20mm only.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have drainer grooves in printed quartz?
Grooves cut through the printed surface, so they show the base colour. We usually advise against them on printed quartz.
Is printed quartz as durable?
Yes. It is still quartz, so it is non-porous and never needs sealing.
How do I know if a quartz is printed?
We label every printed quartz on our site and in our slab library.