Granite finishes are the different ways that granite can be treated to change its appearance. There are many different granite finishes available, each with its own unique look and feel. Granite finishes are important because they can help to create a specific look or style in a space. They can also help to protect the granite from damage.
Here, we have covered the top 10 in-trend granite finishes that will not only add to the strength of the granite slabs but will also enhance the curb appeal of your space.
10 Different Granite Finishes and Their Applications
1/ Matt Finish Granite
Appearance: Matt finish granite has a smooth, non-reflective surface. Unlike polished granite, which has a high sheen, matt granite offers a more subdued and understated look. It's characterized by a soft, velvety texture that is pleasing to the touch.
How it's achieved: The matt finish is created by honing the granite surface after polishing. This process removes the top layer of the granite, leaving a slightly textured surface.
Applications: Matt finish granite is a versatile choice that can be used in various settings. It's particularly popular for countertops, floors, and backsplashes due to its elegant and understated appearance. Its non-reflective surface helps to mask fingerprints and smudges, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas.
2/ Flamed Finish Granite
Appearance: Flamed finish granite stone has a rough, textured surface that resembles the appearance of a flame. The surface is characterized by small, irregular pits and grooves that create a visually interesting effect.
How it's achieved: The flamed finish is created by heating the granite to a high temperature and then quenching it with cold water. This rapid temperature change causes the surface to crack and peel, resulting in a distinctive textured look.
Applications: Flamed finish granite is often used for outdoor applications, such as patios, walkways, and garden features. Its rugged appearance and durability make it well-suited for these environments. It can also be used indoors for flooring or accent walls to add a touch of drama and visual interest.
3/ Leather Finish Granite
Appearance: Leather finish granite has a soft, velvety surface that is reminiscent of high-quality leather. It has a subtle sheen and a slightly textured appearance.
How it's achieved: The leather finish is created by using a special honing process that removes the top layer of the granite. This process leaves behind a smooth, slightly textured surface with a soft, matte finish.
Applications: Leather finish granite is a popular choice for countertops, floors, and backsplashes due to its elegant and understated appearance. Its soft texture and subtle sheen create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. It's also a practical choice for high-traffic areas as it is relatively resistant to scratches and stains.
4/ Glossy Finish Granite
Appearance: Glossy finish granite has a highly reflective surface that shines brightly under light. It's characterized by a deep, mirror-like finish that adds a touch of luxury and elegance to any space.
How it's achieved: The glossy finish is created by polishing the granite surface with abrasive materials until it reaches a high sheen. This process removes imperfections and creates a smooth, reflective surface.
Applications: Glossy finish granite is a popular choice for countertops, floors, and backsplashes. Its luxurious appearance and durability make it a desirable option for high-end kitchens and bathrooms. It's also a good choice for accent walls or fireplace surrounds to create a focal point in a room.
5/ Lapotra Finish Granite
Appearance: Lapotra finish granite has a unique, textured surface that resembles the skin of a lizard. It's characterized by small, irregular bumps and ridges that create a visually interesting effect.
How it's achieved: The lapotra finish is created by using a special honing process that removes the top layer of the granite in a controlled manner. This process leaves behind a textured surface with a soft, matte finish.
Applications: Lapotra finish granite is a versatile choice that can be used in various settings. It's particularly popular for countertops, floors, and backsplashes due to its unique appearance and durability. Its textured surface adds a touch of character and interest to any space.
6/ Honed Finish Granite
Appearance: Honed finish granite has a smooth, matte surface that is free of shine. It's characterized by a subtle, velvety texture that is pleasing to the touch.
How it's achieved: The honed finish is created by using a special honing process that removes the top layer of the granite. This process leaves behind a smooth, slightly textured surface with a matte finish.
Applications: Its non-reflective surface helps to mask fingerprints and smudges, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas.
The granite production process is a big factor influencing the quality of the granite slab or tile. So make sure you are aware of that, too, to make an informed decision.
