Countertop Honing in Arlington Heights, IL
Honing uses diamond abrasives with water to remove a very thin layer of the stone surface. It takes out etch marks, light scratches and worn spots, and leaves an even matte or satin finish. Honing is also the first step before polishing a countertop back to a shine.
What does honing a marble countertop do?
Honing removes a thin layer of the surface with diamond abrasives and water. It takes out etch marks from lemon, wine and cleaners, light scratches and worn spots, and leaves an even matte or satin finish. It can be the final finish or the step before polishing. Send us photos for a quote.
Signs your countertop needs honing
- Dull rings from glasses, lemon or wine
- Etch marks from acidic cleaners
- Light scratches you can feel
- Worn spots near the sink and cooktop
- Uneven sheen across the countertop
Our process
- Protect Cabinets, walls and appliances are masked to control water and slurry.
- Diamond hone We work through progressively finer diamond grits to remove the damage.
- Even the finish The whole surface is blended so there are no patchy areas.
- Clean Slurry is removed and the stone is rinsed and dried.
- Seal We recommend sealing after honing, since a matte finish is more open.
Stones we work on
Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Soapstone, Granite
Real honing jobs in Arlington Heights
- Limestone Island Countertop Polishing (Arlington Heights, Limestone): Polished and sealed a limestone kitchen island countertop in Arlington Heights. The porous limestone had developed etch marks from acidic foods and beverages. We carefully honed out the damage, polished to the homeowner's desired finish level, and applied a premium impregnating sealer. Caulking around the island base and backsplash was replaced for a clean, finished look.
More real honing jobs
- River North Marble Bathroom Transformation (Chicago, Marble): Complete marble bathroom restoration in a River North luxury condo. The Carrara marble shower, floor, and vanity had severe soap scum buildup, etching, and grout discoloration. Our team performed deep cleaning, re-honed all surfaces, repaired chips, re-grouted with epoxy grout, and sealed all surfaces for long-lasting protection.
- Deerfield Estate Marble Foyer Restoration (Deerfield, Marble): Complete restoration of a grand entryway featuring classic black-and-white checkerboard marble flooring. Years of foot traffic had dulled the surface and left micro-scratches across each tile. Our team diamond-honed each panel, re-leveled lippage between tiles, and applied a high-gloss crystallization finish that restored the floor to its original elegance.
Reviews from customers near Arlington Heights
- "Our hotel lobby's terrazzo floors get thousands of foot-traffic daily. Granite Heroes set up a maintenance program that keeps them looking pristine year-round. Essential partners for our property." — Steve P., Schaumburg, IL (Google review)
- "Our travertine floors were dull and lifeless. There were areas where the grout was dirty and brittle. I am extremely happy with the results of their work. The foyer, bathroom, shower and countertops all look amazing." — Debra F., Northbrook, IL (Google review)
- "Our ceramic tile backsplash grout was completely discolored. Granite Heroes cleaned and color-sealed every joint. It looks brand new and I can't stop showing it off to friends." — Emily C., Park Ridge, IL (Google review)
What is the difference between honing and polishing?
Honing leaves a matte or satin finish and removes surface damage. Polishing continues to finer grits to bring back a reflective shine.
Does honed marble etch less?
Honed marble still reacts to acids, but etch marks are much less visible on a matte finish than on a polished one.
How much does countertop honing cost?
It depends on the square footage and the amount of damage. Send us photos and we will reply with a quote.