Glossy or Matte look- which one looks better on the countertops?- There is a never-ending debate on this topic. It’s all about the preferences of individuals and the interior design of a home. But, if we set the appearance and aesthetics aside, there are several things that can work as deciding factors while you are selecting a perfect finish for your marble countertops.
When your marble tiles are all installed, the first thing you will start thinking about is what finish you should go for. As honed and polished both finishes are well-liked by people, so it may be a little confusing to select one in the beginning. However, when you are familiar with these two finishes and their pros and cons, it will be much easier for you to decide on the finish that you should go for. Continue reading this blog to learn both sides of honed finish and polished finish as we unfold them one by one.
An Overview of Honed Finish
What is Honed Finish?
A honed finish is known for its matte or satin-like feel. Honed marble gives an unpolished appearance while being velvety and smooth to the touch. This specific finish is achieved by stopping the grinding process earlier and avoiding the final step- polishing. As the technicians leave the grinding process in the middle, it can leave the stone with a more natural, matte appearance. Limestone, travertine, marble, and granite are some of the natural stones that are suitable for honed finish.
Upsides of Honed Finish
The satin or matte finish is a great choice for countertops in high-traffic areas, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. The countertops of these areas are frequently used and the chances of damage are high. So, if you choose a honed finish, you can be less worried about scratches or etches as the matte look can cover everything and maintain the beauty of your marble countertops.
The subtle and contemporary look makes it ideal for a modern home.
Plus, the honed finish is less slippery, so it can be considered an ideal option for flooring, especially on those areas that are highly exposed to water.
Downsides of Honed Finish
A honed finish is more susceptible to staining so it may need more maintenance than other finishes, due to the open pores of the stone. The surface can absorb liquid faster and can be stained quickly if the liquid is not wiped off the floor at that very moment. So, it is necessary to take care of spills promptly to avoid any unsightly stains.
When you are opting for a honed finish, sealing becomes more crucial. Due to that lack of polishing and the absence of a natural protective barrier that a polished marble has, you have to properly seal and frequently reseal the marble countertops to keep the surface away from difficult stains and ensure the longevity of the marble. As this finish requires deep cleaning occasionally to maintain its appearance, you may have to involve a marble floor cleaning and restoration company in Costa Mesa, CA for the desired result.
An Overview of Polished Finish
What is Polished Finish?
A polished finish is known for its smooth, shiny, and glossy appearance that can create a high-end and luxurious feel at every corner of your home. Polished finishes give a more classy look to powder rooms, countertops, walls, and fireplaces. A polished finish is suitable for stones like marble and granite. The finish is achieved by grinding the surface of the stone with finer abrasives until the technicians accomplish a shiny, reflective appearance.
Upsides of Polished Finish
Polished marble countertops can be more durable than honed ones as polishing helps in creating a barrier on the surface, which protects the natural stone from stains. You can easily wipe off spills from the surface due to the smooth finish and the natural barrier enables the surface to avoid the absorption of the liquid. So, you can less worry about stains when you are deciding on a polished finish for your marble countertops.
Polishing makes marble more enchanting by bringing the natural colors and patterns out. A polished marble definitely looks more vibrant and rich and makes your rooms more bright.
Polished marble has another perk to highlight. This finish requires less re-sealing than honed finishes. As polishing closes the natural pores of marble, it becomes less absorbent and more stain-resistant. So, you don’t have to invest in re-sealing your marble countertops frequently.
Downsides of Polished Finish
One of the biggest drawbacks of polished marble is that it can be slippery when wet. So, polished floors may not be a good option for high-traffic areas, especially in bathroom and kitchen flooring. However, if you are using it for countertops, then water exposure may not be an issue.
Also, polished finishes cannot hide scratches and etch as they will be more visible on polished surfaces due to their reflective properties, especially on delicate natural stones like marble.
Honed and polished finishes both have their advantages and drawbacks. You can decide on the finish that suits your preference and your home interior.
A Top Company for Marble Countertop Polishing and Honing
When it comes to marble honing or marble polishing in Orange County, there are companies that charge excessively. If you are looking for a company that offers marble floor and countertop cleaning, polishing, honing, and restoration near you without a high price tag, Titan Natural Stone Restoration is your destination. We are a trusted natural stone care and restoration company with extensive industry experience.
We offer a variety of services including marble floor restoration, cleaning and polishing, travertine cleaning, and sealing, removal of scratches and etches, removal of lippage and surface flattening, limestone resurfacing, granite crack repair, restoration and polishing and grout repair and cleaning.
Our services are accessible in places like Los Angeles, San Diego, Long Beach, Anaheim, Riverside, Santa Ana, Irvine, Chula Vista, Fremont, Santa Clarita, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Fontana, Huntington Beach, Glendale, Elk Grove, Ontario, Oceanside, Rancho Cucamonga, Garden Grove, Lancaster, Palmdale, Corona, Pomona, Escondido| Torrance, Fullerton, Orange, Pasadena, Santa Clara, Carlsbad, Downey, Costa Mesa, West Covina, Temecula, Burbank city| Santa Monica, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Marina Del Rey, Playa Del Rey, Venice, Beverly Hills, Century City, Westwood, Westminster, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Encino, Corona Del Mar, Seal Beach, Anaheim Hills, Placentia, Buena Park, Laguna Beach, Yorba Linda, Laguna Niguel, Fountain Valley, Cypress, Dana Point, Whittier, Tutin, Los Alamitos, and Mission Viejo.
Call our floor technicians to schedule a discussion and get their assistance to choose the right finish for your marble countertops.
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