Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. Known for their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance, quartz counters offer many benefits compared to natural stone and other materials. However, one common question that arises is whether all quartz countertops have a shiny or glossy look. The answer is no – quartz counters can have a range of finishes, from matte to polished.
What Gives Quartz Countertops Their Signature Sparkle?
The sparkly, shimmery look that quartz is known for comes from small flecks of mica and quartz crystals blended into the engineered stone material. Quartz counters are made from roughly 90% ground natural quartz aggregates combined with resins and pigments. The remaining 10% consists of those eye-catching mica and quartz pieces that reflect light. Their presence gives many quartz slabs a lustrous sheen.
However, not all quartz counters have a high concentration of mica and glittering quartz chips. The amount used in the fabrication process can vary. Certain aesthetic styles also embrace a more subdued, concrete-like look. So if you prefer less shine, there are plenty of quartz options that fit the bill.
Common Finishes for Quartz Countertops
Quartz slabs come in slab and tile forms with different gloss levels. These are some of the most prevalent finishes you’ll encounter:
Polished Finish
A polished finish gives quartz counters their signature glossy appearance. Numerous brands offer a high-sheen polished option that showcases mica flecks and quartz sparkle to the max. Polished quartz is smooth and reflective like glass. The glimmering surface highlights the stone’s colors and patterns beautifully.
Honed Finish
Honed quartz has a matte, soft satin finish. This subtly lustrous texture does not reflect light as intensely as polished quartz. Honed finishes mute the vibrancy slightly for a more natural, concrete-inspired look. They offer an understated elegance perfect for modern and contemporary spaces.
Concrete Finish
Concrete-style quartz selections embrace a worn, industrial aesthetic. Concrete finish options incorporate shade variations and subtle markings to mimic the look of exposed concrete. Their matte, porous texture lacks the gloss of polished quartz. Concrete quartz counters have an earthy, muted appearance.
Leather Finish
Leather finish quartz counters get their name from their soft, pebbly texture. A leather finish has a gently textured matte surface that resembles natural leather. This finish scatters light softly instead of reflecting it sharply. Leather quartz counters inject warmth and a subtle pattern into kitchens and baths.
Suede Finish
Suede has a velvety look and ultra-soft feel. Suede finish quartz mimics the same delicate, nubby texture of fine suede. This matte textured surface avoids any harsh light reflections. Suede quartz offers understated elegance perfect for traditional home interiors.
As you browse different quartz products and lines, you’ll notice these terms frequently used to describe the surface styles. Keep in mind that terminology can vary slightly by manufacturer. For example, some brands use “satin” and “honed” interchangeably.
Always preview quartz slab samples in person to get a firsthand impression of the finish. If possible, view large pieces since shine and texture are harder to gauge on tiny chips.
Factors That Impact Quartz Countertop Shine
Certain characteristics inherent to the material impact how lustrous or matte a quartz counter appears. Here are some things that affect the look:
Mica Content
As mentioned, small flecks of mica are responsible for most of quartz’s signature sparkle. Standard quartz contains 3-5% mica. However, the mica concentration can range from as low as 1% to up to 15%. Slabs with higher mica quantities tend to have more surface shine. Designs embracing the industrial, concrete aesthetic typically incorporate less mica.
Quartz Chip Size and Concentration
Bits of crushed quartz minerals interspersed throughout the material also amplify shine. Larger quartz pieces make more of an impact than fine particles. Plus, higher concentrations translate to more light bouncing off the stone. So the dimension and distribution of quartz chips influence overall reflectivity.
Pattern
Patterning significantly affects how light dances across the stone’s surface. Bold, busy designs with strong contrast can accentuate quartz’s radiance. Solid, monotone colors and subtle patterns tend to be less reflective. Distinct flecks in a uniform background appear especially sparkly.
Pigments
Color choices also factor into the shine equation. Light hues like whites and pastels pop more brilliantly against dark minerals and aggregates. Deep, bold jewel tones and black absorb light rather than reflecting it back vigorously. So pigments imparting color stabilize the overall look.
Finish Style
As explained previously, finish dictates the degree of light reflection. Polished and glossy finishes maximize sheen, while hones, concretes, suedes, and leathers offer more subdued matte textures. Surface finish essentially determines baseline luminosity that other attributes build upon.
Most Popular High-Shine Quartz Countertop Brands and Lines
For those desiring an eye-catching quartz countertop with serious radiance, certain brands stand out for their lustrous polished options. Here are some of the most popular:
Cambria Quartz
Known for its dazzling designs, Cambria’s polished quartz surfaces make a sparkling style statement. Many polished options like Brittanicca, Ella, and Seagrove channels the stone’s brilliance. Cambria offers a lifetime shine warranty, so you don’t have to worry about luster fading.
Caesarstone Quartz
Caesarstone is a leader in bold, vibrant quartz with luminous shine. Their Metropolitan Collection includes captivating designs like Cosmopolitan White and Nougat Glass that emulate natural stone’s radiance. Many polished Caesarstone options contain higher mica concentrations for amplified sheen.
