It really depends on the desired look of the granite. Having honed granite is a softer look, with less of a shine or gloss. It is a very matte appearance. Polished granite is much more glossy, and has a very high shine.
It can create a stunning feature and reflects light. Honed granite is easier to take care of as it is more resistant to staining and scratching. In comparison, polished granite is more porous and may need more maintenance.
Some people prefer the satin look of honed granite as it shows less smudges and fingerprints. In the end, it really comes down to personal preference, and the desired completed look.
Is honed black granite hard to keep clean?
Honed black granite can be a bit more challenging to keep clean compared to a polished granite surface. In general, honed granite tends to be more porous than polished granite so it can be more likely to absorb spills and stains.
As a result, it is important to promptly clean up spills as soon as they occur. Additionally, it is important to use only cleaners that are specifically designed for natural stone, as other cleaning products may cause permanent damage to the stone.
A good rule of thumb is to use only specialized natural stone cleaners and to apply the cleaning solution with a slightly damp soft cloth. Additionally, using a sealant can help make cleaning honed black granite easier as it fills any pores that can absorb spills and stains.
Regular maintenance and proper cleaning techniques can help keep honed black granite looking like new.
How do you maintain honed granite?
To maintain a honed granite countertop, first use a cleaner that is specifically designed for granite. This can help to keep the surface from becoming too dull or losing its shine. For day-to-day maintenance, you can use warm water and a mild dishwashing liquid or stone soap.
To clean, use a damp cloth and rub gently in a circular motion. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaning agents, as these may damage the sealant and leave the stone susceptible to staining. Additionally, you should seal the stone at least once every few years.
This helps to protect the stone from absorbing spills, dirt, and bacteria. Lastly, if something has been spilled on the counter make sure to wipe it up immediately. This will help to prevent staining on the stone.
Can existing granite countertops be honed after installation?
Yes, existing granite countertops can be honed after installation. Honing is a gentler process than polishing and can be used to correct minor etch marks, scratches, and chips. The process involves applying a honing powder and then buffing the countertop with a polishing pad until the desired amount of shine is achieved.
Honing is great for touch-ups after installation and can be done DIY or by a professional. One of the advantages of honing granite is that it removes the existing polished finish and replaces it with a more muted matte look, giving the countertop a softer, more natural look.
It’s best to start with a test area before honing the entire countertop, as honing requires a bit of skill to be done properly.
How much does granite honing cost?
The cost of granite honing varies depending on several factors, including the size of the area that needs to be honed, the amount of honing required, the type of granite and the contractor performing the work.
Generally speaking, a smaller job typically ranges from $150 to $400, while larger jobs can range from $400 to $800 or more. The cost also includes the cost of polishing the granite surfaces after they have been honed.
It’s important to consider the quality of the stone and the cost of the stone, as well as the cost of necessary sealing and polishing products when considering the total cost of the honing process. If you are looking for professional honing services, getting quotes from different contractors can help you find the best deal possible.
Can you change shiny granite to honed?
Yes, it is possible to change shiny granite to honed. Honing is a process of grinding the surface of the granite to make it look less glossy and create a more matte or satin finish. Honing granite requires precision and expertise, so it is recommended that the job is done by a professional who has experience with the material and process.
The process can vary depending on the type and color of the granite, but typically involves grinding and polishing the surface with gradually finer grits until the desired finish is achieved. Sometimes, chemical polishing may be used to create an especially smooth finish.
To get the best results, it is important that the honing process is completed with the proper tools and techniques.
Can granite be leathered after install?
Yes, granite can be leathered after installation. Leathering is a process that involves the use of a grinding machine to give the surface of stone a slightly worn look, and the process can be applied to granite after the stone has been installed.
The process helps to bring out the natural grain and gives the stone a softer, more subtle look. It is recommended that the process be performed by an experienced professional, as it is relatively easy to damage or over-polish the stone during the process.
A quality sealer should be applied afterwards to protect the stone from being harmed by day-to-day use.
Can you change granite edge after installation?
Yes, you can change the granite edge after installation, though it is more difficult and time consuming than changing the edge before installation. It requires a skilled professional with the proper tools and knowledge to make the change.
If done correctly, it is possible to change the edge of a granite countertop after it has already been installed.
Changing the edge after installation involves grinding down the existing edge and then installing a new edge profile. This is a slow process that requires a skilled hand and could take up to several hours even with the right tools.
It is important to ensure that the new edge is the right size, shape, and profile to fit in with the rest of the installation and to make sure the overall aesthetic is maintained. If done incorrectly, it could ruin the look of the granite slab and require even more work to fix the issue.
Thus, it is highly recommended to change the edge of a granite countertop before installation, if that is something you wish to do. This is much easier, faster, and more cost effective than doing it after installation.
However, if you find yourself in a situation where it’s necessary to change the edge after the granite is installed, it is still possible with the assistance of a skilled professional.
Can installed granite be leathered?
Yes, installed granite can be leathered. Leathering is a sanding process that is used to give the surface of stone a softer, subtly textured look. In general, it is easy to leather granite as long as the correct tools and techniques are used.
First, you will need to make sure that the stone is adequately sealed. You can do this by applying a topical sealer to all exposed surfaces. This will help protect the stone against staining. Once the stone has been sealed, you will need to clean all exposed surfaces using a non-abrasive cleaner.
