Shine Feature in Honed vs. Polished Marble: What are Some of the Applications?

What is the difference between honed vs. polished marble? Marble has been used to create elegant floors for thousands of years, and its sophisticated good looks continue to make it popular today. With its striking grain patterns and creamy colors, it’s one of the most recognizable and beautiful natural building materials.

Shine Feature

Honed marble has no shine and should not reflect light. Its finish is matte and looks like a natural stone weathered by the elements. It is lighter in color than polished marble of the same type. Polished marble shines due to polishing with very fine abrasives. These abrasives remove all flaws that slow the return of light bouncing off the surface. It is darker in color than honed marble of the same type. Think of the difference between a garden-variety rock and a cut gemstone. A gemstone is polished and cut to facilitate light bouncing around inside its many facets and creates sparkles in the stone.  Polished marble’s extremely smooth surface allows light to reflect. Honed marble has a dull finish and does not reflect light; it absorbs it.

A kitchen Sink with Honed-marble Countertops

The process to create both honed and polished marble is similar. The honed marble is achieved by polishing with gritty abrasives until the surface is smooth to the eye, but still has many small flaws that prevent a shiny appearance. All polished marble is honed first. After being honed, polished marble is sanded with smaller and smaller abrasives until surface flaws are removed and the marble is a smooth as possible.

Does Honed Marble and Polished Marble Need to be Sealed?

Yes, honed marble and polished marble need sealing. However, because honed marble is more porous, it needs sealing more frequently to prevent damage. Polished marble is slightly more resistant to staining as its porosity has been reduced by many additional rounds of polishing.

What are the practical benefits of a honed marble surface?

Honed surfaces have a rougher texture. They do not show minor surface damage like etches and scratches as prominently as polished stone. Honed marble is ideal for high-traffic areas and areas that may get wet and become slippery.

What are the practical benefits of a polished marble surface?

As previously mentioned, polished surfaces repel stains better as their surfaces are less porous. It also depends on the aesthetic you want for your natural stone kitchen countertops. Do you prefer high-shine or more of a matte look?

Uses of Honed Marble

Honed marble is ideal for certain design aesthetics. Because it has a matte finish it’s not showy and doesn’t draw attention to itself. It’s perfect for organic, natural looks and creates a warm, neutral background for other decorative touches. Honed finished is often seen in homes influenced by classic Mediterranean designs and looks at home with Western and beach styles. It’s less at home with design styles with many fussy elements.

Polished Marble Uses

Polished marble is ideal for lavish looks and always looks high-end. It shines and is a beautiful compliment to luxury fixtures and ornate lighting. A fabulous crystal chandelier will revel in design fellowship reflected off a gleaming marble floor, table top, or counter. Polished marble also stands alone as a decorative element. Some of the great halls in grand homes and royal castles are simply an expanse of polished marble. Polished marble with clean lines and edges is also an ideal choice with a modern design. Its smooth shiny texture looks right a home next to chrome and leather.

Can We Mix Honed and Polished Marble?

Yes, you can. Mixing polished and honed surfaces is a new idea that feels fresh. Consider a kitchen island in a showy polished marble with countertops in a honed marble of the same or contrasting stone. The polished area will draw the eye giving your kitchen a bold focal point.

How Do I care for my Honed or Polished Marble?

All marble should be treated with the same basic care;

Use cutting boards at all times to protect surfaces from staining, and your knives from damage;

Wipe up all spills and food debris as soon as possible;

Clean with gentle cleaners designed for marble or simply with warm water and soft cloths;

Avoid some natural cleaners containing lemon juice or vinegar, these are both too acidic to be used on natural stone surfaces.

Final Statement

Honed Marble surface leaves a smooth, consistent and flat surface on the ground. This finish gives a velvety and smooth touch that gives a warmth elegant touch of the natural stone. Polished Marble finish offers a richer and more luxurious appeal. Its shiny surface is classic and sophisticated and can easily blend into any interior design project. This versatility allows it to be used in every exquisite architectural design.

In the passage we gave a quick overview between honed and marble finish. These two are the most common marble finishes in the market. However, if you are interested to find out more about other types of marble finish, visit our products and finishes menu. There are pictures and extra explanations that you may love to read.

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Sources

www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/floors/what-you-should-know-about-marble-flooring

www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/floors/what-you-should-know-about-engineered-wood-flooring

www.floor-master.com/post/honed-marble-vs-polished-marble

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