One of the first questions you should ask yourself is: “What Kind of Finish Do I Want?”
Choosing the type of finish for your new countertops is something you should consider. Since you will be looking at and feeling your counters for a very long time, it’s well worth a few minutes to learn about options. There are many finishes to choose from, but there are three that are more widely used more than others.
1. Polished (Traditional):
Grinding, polishing, and buffing produces a high gloss, mirror-like finish. This is the traditional, most common and popular look for granite, marble and quartz countertops. The benefits to this are the shiny appearance and that the pores are closed in the polishing process, which makes it more stain-resistant.
2. Honed (or Matte finish)
Grinding, and polishing that produces a smooth, but no glossy finish. The difference between polished and honed surfaces is much like the difference between a glossy vs matte photo. Honed or matte finishes have a softened appearance. They are best for low maintenance, high-traffic areas. You should be aware that this finish is not as stain-resistant as polished surfaces as the pores are still open. And on some stones, specifically darker materials, fingerprints and smudges will appear regularly. Sometimes a product called Enhance ‘n Seal is used on the honed surface, to bring out the rich color of the material while still keeping the honed/matte look.
3. Antiqued or Leathered (Contemporary):
Brushing with different sized diamond bristles to create a subdued textured surface. This finish can be felt, and as a benefit, easily hides fingertip smears and smudges. This is a contemporary look popular with designers. Antiquing adds depth to the countertop, giving it a different, unique look.
The 3 Finishes You Should Consider When Selecting Your Material. in Portland OR & Vancouver WA
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