7/ Polished Finish Granite
Appearance: Polished finish granite has a highly reflective surface that shines brightly under light. It's characterized by a deep, mirror-like finish that adds a touch of luxury and elegance to any space.
How it's achieved: The polished finish is created by polishing the granite surface with abrasive materials until it reaches a high sheen. This process removes imperfections and creates a smooth, reflective surface.
Applications: Polished finish granite is a popular choice for countertops, floors, and backsplashes. Its luxurious appearance and durability make it a desirable option for high-end kitchens and bathrooms. It's also a good choice for accent walls or fireplace surrounds to create a focal point in a room.
8/ Brushed Finish Granite
Appearance: Brushed finish granite has a linear, textured surface that resembles the appearance of brushed metal. It's characterized by parallel lines that create a visually interesting effect.
How it's achieved: The brushed finish is created by using a special brushing technique that removes the top layer of the granite in a controlled manner. This process leaves behind a textured surface with a soft, matte finish.
Applications: Brushed finish granite is a versatile choice that can be used in various settings. It's particularly popular for countertops, floors, and backsplashes due to its unique appearance and durability. Its textured surface adds a touch of character and interest to any space.
9/ Sandblasted Finish Granite
Appearance: Sandblasted finish granite has a rough, textured surface that resembles the appearance of sand. It's characterized by small, irregular pits and grooves that create a visually interesting effect.
How it's achieved: The sandblasted finish is created by blasting the granite surface with sand, which removes the top layer of the granite and creates a textured surface.
Applications: Sandblasted finish granite is a popular choice for outdoor applications, such as patios, walkways, and garden features. Its rugged appearance and durability make it well-suited for these environments. It can also be used indoors for flooring or accent walls to add a touch of drama and visual interest.
10/ Acid Etched Finish Granite
Appearance: Acid etched finish granite has a matte, textured surface with a slightly pitted appearance. It's characterized by a soft, velvety texture and a subdued, non-reflective finish.
How it's achieved: The acid etched finish is created by applying a chemical solution to the granite surface. The acid reacts with the minerals in the granite, creating a textured surface with a slightly pitted appearance.
Applications: Acid etched finish granite is a versatile choice that can be used in various settings. It's particularly popular for countertops, floors, and backsplashes due to its unique appearance and durability. Its textured surface adds a touch of character and interest to any space.
Comparison Table: 10 Granite Finishes and Their Applications
Finish Type | Appearance | How It’s Achieved | Best Applications | Key Benefits |
Matt Finish | Smooth, non-reflective, soft texture | Honing after polishing | Countertops, floors, backsplashes | Hides smudges, elegant & practical |
Flamed Finish | Rough, rugged, textured | Exposed to high heat then quenched | Outdoor patios, walkways, garden features | Slip-resistant, durable outdoors |
Leather Finish | Soft, velvety, subtle sheen | Special honing technique | Countertops, floors, backsplashes | Luxurious look, scratch/stain resistant |
Glossy Finish | Highly reflective, mirror-like | Polished with abrasives | High-end kitchens, bathrooms, walls | Elegant, enhances light, premium appeal |
Lapotra Finish | Textured, lizard-skin effect | Controlled honing process | Countertops, floors, backsplashes | Unique texture, adds character |
Honed Finish | Smooth, matte, velvety | Honing to remove polish | High-traffic floors, kitchen counters | Low maintenance, non-reflective |
Polished Finish | Shiny, reflective, luxurious | Multiple stages of polishing | Kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces | Classic look, long-lasting durability |
Brushed Finish | Textured, linear, brushed-metal look | Surface brushed with abrasives | Floors, counters, feature walls | Adds warmth & character |
Sandblasted Finish | Rough, grainy, pitted | Blasted with sand particles | Outdoor paving, walls, steps | Slip-resistant, weatherproof |
Acid-Etched Finish | Matte, slightly pitted, soft texture | Treated with acid solution | Countertops, walls, backsplashes | Unique, artistic, non-reflective |
Tips For Critical Care and Maintenance of Granite Finishes
Extensive maintenance and care are vital to maintaining their beauty and prolonged durability no matter what granite finish they choose.
