GLOSSY / POLISHED
The most common finish for granite, quartz, or marble countertops is the polished one. It gives the countertop surface a shiny, almost mirror-like appearance. With a polished finish, the stone’s features are highlighted. Colors and textures will appear more vibrant. Additionally, the polished finish is among the easiest surfaces to clean, as it seals the stone’s pores to prevent water and moisture from penetrating. Care for polished granite includes both sealing and polishing the stone, as well as keeping it clean.
MATTE / HONED
Also called honed, the matte finish creates a very smooth surface without gloss or reflection. To achieve this finish, the regular polishing process is stopped before the stone reaches a polished state, resulting in a flat finish, sometimes referred to as a satin finish. Matte finishes are more popular for flooring to prevent slipping on the smooth surface created by polished stones. Note that the matte finish always slightly reduces color intensity (for example, a black countertop will appear more gray rather than deep black).
ANTIQUE / LEATHER
The leather finish, also known as brushed finish, is a relatively new style. It is created by taking a honed surface and applying diamond-tipped brushes to add subtle texture and dimples. Antique finishes tend to appear more sophisticated. Countertops often retain the color of the natural stone but will still be lighter than with a polished finish. Compared to honed granite, leathered granite is even more stain-resistant, as it hides water marks and even fingerprints very well.
BURNED / FLAMED
Granite is the only natural stone that can have a flamed finish due to the high heat applied to its surface, making this finish quite rare. In fact, it is more popular in outdoor kitchens and not commonly used for indoor countertops. To create a flamed finish, granite is heated to extreme temperatures, causing the minerals in the stone to burst and change color. The final product has a rougher surface with a natural, weathered appearance. Countertops with a flamed finish are generally more muted in color.
WATERJET
The waterjet finish is created by starting with a leathered finish and adding a touch of shine. This is done by polishing the raised areas of the stone, which adds sparkle and highlights those surfaces. This look is considered both elegant and rugged. Additionally, this process seals the stone’s pores, protecting it from moisture.
SANDBLASTED
Although not a common finish for countertops, it’s still one to consider. The finish is created using a tool that resembles a meat tenderizer, with triangular points. This tool is struck against the surface to produce a naturally weathered look with a slightly textured surface. This technique also tends to lighten the stone’s color, making it appear paler.
EXAMPLE: TITANIUM GRANITE – LEATHER FINISH
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