Once a marble slab is worked to a smooth, flat surface, a finish can be applied, creating polished marble. If you don’t want a shiny countertop, you can skip the polishing process and keep the slab matte, resulting in honed marble.
Polished marble has a glossy surface that reflects light and emphasizes the color and veins in the stone. The polish will bring the natural color to the fullest due to the reflection of light. When marble has a polished finish, any scratch or etch can leave a dull matte mark.
Note: To read more about etching, check out our blog on Etching Natural Stones
Honed marble has a satin look with a smooth surface and has little reflection of light. Honed marble appears flatter and lighter in color. Since honed marble is already matte, dull marks from scratches and etching are more likely to be camouflaged and can go unnoticed.
Whether you have honed or polished marble, the care for them is the same.
1. Use a cutting board to protect surfaces from knife damage.
2. Wipe up all spills quickly to prevent staining.
3. Wipe the stone down regularly with water and a mild detergent or a professorial stone cleaner. Avoid natural cleaners that contain lemon or vinegar; these are too acidic.
4. Lastly, seal your marble regularly as recommended by us or your installer. Sealing your marble will not prevent staining; it just means you have more time to clean spills before staining occurs.
Need a good stone cleaner? Check out the ones we are selling ⬇ Stop by and pick up a bottle today!
