When you are looking for countertops for your kitchen, you are likely to have a clear idea of what you are looking for. There are several options for homeowners to make their countertop appear attractive. These options include patterned, solid-colored, vivid hues, neutral time, soft, shiny, and smooth finishes. Irrespective of what your vision is, there is a countertop finish for you; it’s the matter of choosing the right option. Here we will discuss countertop finishes that you can choose for your kitchen.
- Polished Finish
One of the classic choices, the polished finish, has been loved by homeowners for centuries. The high gloss look makes the countertop stylish and elegant. The smooth, sheen and glassy finish of the polished countertops are staples in contemporary kitchens and for the right reasons.
A polished finish accentuates the color and the character of the stone and brings out its natural beauty. You get a highly reflective shiny surface that makes your space appear bigger and adds a touch of luxury to your décor.
Additionally, polished finishes are less porous than many other countertop material finishes, making them more hygienic and easier to maintain.
- Caressed Finish
When you add a little shine to the leathered finish, the result is known as caressed finish. The high points of the stones are polished to get the desired sheen. The design makes your countertop look elegant while maintaining its rugged look. Additionally, the process also seals the pores better than a leathered finish. Therefore it is ideal for granite kitchen countertops.
- Flamed Finish
In a flamed finish, the stone is exposed to highly intense heat. The high temperature bursts the tiny grains inside the stone and makes it change color. Eventually, what you get is a rough texture complemented with a naturally faded look. Inflamed finishes, you generally get muted colors like charcoal or tan. This type of finish is prevalent in the outdoor kitchen. And you can only get this finish in natural granite stone.
- Leathered or Brushed Finish
Leathered or brushed finish is a new finish that brings out a natural appeal to the stone. It has a somewhat rough look that is created using an abrasive diamond brush. Several layers are applied to the honed surface to make it appear textured and velvety, replicating leather.
Since there is no light reflecting from the finish, it gives the stone a rustic and natural appearance. Moreover, this process seals the pores of the stones, and the non-reflective brushed surface conceals the flaws and smudges.
It significantly also reduces the stone’s susceptibility to staining. You need to use a microfiber cloth and a suitable cleaning solution to clean the surface. Make sure to clean the surface daily so that it retains its attractive look for a long time.
People generally prefer leathered finish on a darker granite slab because it retains the color of the stone. Therefore, there is high resistance to stains, imperfections, and smudges.
- Bush Hammered Finish
Although it is not among the popular choices, it is certainly worth considering. It uses a tool that is similar to a meat tenderizing hammer but consists of triangular points. It is struck on the surface to create a weathered and textured look. This process can lighten the stone’s color and is primarily used for decorative purposes.
- Honed Finish
The honed finish, also referred to as a matte finish, is among the trendiest countertop finishes. Homeowners love the soft, velvety feel that this finish offers. These are not reflective or shiny like polished finishes. However, the incandescent effect spread the natural light beautifully, creating a natural, rustic ambiance. The end result you get from a honed finish is very much similar to a polished finish but without the shine.
The surface is subtler and does not show scratches easily. It is the matte finish of the finish that can conceal the flaws and imperfections of the stone in a better manner. But a drawback of this stone is that it fails to display the color and texture of the tone like a polished one. Additionally, it is more prone to staining and challenging to maintain. This finish needs to be resealed frequently.
How To Maintain The Durability Of Your Countertop?
It does not matter what kind of finish you have chosen; if you cannot maintain the countertop properly, the appeal fades soon. So here are some tips that will ensure that your countertop looks as new as ever for a long time:
Wood Countertop
Always use a non-abrasive cleaner to clean your wood countertop. Additionally, after cleaning, wipe the counter with a dry cloth to keep it completely dry. You can mix half a lemon juice and salt to remove any stain from the wood.
Quartz Or Engineered Stone Countertops
Quartz and engineered stone are very easy to clean and need little maintenance. For daily cleaning, use a mixture of mild soap and water with a microfiber cloth. To remove the tough stains, you can use glass cleaner and a soft sponge.
Granite And Marble Countertops
You can clean these countertops using warm water and mild dish soap. Make sure you use the microfiber towel to maintain the shine of the stone. Additionally, to clean stains from marble or granite countertop, you can make a paste with water and baking soda. Apply this to the stain and cover and tape it with plastic. Cover it overnight before you rinse off with water.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are extremely easy to clean. You only need mild dish soap, water, and a cotton cloth to get things sparkling. You can use water and baking soda for a tough stain and let the mixture sit for five minutes on the stain before rinsing it off.
The Bottom Line
Similar to the types of countertop materials, there are various finishes as well. Choosing the suitable material and finish will ensure you get the countertop that you have always wanted. But make sure you keep the countertop clean to maintain its appeal. And no matter the countertop, do not use abrasive materials to clean it.