This can be done with a damp cloth or a mop, depending on the size of your granite installation.
Now that the surface is clean and sealed, you can begin to sand. You will need to use a special leathering disc for this process and should ensure that you are using the correct speed setting for the specific disc that you are using.
Make sure to work with the grain of the stone to ensure an even finish. Once the leathering is complete, you can wipe away any excess dust with a damp cloth.
Leathering granite is a great way to give the stone a softer, more subtle look while also still allowing it to stand out when needed. If done correctly, the leathering process can make installed granite look even better than it did when it was first installed.
Can you put hot pots on leathered granite?
It is not recommended to place hot pots on leathered granite. Granite is a naturally occurring stone resource that is often used as a countertop material due to its durability, heat-resistance, and attractive appearance.
However, due to its porous nature, granite can be stained or damaged with intense heat. Leathered granite is created when the surface of the stone is polished and textured to a matte finish. This process can make the stone more vulnerable to heat damage and makes it particularly more susceptible to staining if hot pots are placed on the surface.
Additionally, leathered surfaces can scratch easily and staining can occur if spills are not promptly tended to. If hot pots must be placed on leathered granite, it is strongly recommended to place the pots onto the stone with extreme caution, and quickly remove them after each use.
What are the pros and cons of leathered granite?
The pros of leathered granite are that it provides a textured, natural feel and it is highly durable. Compared to other countertop materials, it has better stain and heat resistance and because it is textured, it disguises small chips and cracks better than other materials.
Its textured finish also helps to hide fingerprints and smudges. It is also easier to clean and maintain; usually a damp cloth is enough to remove spills and simple stains.
The cons of leathered granite are that it is more expensive than other materials and it can be difficult to find reputable installers. It also requires specific cleaning products because some harsh cleaners can damage the finish.
Additionally, because it is textured, it can be more difficult to work on than other counter materials, so cutting and measuring must be done with precision. Finally, lighter colored granites may be more prone to staining if not sealed properly.
Is leathered granite more expensive than regular granite?
Leathered granite is generally more expensive than regular granite, depending on the density and size of the individual slab. Typically, the price difference is between 10-20%, so the cost of the leathered granite slab can be up to 20% more than the regular granite slab.
The price also depends on the quality of the leathered finish, so higher quality finishes may be even more expensive. Some leathered materials may also have a higher cost because they have been cut in special shapes, sizes, and finishes.
Additionally, installation for leathered granite can be more complex and require additional steps compared to regular granite, which would add to the cost of the project.
How often does honed granite need to be sealed?
Honed granite should be sealed at least once a year, although twice a year is preferred. Sealing honed granite every six months can give best protection against staining and discoloration. Over time, oils, acidic foods and liquids, and other substances can get into the pores of the stone, causing permanent damage and discoloration.
Cleaning and resealing will help prevent these substances from becoming permanent. Additionally, a good sealant can provide the stone with extra protection from moisture, dirt, and grime.
What happens if you don’t seal granite?
If you don’t seal granite, it is likely to become damaged and stained over time due to its porous nature. Without sealing, liquids, dirt, and bacteria have the potential to penetrate the granite and cause discoloration, chips, scratches, and more.
Additionally, the granite can become more difficult to clean because bacteria and other substances will be able to get deep into the pores. Sealing granite therefore provides a protective layer that helps to prevent the accumulation of contaminants and ensure that the surface stays looking its best for years to come.
Do you need to seal granite countertops every year?
No, you do not need to seal granite countertops every year. Sealing granite is recommended when the granite is initially installed, and then after that it’s recommended to reseal the countertops every one to three years depending on the amount of use that it gets.
Sealing the countertop will help protect it from staining and water damage and is a relatively easy task. All you need is a granite sealant, which can be purchased from home improvement stores, or online, and a soft cloth.
Then, following the instructions on the sealer bottle you should apply the sealant with a cloth in a circular motion and let it sit for approximately 15 minutes. After the sealant has dried, you should wipe the granite with a clean soft cloth and you should be good for another 1-3 years.
Which granite does not need sealing?
Granite that does not need to be sealed is typically classified as a low-absorption or hard granite. Low-absorption or hard granite is able to resist absorption of liquids and oils that could otherwise penetrate the stone and cause staining.
Some of the more common types of granite that qualify as low-absorption or hard granite include African Black, Bahia Blue, Blue Bahia, and Blue Louise. Many other types of granite have a low absorption rate, but are more porous and will still require some type of sealing to create an additional barrier against staining and liquid penetration.
Does honed granite scratch easily?
No, honed granite does not scratch easily. Honed granite is a type of stone surface that has been sanded to a satin-smooth finish, and it has a matte rather than shiny appearance. The process used to achieve honed surfaces results in a strong, durable surface that is highly resistant to scratching and staining.
The honed finish also does an excellent job of hiding any minor imperfections that may be present in the natural stone. However, like any surface, honed granite can become scratched if abused. It is important to clean up spills immediately, as acidic fluids such as wine, vinegar, or lemon juice can cause etching and discolouration if they are allowed to sit on the surface.
Additionally, although honed granite is more resistant to scratching than polished stone, it is still susceptible to scratching if hard and sharp objects are dragged across its surface. To protect your honed granite countertops, it is essential to use cutting boards and trivets, avoid dragging heavy objects across the surface, and use a cleaning product designed for stone surfaces.