Silestone Quartz
Silestone offers a range of brightly polished quartz selections in the Blanco Zeus, Eternal Calacatta Gold, and other popular lines. These lush surfaces make kitchen details pop through light refraction. Silestone’s polished finishes expertly highlight innate beauty in the natural quartz minerals.
Viatera Quartz
Viatera’s premium polished options contain vibrant natural quartz and shimmering mirror-like particles. Choices like Super White and Lyra dazzle with dance floor-worthy shine. Their proprietary HybriQ+ technology creates unparalleled vibrancy and depth.
LG Hausys Viatera Quartz
LG Viatera collections like the Hi-Lite and Royal Crystal boast a specialized formula yielding optimum light reflection. These styles maximize luminous quartz and mica for visually impactful shine. LG Viatera offers a range of polished colors to match any design vision.
Wilsonart Quartz
Wilsonart’s polished selections showcase high-energy designs emulating natural stone’s radiance. Options like White Palace, Taj Mahal, and Beach Glass capture light beautifully thanks to abundant quartz and mica. Their HD polish technique optimizes the reflective surface.
Compac Quartz
Compac marble-look designs like Carrara Mist, Calacatta Nuvo, and Statuario Nuvo emulate the coveted sheen of natural Italian marble. Their polished finish allows lovely veining and patterns to shine. Compac also offers more modern concretes and mattes.
These leading brands each offer an array of polished quartz counters with luminosity to spare. Always inspect current design collections to get a sense of each company’s visual style. Keep in mind that shine intensity can vary across product lines.
Tips for Keeping Quartz Countertops Shiny
To keep quartz surfaces gleaming, adhere to the manufacturer’s care recommendations. Here are some general upkeep guidelines:
- Clean quartz regularly with a mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or pads that could dull the finish.
- Blot spills quickly to minimize staining risk. Acids like lemon juice and wine can etch highly polished quartz surfaces.
- Reseal quartz counters every 1-2 years with a penetrating sealing product made for engineered stone. Sealing protects shine.
- Avoid exposing quartz counters to excessive heat. Trivets and hot pads are a must for protecting highly reflective polished finishes.
With proper care, quartz countertops should retain their original sparkle and luster for many years of use. Most manufacturers warranty their finishes against fading or losing shine.
Achieving the Desired Shine Level in Your Space
When selecting quartz counters, decide whether you favor a bold, brilliant look or more subtle muted aesthetic. Keep these pointers in mind:
- View large slab samples in person to gauge shine intensity accurately. Focus on how different finishes complement your space.
- Opt for polished quartz to maximize radiance. Hones, concretes, suedes and leathers offer more matte textured options.
- Quartz countertops can be fabricated to different levels of polish. Many fabricators offer a range of shine options from faint to intense.
- Certain aesthetic styles like contemporary, modern, urban, and mid-century suit highly reflective quartz. Traditional spaces may benefit from honed finishes.
- Neutrals, pastels, and lighter quartz colors tend to pop more than darker hues with bolder pigments.
- Busy particulate-heavy patterns reflect more light than minimalist solid slab designs.
Consider your overall design vision, space vibe, and style preferences when selecting the ideal shine factor. By tailoring quartz finish and luminosity, you can create exactly the look you desire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What finish is the shiniest for quartz?
A polished finish offers the most light-reflective shine. Quartz with a polished surface highlights mica flecks and vibrant colors beautifully.
Do all quartz counters contain mica?
Most quartz contains 3-5% mica particles that provide a sparkly look. Certain concrete-inspired designs embrace a matte style with minimal mica. Always check the mica concentration if shine is a priority.
Is there a big difference in shine between honed and polished quartz?
Yes, hones have a much more matte, subtle surface compared to the intense gloss of polished quartz. Honed finishes purposefully downplay shine. Polished maximizes radiance and reflection.
Does polished quartz shine fade over time?
With proper care, polished quartz counters retain their original shine for many years. Most manufacturers offer warranties ensuring the finish does not dull or fade with regular use. Just avoid abrasives that could erode the glossy surface.
Can you make a polished quartz slab matte?
Yes, quartz fabricators can adjust the level of polish to achieve a more honed look. They sand and process the slabs to the desired shine specification. However, matte finishes cannot be made polished post-fabrication.
Is shiny quartz hard to keep clean?
Not at all! High-gloss quartz resists smudges, fingerprints and watermarks beautifully. Liquids tend to bead up and wipe away without leaving residue. Just use mild cleaners to avoid eroding the polished surface over time.
Conclusion
While brilliantly polished options portray quartz in its most luminous light, not every slab or design has an ultra-shiny finish. The mica content, particle sizes, coloration, and overall aesthetic impact light refraction differently across products. Plus, matte, honed styles offer an appealing muted alternative. By understanding what factors contribute to shine, you can select the perfect quartz for your desired visual style. Previewing large samples in advance allows you to judge reflectivity accurately. With a range of gorgeous options from boldly polished to subtly matte, quartz offers looks to suit both minimalists and maximalists alike.