Marble Countertops
Marble countertops are beautiful, elegant, and luxurious. But are
they durable? Classic Marble & Stone answers that question
frequently. Marble is more porous than
granite and may require more maintenance. Marble comes in a
variety of colors and veining patterns. What draws people to marble is the feel of the stone
and the movement the veining create throughout your room. Honing the finish on marble helps hide acid etching. Annual sealing of marble is recommended for longer lasting beauty with less stains. Wiping stains up immediately is also recommended.
Is marble high maintenance?
Marble is referred to as a living stone meaning it is porous and can discolor with items of color such as red wine or mustard for instance. The uniqueness and beauty of marble can overcome the maintenance for many. Keeping the marble sealed annually and cleaned often with warm soap and water will help keep the material looking nicer. This living stone is known to get stains or patina which can fade over time. Honing the finish is a good way to help avoid acid etching or certainly lesson it. Dull spots are less likely to be seen on a honed / matte finish service. Acid etching is caused for acid foods or liquids that can take the polish or sheen away leaving a dull spot. Again, when the top is honed on the finish taking the polish away from the start, this leaves it will a rich matte finish, lessons any glare from lighting and lessons any acid etching. Products and techniques to get stains out can be tried and discussed when coming out to Classic Marble & Stone.
Polished, Honed, or Leathered?
Classic Marble & Stone offers several finishes for your natural stone surfaces. Polishing, honing, and leathering are the most popular finishes.
Polishing is a very durable finish that creates a bright, reflective shine. The polishing process closes the pores of your stone which makes it more stain resistant. Etching can still occur with polished marble, but it can be re-polished back to that bright shine.
Honing is a process created with abrasives that will leave a smooth, satin-like, matte finish to your stone.
Leathering is a textured finish similar to honing. The leathering process applies a slight shine to your stone and leaves a more natural surface to your granite or marble.
Sealants are an impregnator that work to fill the pores of your natural stone and make it much less likely to stain. Granite and Marble should be resealed annually. Soapstone uses Food Grade Mineral Oil or Stone Enhancer to darken the finish, no sealant is required.
Like all natural stone counter tops and surfaces, each stone slab has slightly different characteristics. Classic Marble & Stone welcomes you to our showroom to select the perfect natural stone slab with the characteristics that you'll love! Our stone inventory is stored indoors where you'll be comfortable year round browsing our selection!