Marble is among the top materials for countertops since it offers exquisite beauty as well as lifetime durability. Nevertheless, the marble finish you choose can substantially affect the overall look and feel of your countertop. Each finish gives a distinctive look to your area with its numerous options. Let’s take a look at various types of marble countertop finishes to consider for your space.
1. Matte Marble Countertops
A matte marble countertop consists of a non-reflective surface with a soft and natural look. Matte finishes are different from polished marble because they don’t show fingerprints or smudges. All these characteristics make them easier to maintain.
This finish also improves the natural veining of the marble with its unique patterns. It’s specifically suitable for crowded areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. The reason is that maintenance can be really demanding in these places. Hence, these countertops are the best choice for your home if you want a finish that combines grace with ease of cleaning.
2. Honed Marble Countertops
Honed marble kitchen countertops provide your home with a more modern yet eternal look. Countertop installers achieve this finish by grinding the surface of the marble to create a smooth and matte-like look. Still, you won’t find the shine of fully polished surfaces in this finish.
The honed countertops give your area a fashionable and refined style by highlighting the natural veins of the marble. Additionally, honed marble can handle scratches and stains really well when you compare it to polished marble. This is why it’s great for busy areas. It has this balance between practicality and grace. As a result, you can enjoy a smooth and comfortable surface that adds a modern look to your kitchen or bathroom. The best part is that it doesn’t need as much cleaning care.
3. Polished Marble Countertops
Polished marble countertops are a reasonable option if you love the traditional look as well as luxurious shine. The polished finish creates a glossy surface that reflects light. This way it brings out the marble’s rich color and intricate veining.
This glossy surface adds a mirror-like shine, which points towards luxury and refinement. Polished marble is incredibly smooth. That’s the reason it’s a favorite for bathroom countertops besides kitchen islands.
No doubt the aesthetic look is undeniable. However, polished marble can be more susceptible to scratches and staining. It also requires more cleaning to maintain its shiny look. Hence, we suggest it for areas with less wear and tear unless you can provide proper care.
Which Marble Finish to Choose for Countertops?
It can be a really daunting task to choose the finish since it can have a great impact on your home vibe and cleaning routine. As Anatolia Granite professionals, we suggest that you keep in mind your aesthetic preferences as well as the countertop usage while buying it.
| Marble Finish | Matt Marble | Honed Marble | Polished Marble |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Suitable for |
Low-maintenance areas requiring a natural look | Crowded areas, Modern spaces | Luxury spaces, Decorative areas |
|
Appearance |
Soft, Non-reflective, Subtle veining |
Smooth, Satin-like with enhanced veining |
Glossy, mirror-like shine, enhanced depth |
|
Maintenance |
Very low, resistant to fingerprints and smudges |
Low, more resistant to scratches and stains |
High, needs regular cleaning and sealing |
|
Pros |
Timeless, easy to clean, hides imperfections |
Durable, subtle sophistication, versatile |
Elegant, visually striking, enhances veining |
| Cons | Can show stains if not sealed properly | Not as shiny as polished marble |
Prone to scratches, fingerprints, and water spots |
How to Finish Marble Countertops for Your Space
Marble countertops are without a doubt the best addition to any kitchen or bathroom. You find lasting beauty along with luxury looks. The way you finish your marble can change its look and maintenance routine to a great extent. In fact, each finish needs specific steps, no matter what you prefer, the shiny polished surface or the natural charming matte. Let’s have a look at the comprehensive guide to finish marble countertops and achieve the suitable look for your home.
1. Cleaning and Preparing the Surface
It’s really important to start with a clean slate before you apply any finish to your marble countertop. The first step is cleaning the surface thoroughly. This is because any dirt or oil on the marble will interfere with the finishing process and cause uneven coverage. Therefore, we recommend using a soft cloth along with a mild pH-balanced cleaner to gently scrub away debris.
Moreover, you should avoid harsh chemicals, as they can strip away the natural seal of the marble. Let the surface dry completely once you are done with this. After that, proceed with the next steps. A clean and dry surface makes sures that the finish adheres properly and for a longer time.
2. Choosing the Right Finish
The next step in finishing your marble countertop is to decide on the look and functionality. Do you prefer the glossy polished marble or matte marble countertops? Your decision should be based on your marble kitchen countertop cost in addition to aesthetic preferences and countertop usage. Only this way can you choose the most suitable finish.
3. Sanding and Polishing to Achieve the Desired Finish
It’s the next step once you’ve chosen your finish. You must know that you need some tools and techniques to achieve the desired look.
- Honed Marble Countertops: You need to use a diamond polishing pad to sand the surface gently. This process smooths the marble’s surface and creates a matte or satin look. The important point at this stage is to apply even pressure and work in small sections. It will improve consistency across the countertop.
- Polished Marble Kitchen Countertops: You’ll need a speedy polishing machine with a finer grit pad for a polished look. The polishing process smooths the surface gradually. It starts with a coarser grit and moves to a finer one. This results in a shiny and reflective surface that improves the natural veining and beauty of the marble. The process needs skill and patience. This is because it’s easy to damage the marble if you apply too much pressure.
No doubt, you can DIY honing and polishing. However, these tasks need specialized tools. Therefore, it’s better to hire a professional if you don’t have experience with sanding or polishing marble. This gives you the best outcome without the risk of damaging your countertop.
4. Sealing the Marble
The next step is to seal the marble after you’ve got your desired finish. Sealing is really important to prevent staining and water damage to the marble. Marble is a durable material. Still, it’s naturally porous enough to absorb liquids if you don’t seal it properly.
Choose a quality marble sealer specific to the finish you’ve chosen. Apply the sealer evenly across the surface using a soft cloth or sponge. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Be sure to let the sealer rest for the recommended amount of time before wiping away any excess. The sealing process will protect your marble in addition to improving the finish, no matter what you have a honed or polished surface.
5. Regular Maintenance and Care
You can maintain your countertop’s freshness and beauty in the long run with routine maintenance. It’s sufficient to clean the surface with a soft cloth and soap every day. You should avoid the use of harsh chemicals because they can damage your surface. Additionally, clear the spills urgently to stop the staining of honed or matte marble countertops. Lastly, be careful regarding acidic substances. For example, citrus or vinegar.
No doubt polished marble looks great. Nevertheless, it needs a little more cleaning to maintain its shine. Hence, you may need to reapply the sealer every year according to your level of need.
Conclusion
Restyling your kitchen or bathroom with marble finish countertops? Select a decent finish that improves your area’s look and stays functional in the future. Anatolia Granite offers various marble finishes ranging from the natural exquisite matte marble countertops to the glossy polished marble. In addition to our extensive selection, we provide expert guidance on finding the best suitable finish for your home. Contact us today and get a free estimate for your project.
