The Matte Revolution
Polished granite is easy to clean, but matte finishes are trendy. Understanding the difference between Honed and Leathered is key to enjoying your kitchen.
Honed (The Satin Smooth)
Honed granite is ground flat until it is smooth but not shiny.
Pros: silky touch, modern look.
Cons: It opens the pores. It shows oil fingerprints, wet spots, and potential stains very easily. It requires frequent sealing. It is high maintenance, especially on black stones.
Leathered (The Textured)
Leathered (or Lapotra) granite is brushed with diamond bristles to create a bumpy, pebbled texture.
Pros: The texture hides crumbs, fingerprints, and water spots. You can't see smudges on a leathered surface. It actually tightens the pores, making it more stain-resistant than honed.
Cons: You can't write on a single sheet of paper on it (it's bumpy).
Best Stone: Steel Grey Leathered is the ultimate low-maintenance countertop.
