Finishing Options For Granite Countertops
Many of our customers visit our showroom to make both their color selections, and edge choices for their granite countertops. Some customers however, don’t realize they also have a choice when it comes to finishes. While a polished finish is by far the most popular choice with its reflective, mirror gloss appearance and best rating in regards to staining and scratching factors, there are several other finish options to choose from for select colors.
A honed finish offers a matte look, that has more of a dull appearance and is non-reflective in nature. It is also fairly popular, (especially when shown in a variety of Parade Home models), but the honing process does make the material more susceptible to staining and scratching. A satin finish is also available for some colors, and is somewhat similar to a honed finish, but offers a smooth, softer look with a vibrant, non-reflective finish.
There are also several textured finishes available in a limited number of colors that have become available over the years. A leather finish offers a smooth, yet soft look and appears slightly more polished than a honed finish, but with a slight texture. An antique finish offers a brushed, dull appearance that is slightly textured. While an antique finish can be used for countertops, it may be a better choice for fireplace surrounds, or flooring applications.
Another finish choice for flooring and fireplace surrounds, is a thermal or flamed finish, which offers a rough textured look and has a varying depth. A thermal finish is produced with the use of a high temperature flame that is quickly run across the surface of the stone.
If you are interested in more information on stone finishes, or stone terms feel free to check out the MIA’s (Marble Institute Of America) Glossary of Stone Industry Terms.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on June 19th, 2008 by Barb | | 14 Comments
on July 3rd, 2008 at 8:39 am
Wish I would have fund this blog sooner, and this article on finishing options is something I had never hear before. Thanks!
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on July 3rd, 2008 at 10:37 am
Andy:
Thanks for your comments.
Barb
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on September 8th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
i am looking into buying granite with the leather finish for my kitchen. can you tell me more about its maintenance and if it’s more porous than other finishes. i cook a lot and don’t want something that’s not practical.
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Barb Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 10:25 am
A leather finish would be more porous than a polished finish. If you cook a lot and are concerned about practicality, you may want to opt for a polished finish instead.
Thanks for reading my blog!
Barb
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on September 10th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.
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Barb Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 10:19 am
I appreciate your comments.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
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on July 18th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
would like to know what you think of the leather finish for an outdoor granite countertop? pros and cons as compared to the polished surface.
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on July 20th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
I think a leather finish would be fine for an outdoor countertop and would go great with the more rustic environment. Keep in mind that a leather finish is more porous than a polished finish, but depending on the color you select, it should be fine.
Thanks for reading my blog!
Barb
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on September 27th, 2010 at 8:17 am
We are building a new house and have selected white cabinets, hardwood floors and decided on black granite countertops. Keep going back and forth on the countertop finish – black galaxy with a leather finish, or an absolute black with a polish finish. Like the llok and feel of the leather finish and ability to avoid seeing every fingerprint. However, we are concerned whether the leather finish would stain too easily – red wine, food etc. Thoughts?
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Barb Reply:
September 28th, 2010 at 10:52 am
While a polished finish is the best finish in regards to preventing staining, the leather finish should be fine as well as long as the material is sealed properly. Most reputable fabricators seal everything before installing, so I wouldn’t worry too much.
Thanks for reading my blog!
Barb
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on May 3rd, 2011 at 12:41 pm
I am redoing my kitchen and cook everyday. I currently have granite and love the practicality – we like the look of the black with leather finish but was concerned if a bad choice for someone who cooks and bakes lots of bread.
thanks for your insight
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Barb Reply:
May 12th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
It should be ok, but a polished finish would be a better option. Thanks for reading my blog!
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on December 30th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
We have polished black granite in the kitchen and baths that shows every drop and smear. Its impossible to keep looking good unless you windex it 3X a day. Is there a matte or texturing process that can be used on it?
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Barb Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 11:58 am
While black granites are beautiful, and very elegant, dust, smears and finger prints are more prominent and end to show more. I would recommend cleaning with hot soapy water, and then drying with a dish towel. Windex and paper towels can also be used, but may streak, or possibly leave a film on the granite.
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