Hello World! Welcome Friends! Elegant and/or durable marble is one of the preferred choices for both residential and commercial worktops. While some people prefer polished and satin high-gloss marble finishes, others adore the subtlety of honed marble with a matte finish. Despite the high popularity of stone in polished and honed finishes, others are becoming increasingly popular too. The finish of the worktop is an important feature that will complete your design with perfection.
When choosing between polished and honed marble finishes, select the worktop based on its use and your specific requirements. You should know that the different marble finishes will make the worktops distinct from one another. Marble comes in either glossy and polished finish or honed or matte finishing.
However, if you’re keen to know the difference between honed and polished marble, here are some factors that make them different from each other.
Processing
As we all know that marble is a metamorphic rock that is recrystallized from limestone. Some manufacturers process it with refined sanding, buffing, and polishing to bring extra glossy and polished sheen to its surface. Polished marble is probably the most popular finish as it exudes elegance through its beautiful veins on a glossy surface. In addition, while marble surfaces need to be properly sealed first, polished marble will be a little bit less prone to staining than honed marble.
On the other hand, the honed marble is sanded the same way as polished marble but without buffing. Buffing is avoided to maintain its smooth, satin surface with a matte finish. White honed marble or grey honed marble is known to conceal the flaws better; however, it is more porous than polished marble and needs sealing more frequently. Having said this, marble is very durable and if spills are wiped off as they occur, there is no reason to see any staining. Most homes have their marble surfaces sealed every 18 to 24 months depending on the use they receive. Stone sealants can be purchased online, are easy to apply and are also very economical.
Etch and Scratch Resistance
If you want to install marble but don’t want to see etches and scratches on its surface over time, consider installing honed marble. Polished marble finish is prone to etching and scratches that may leave dull marks on the surface. This is because when the light reflects into the surface of polished marble you may be able to see scratches from certain angles.
https://www.mkwsurfaces.co.uk/stone/marble/filters/finishes/polished/Honed finishes are already matte, so scratches and etches tend to camouflage into its surface and are not even noticed. In addition, as light does not reflect on it, you would be unable to pick up on any marks.
Even if the marble is coated with a sealant, you must clean up the spills immediately to avoid them leaving a permanent mark on the surface.
Worktops
Compared to leather granite, polished marble is more delicate as kitchen worktops. You can reduce the risk of having marble in certain areas by using it only in designated places within the kitchen. For example, use polished countertop only for the kitchen island or prep area. It is best to avoid using honed or matte marble on prep area in the kitchen counters because this busy area is more likely to face spills and scratches. Using honed marble on the worktop in a kitchen will make it a little bit more vulnerable to stains and etches. Only use this marble in areas where there are fewer chances of any impact and spills.
Floors and Walls
If you want to install marble on the floors and walls, you can install polished marble for a luxurious touch. Polished marble feels cool and if you wanted, you could install underfloor heating below it.
On the other hand, honed marble complements other natural stones and wood in bathrooms and kitchens to create a cosy and warm interior. In addition, honed marble is more popular for flooring applications as it has better slip-resistance than polished marble.
Maintenance
According to National Marble Institute, you must seal the marble worktops with a sealant to prolong its life up to 15 years. Despite its finish, marble is porous in nature and more susceptible to staining. When it is sealed with a protective coating, it becomes resistant to stains and dirt. It can also be buffed to remove any imperfections or minor scratches.
Compared to other natural stones, marble is more likely to break. Avoid moving heavy appliances or furniture over marble surface. Avoid using abrasive products for cleaning, as they tend to dull the finish of polished marble. Only use cleaners that are specifically designed for cleaning marble.
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Toodles,
OH MY! I fell in love with the marble worktops!!
Wow, these are stunning. I need new counter tops and I would LOVE to have these. Have a great weekend, Kippi #kippiathome
Oh wow! I am drooling over these photos! I want my kitchen to look like that! On behalf of Fiesta Friday, thanks so much!
Thank you for this post. I was considering using marble in my kitchen as a backsplash but was not certain of the risks involved. My kitchen is tiny, so every surface will be touched in some way. This information is so helpful and timely.
Thank you for sharing at Fiesta Friday this week! I love all the beautiful counter tops and spaces!
Very helpful article, Kathryn. I had not ideas of all the countertop finishes! Pinned! Thanks for sharing on Homestyle Gathering! Hope to see you on Tuesday!
I wish we had chosen marble when we chose our granite. I wasn’t blogging in those days and had no idea what I was doing when choosing materials.
Very Interesting & beautifully explained. Totally loved your article. I have been trying to know something as brief a this. Thank you for sharing.