Countertop Honing in Des Plaines, 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
Recent honing jobs near Des Plaines
- Granite Countertop Polishing & Sealing in Park Ridge, IL (Park Ridge, Granite): This project involved restoring a worn granite kitchen island that had lost its natural clarity and reflective finish due to everyday use and surface abrasion. Over time, granite surfaces can develop micro-scratches, dull traffic patterns, and reduced light reflection, especially in high-use areas such as kitchen islands and food preparation surfaces. Our Granite Heroes restoration process is designed to remove this wear while restoring the natural depth and brilliance of the stone. The process began with a multi-stage diamond honing system to carefully refine the granite surface. This step removes microscopic surface damage and levels the…
- 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.
- Northbrook White Marble Kitchen Countertop Restoration (Northbrook, Marble): A Northbrook family kitchen with beautiful white Danby marble countertops had suffered from significant staining and etching near the sink area. The once-pristine surface showed discoloration from coffee, wine, and everyday cooking. Our team performed a full countertop restoration, starting with stain removal using specialized poultices, followed by diamond honing to eliminate etch marks. We brought the surface to a soft honed finish that matched the homeowner's preference, and applied a high-performance sealer. The farmhouse sink area received special attention to ensure a seamless, clean transition.
Reviews from customers near Des Plaines
- "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)
- "You guys are the most amazing business owners I've ever dealt with. Thank you for coming out and polishing the bathroom marble. The work is absolutely flawless and most professional I've seen." — Denny D Speed, Edison Park, IL (Google review)
- "Granite Heroes refinished our soapstone countertops and they look absolutely stunning. The natural patina they achieved is exactly what we wanted. True craftsmen who care about their work." — Nancy S., Glenview, 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.