Yes, matte granite is available in a variety of colors and finishes. Granite is a natural product, meaning it has natural variations in its finish, but modern technology can be used to give a consistent finish to a granite countertop.
Matte granite countertops are a great choice for those who want a modern, sophisticated look that is easy to clean. Matte granite can be used in both traditional and contemporary designs, depending on the customer’s preferences.
It is also a good option for those who want a subtle, neutral background or those who are looking to match the textured finish of their cabinets.
How do you clean a matte finish on granite?
Cleaning a matte finish on granite is easy and can be done with basic household materials. Start with a soft cloth, such as microfiber, to dust off any dirt or debris. It is also a good idea to use a vacuum or soft brush attachment to remove any dust or dirt particles from the crevices or grout lines.
If you have more caked-on dirt or grime, you can use a damp cloth and some mild dish soap to wipe away the dirt. Take special care to use a gentle scrubbing motion and avoid using any abrasive materials like steel wool, which could damage the finish of your granite.
For tougher stains, try using a mixture of one part water and one part baking soda to scrub away the stains.
Finally, if your matte finish granite needs extra shine, you can use a solution of one part water and one part vinegar, then buff it with a clean, dry cloth to get the granite sparkling. You can also order a specific granite cleaner from a home or hardware store for extra protection.
What is a honed finish on granite?
A honed finish on granite is a smooth matte-like finish that has been abraded, usually with a rotary tool or hand tool, until all luster is removed. It’s different than a polished finish in that it’s not shiny or reflective like polished granite, but instead has a more muted, matte appearance.
Honed finishes are often preferred for interior design applications because they can help create a particular desired atmosphere or palette. For example, honed finishes can be used to create a homely, antiqued environment which might be better suited for a cozy living room instead of a polished finish which might make the room appear more like an office environment.
Honed granite also has a certain level of practicality to it. Because the material is not reflective of light, it’s much less likely to show smudges and fingerprints, making it a much better choice for areas like the kitchen where it’s more likely to take a beating.
Honed granite is also less slippery than polished granite, making it a great choice for flooring and countertops in areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Can existing granite countertops be honed after installation?
Yes, existing granite countertops can be honed after installation. Honing granite involves using a specialized honing pad that is designed to level the surface of the granite and create a matte or satin finish.
It is a relatively easy process that is relatively cost-effective compared to replacing or refinishing the granite. Honing granite countertops should not be done too often, as honing will wear down the granite and reduce the gloss or glossiness.
However, as long as all instructions are followed, honing existing granite countertops can be done without damaging them. It’s important to hire a professional to perform the honing, however, to ensure that it’s done properly and safely.
Is honed granite hard to maintain?
Honed granite is definitely harder to maintain compared to other stone surfaces because of its much softer and smoother surface. Honed granite is prone to staining and etching from acidic substances like coffee and citrus juices.
It also requires regular cleaning and you must use a gentler cleaner than that used for polished stone. To ensure that the surface of the stone is properly sealed, regular resealing is essential, typically every 6 months to a year.
You should also avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbing sponges, and other abrasive materials on the stone. Honed granite may be more a high maintenance option, however, it is also known to be low-reflective, thus making it a better option for achieving a more muted, subtle look.
Is honed granite the same as brushed?
No, honed granite is not the same as brushed, although the terms are often used interchangeably. Honed granite has a matte/velvety, non-reflective surface that conceals scratches, bruises, and etching, and is sometimes known as “leather finish”.
On the other hand, brushed granite is made from light brushing steel bristles during the finishing process to give it a traditional antique look. It not only reduces the appearance of scratches and etching, but also gives the stone a subtle texture.
Does honed stone need to be sealed?
Honed stone generally does need to be sealed as it is subject to staining and needs some protection from potential damage. Honing is a process in which a stone surface is made smooth, but unlike polishing, it does not make the surface shiny.
Instead, the surface has a matte finish. The honed texture is not as hard or dense, so it is more susceptible to damage and staining. Sealers can help to protect the stone from staining and scratching and should be reapplied according to manufacturer’s instructions.
What is the difference between polished and honed?
Polished and honed surfaces tend to refer to the finish of a surface, particularly with stone and tile. Generally, a polished surface is much glossier and reflective than a honed surface.
A polished finish is created by subjecting a surface to an abrasive material, such as a diamond slide, which grinds and removes small amounts of surface material and frictional heat. The process can yield a shiny and reflective surface.
Honed surfaces, on the other hand, are created simply by abrading the stone or tile with a dull grinding wheel. This process creates a much smoother surface, but the surface will generally be duller and lack the glossy shine of a polished surface.
Additionally, honed surfaces are often less resistant than polished to damage, staining, and wear.
Does honed granite scratch easily?
No, honed granite is much less susceptible to scratching than other types of granite. Honed granite has been abraded and ground down until the textured surface is smooth. This creates a much more durable surface that is much more resistant to scratches and other types of damage.
