Countertop Honing in Northbrook, 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 Northbrook
- 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.
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.
What Northbrook customers say
- "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 quarry tile entryway at the restaurant was a safety hazard — slippery and stained. Granite Heroes cleaned and treated it. Now it's safe, clean, and our customers notice the difference." — Brian K., Deerfield, IL (Google review)
- "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)
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.