Marble goes through a rigorous process before the beautiful end product reaches the consumer. After the stone is excavated, the cut marble slabs are grinded, polished and buffed to obtain the finish on the face of the stone. Exotic marble those in search of custom marble countertops. There are generally two types of finishes: polished and honed natural stone and depending on which you choose, some household products may be more harmful than others.
Polished Marble Slab
Polished marble slab has a glossy finish accentuating the natural sheen of the crystal in the stone of your choice. The polished finish requires more grinding and buffing to achieve the extra sheen, which in turn acts as a protectant, enclosing more pores in the stone and leaving it less susceptible to harm from Toronto household products. The glossier finish does make the surface more prone to scratches, so constant care will be necessary for your marble surface. Polishing brings out the natural grain, network of delicate veins, and cloudy hues that give marble its special beauty. Polished surface finishes are generally more suitable for use as countertops than floors because everyday wear and tear will be more noticeable on flooring.
Honed Marble Slab
Honing marble requires less grinding and buffing to achieve the required smoothness than polishing. Though the honed marble may lack the shiny, mirror-like gloss of its polished counterpart, it acts as much more of a functional surface. Honed marble is very scratch resistant. When it does scratch, the scratches tend to be much less visible in the light due to its matte finish. Once a liquid spills on the honed surface, it must be cleaned instantly to prevent staining. This is because honed finishes generally soak up liquids spilled during cooking much faster and easier than the glossed-over polished finish. In an attempt to negate the effects of spills and other potential damages, honed surfaces must be resealed more often than polished marble. It carries a satin-like smoothness; but maintains its traction when wet. This makes it the ideal finish for the bathroom floor, for example.
Potentially Harmful Household Products
If you choose a marble as a material, the following everyday substances can be harmful to the finish on it:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Fruit juices
- Vinegar
- Mustard
- Carbonated beverages
- Salad dressings
- Tea/Coffee
- Butter
- Cosmetics
- Other acidic items
It is important to consider the application and the desired aesthetic of the marble you are choosing in order to prevent harm from Toronto household products. In the end, it is a matter of preference, taste, functionality and aesthetics.