The lack of textured granules makes honed granite much less likely to sustain damage from everyday kitchen tasks such as cutting foods and even dropping heavy cookware. The honed finish also eliminates the need for additional sealing that polished granite requires, making it a much more low-maintenance option as well.
Can air fryers crack granite countertops?
No, air fryers cannot crack granite countertops. Granite is an incredibly strong, durable material that is often used in countertop surfaces for its strength and scratch-resistance, meaning it would be very difficult for an appliance like an air fryer to cause any damage.
Unlike softer stones like marble, quartz, or soapstone, granite is more likely to sustain heat without damage, but can still be scratched if not maintained correctly. To ensure your countertop remains in perfect condition, it is important to always use cutting boards and other protective items when prepping food and never place hot items like air fryers directly on the countertop surface.
Can you put a toaster on a granite countertop?
Yes, you can put a toaster on a granite countertop. Granite is a tough and durable stone, so it’s a great choice for a countertop material in a kitchen. It can withstand higher temperatures as well, so it can handle the heat of a toaster.
Depending on the type of granite and size of the toaster, it’s a good idea to use a cooling rack between the toaster and the granite to help distribute the heat. Make sure not to put coasters or any other materials underneath the toaster, which can cause scratches and damage to the granite.
Granite is easy to clean and maintain, so spills and messes from the toaster won’t damage the surface.
What type of countertop can you put a hot pan on?
The best type of countertop to put a hot pan on is one made of granite, marble, or quartz. These types of countertops are heat-resistant and won’t be damaged by hot pans. Additionally, they are durable, non-porous, and bacteria-resistant, making them easy to keep clean.
If your countertop is made of these materials, you don’t need to worry about placing hot pans on the surface. Additionally, if you have a countertop made of butcher block or tile, you can also place hot pans on the surface if you’re using a hot pad or trivet to protect the countertop from the heat.
How do you protect heat from granite countertops?
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect a granite countertop from excessive heat is to always use a heat trivet or hot pad. Heat trivets are placed between any hot items, such as pots and pans, and granite counter tops.
This helps protect the granite from direct contact with the hot surface and prevents countertop from being damaged due to the heat. Additionally, a cutting board should always be used when cutting or slicing food on the countertop.
This helps protect the countertop from scratches or gouges due to knives, as well as prevent accumulation of bacteria. To further protect the surface of the granite countertop, granite countertop sealer should be applied every 1-2 years.
This sealer helps create a protective layer between the granite and any potentially harmful elements and will help prevent stains and damage.
What countertop material is heat resistant?
Granite and quartz are the most heat resistant countertop materials, making them ideal for heat-generating kitchen appliances such as ovens, stoves, and microwaves. Granite is a natural material that is composed of several minerals that help it resist heat and retain its original color.
Quartz, on the other hand, is engineered and is composed of engineered resins and quartz pigments, which also make it a highly heat resistant material. In addition to these two materials, soapstone, slate, Corian, and stainless steel are also considered heat resistant.
Which granite finish is best?
Choosing the best granite finish for your project will depend on the look you are trying to achieve, the location of the project, and upkeep. Common granite finishes include polished, honed, and leather.
Polished granite has a high-gloss finish and is the most popular choice. It is scratch and stain-resistant, making it an ideal choice for countertops, floors, and walls. However, due to its high level of shine and reflective qualities, this finish is best used in larger, well-lit spaces where it can be seen to its best advantage.
Honed granite has a more matte finish and works best in smaller, darker spaces that require less shine. This finish is not as scratch and stain resistant as polished granite, so it’s not the best choice for countertops.
It is perfect for low traffic, low moisture areas, like bathrooms and outdoor patios, as well as fireplaces.
Finally, leather granite is a finished achieved through sandblasting or acid washing and has a slightly rough texture. This finish works well for commercial buildings and larger areas, as it is the longest lasting finish and easier to maintain than polished or honed granite.
Ultimately, choosing the best granite finish for your project comes down to personal preference and the use of the space. Consider the look you’re trying to achieve and the maintenance requirements when making your decision.
What are the pros and cons of leathered granite?
The pros of leathered granite are:
1. The texture is smooth and has a matte look, which helps create a sophisticated, modern look to any kitchen.
2. The texture also eliminates most of the problems associated with polished granite, such as fingerprints and smudges.
3. It’s easier to clean, since there’s less dirt and dust that gets trapped in the texture.
4. It’s more resistant to staining and acids, compared to other stone surfaces.
The cons of leathered granite are:
1. It’s more expensive than polished granite, although the difference in cost is usually minimal.
2. It’s not as durable as polished granite and thus can show signs of wear and tear if it’s not maintained properly.
3. The texture may trap grease and oil in the pores, requiring more frequent cleaning.
4. It can be difficult to repair if it gets damaged or scratched, as the texture may make it hard to patch up properly.