Countertop Honing in Glencoe, 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 Glencoe
- Winnetka Marble Shower Grout Cleaning & Sealing (Winnetka, Marble): Full marble subway tile shower restoration in this beautiful Winnetka home. Professional grout cleaning using 300°F vapor steam eliminated deep-set mold and mildew from every grout line. Hexagonal marble floor tiles were honed and polished to restore their original luster. All shower caulking was removed and replaced with premium mildew-resistant silicone. Complete penetrating sealer application protects this shower from hard water deposits and soap scum for 2-3 years.
- 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.
- Highland Park Calacatta Marble Vanity Restoration (Highland Park, Marble): This stunning Calacatta marble double vanity in a Highland Park estate had developed deep etch marks and water stains around both sink basins. Years of daily use with acidic products had dulled the once-brilliant surface. Our team performed a multi-step diamond honing process to remove the etching, followed by a high-gloss polish that brought the dramatic grey veining back to life. We also sealed all surfaces with a premium impregnating sealer to protect against future staining. The homeowner was thrilled to see their vanity looking better than the day it was installed.
What Glencoe customers say
- "Our slate floors in the mudroom were peeling and flaking. Granite Heroes stripped, cleaned, and resealed them. They look better than when the house was built 30 years ago." — Thomas B., Glencoe, IL (Google review)
- "Our limestone fireplace was covered in soot and smoke damage. Granite Heroes brought it back to its original beauty. The attention to detail was extraordinary." — Patricia M., Winnetka, 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)
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.