Granite is a durable natural stone that has considerable strength and resilience, however, without proper maintenance, the surface of the material also loses what makes it an eye-catching choice. Every finish possesses its own features, and knowing how to care about your finish will assist you in keeping your investment product looking like new.
- Regular Cleaning
Granite can never be cleaned using coarse materials or strong cleaners of a high PH. Never use harsh chemicals, acid-based substances, such as vinegar, or harsh scrub pads as they may damage the surface or cause it to lose its shiny surface.
In case of polished and glossy surfaces, frequent wiping is necessary to clean fingerprints, smudges, and water marks. Matte and honed finishes are also easier to conceal marks in but will also require their gentle cleaning because of the consistency.
- Granite Surfaces Sealing
Most granite finishes, particularly the textured finishes such as flamed, brushed or sandblasted, need to be periodically sealed to prevent staining. Sealant is used to prevent spills, oils, moisture, and is a high quality protective layer.
Granite countertops should be sealed once or twice a year according to experts. The polished finishes are mostly sensitive to sealing; they require less sealing as compared to the honed or leather finishes.
- Protecting. Heat and Scratches
Even though granite does not get damaged by heat, it is always advisable to place hot pads under pans and pots to avoid the problem of thermal shock that can crack this granite.
Direct cutting on granite surfaces is not advised because it sharpens knives and puts scars on surfaces. Use of preparation boards helps in prolonging both the granite and the kitchen utensils you use.
- Contact Stains Immediately
Light colored granite surfaces are more prone to stains which this happens when spills are left unattended. Common suspects are wine, coffee and oil. To avoid severe, irreparable damage, clean spills as soon as they occur thoroughly, and use a special granite cleaner. With ingrained stains a poultice paste might be used to pull out stains gently and to avoid stripping the finish.
- Avoidance of Heavy Impact
Granite is strong but puncture or heavy pull items falling on the surface may cause a chip or crack. Remember to be careful when carrying dense cookware or appliances or decorative objects close to granite counters.
- Longevity Professional Care
Professional stone care services can also be utilized to deep clean, and re-polish, or to restore the dull surfaces in your granite. Whether one wants to re-hone a matte or re-polish a glossy, professionals make sure that the finish takes on the same look as before.
Client Testimonial
UrbanNest Constructions – India
Partnering with Quality Marble Exports has transformed the way we approach flooring in our premium housing projects. Their granite selection not only impressed our architects but also gave our buyers the assurance of long-lasting quality. Timely delivery, bulk supply management, and consistent finishes made the entire process smooth. We’ve seen a marked increase in customer satisfaction and property value since integrating their granite solutions into our developments.
Case Study: Granite Flooring for a Luxury Housing Project
Client: UrbanNest Constructions, a premium real estate developer in India.
Problem: They struggled with inconsistent granite supply and uneven quality, leading to project delays and dissatisfied buyers.
Solution: Partnered with Quality Marble Exports for reliable sourcing, bulk delivery, and high-quality granite in customized finishes.
Impact: Achieved timely project completion, enhanced property aesthetics, boosted buyer satisfaction, and increased overall property value.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right finish depends on several factors, including your personal preference, the overall style of your space, and the intended use of the granite. Consider the level of maintenance you're willing to put in and the desired level of reflectivity.
To explore a wide range of granite finishes and find the perfect option for your project, contact Quality Marbles India. Our experts can provide guidance and assistance in selecting the ideal granite finish to complement your design vision.
Trusted Sources on Granite Finishes
- MSI Surfaces: A leading global supplier of natural stone and quartz, MSI provides expert insights on polished, honed, leathered, and flamed granite finishes, including durability, aesthetics, and maintenance needs.
- Stone Galleria: An established Indian stone supplier offering a comprehensive guide to different granite finishes (polished, honed, flamed, leather, etc.), their production process, and ideal applications.
