What is a Honed Quartz Finish?
A honed finish gives quartz a smooth, matte look. The manufacturing process does not polish the surface to a glossy shine like a polished quartz countertop. Instead, a honed quartz countertop has more of a soft, natural stone appearance without the high-gloss sheen.
Here are a few key characteristics of a honed quartz finish:
- Flat, matte surface without any glossy shine
- Smooth to the touch but not slick like polished quartz
- Muted tone that looks more natural than polished
- Still non-porous but may show oil, water marks more easily
- Fingerprints and smudges less visible than on polished
Many homeowners prefer honed quartz because it provides an understated, earthy look perfect for modern or farmhouse style kitchens. The flat finish hides fingerprints and smudges better than polished. However, honed quartz requires more frequent cleaning to keep oil and water marks from building up.
Can You Refinish a Honed Quartz Surface?
Unlike natural stone, you cannot polish or hone a quartz surface yourself. The finish is set during manufacturing, so you would need to replace the countertop entirely to change from a honed to polished look.
However, it is possible to have a professional fabricator polish a honed quartz countertop. They use specialty diamond abrasives and polishing pads with an orbital sander to carefully buff out the matte finish. This brings back the high-gloss shine of a polished surface.
The process is labor-intensive and could take many hours to complete for an entire countertop. You also run the risk of causing permanent damage if the fabricator is not highly skilled at quartz polishing. So the cost can be considerable to have your honed quartz countertops professionally polished.
Pros and Cons of Polishing Honed Quartz
Before deciding to polish your honed quartz countertops, weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks:
Pros:
- Restore factory-finish glossy shine
- Easier to keep clean and prevent buildup
- More light reflection for brighter, open look
- Matches polished quartz on perimeter areas
- Avoid cost of new countertop replacement
Cons:
- Very expensive, specialized process
- Permanent damage risk from improper technique
- Loss of matte, natural stone look
- More visible fingerprints and smudges
- Potential warranty issues with manufacturer
For many homeowners, the cost and risks outweigh the benefits of refinishing to a polished quartz surface. The matte honed finish is part of the natural look they wanted in the first place.
However, if you made a mistake selecting honed instead of polished quartz, or need to match new installations, professional refinishing can restore the glossy appearance. Just make sure to hire an experienced fabricator to get the job done right.
Maintaining and Cleaning Honed Quartz
To keep your honed quartz countertops looking their best, follow these care and cleaning tips:
- Wipe up spills immediately to prevent stains setting in surface
- Clean with soft cloth and mild non-abrasive cleaner
- Avoid acidic or harsh cleaners that could etch surface
- Use sealers/impregnators to repel oil, water marks if needed
- Don’t use waxes, polishes meant for natural stone
- Blot dried liquids instead of scrubbing aggressively
- Rub gently with baking soda paste to remove tough stains
- Reseal occasionally per manufacturer instructions
With proper care and cleaning, you can enjoy the soft, natural beauty of honed quartz countertops for years to come. Avoid excessive scrubbing and only use recommended products to clean. This will minimize the oil and watermarks that can build up over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I polish my honed quartz countertop myself at home?
No, you should never try to polish a quartz surface yourself. The finish can only be changed by a professional fabricator with specialized tools and techniques. DIY polishing will likely cause permanent damage.
How much does it cost to professionally polish a honed quartz countertop?
Costs vary based on the size of the surface and fabrication shop. However, expect to pay $100-200 per linear foot for professional refinishing of a honed quartz countertop.
What are the risks of having my quartz countertop polished?
Risks include causing Scratches, swirl marks, gloss inconsistencies, and voiding the manufacturer’s warranty if done improperly. Only hire an experienced, reputable professional.
Does polishing honed quartz impact its durability?
No, it does not affect the strength or stain resistance of the material itself. However, the higher-gloss finish requires more frequent cleaning to keep oil and water marks from building up.
Can you polish just one section of a honed quartz countertop?
Yes, a good fabricator can polish only a portion of the surface, such as a perimeter to match new installations. This allows keeping the majority with the original honed finish.
Conclusion
While it is possible to professionally refinish honed quartz countertops to a polished gloss, it is a very expensive process requiring specialized skills. The risks and costs often outweigh the benefits for most homeowners. Maintaining honed quartz properly, avoiding abrasive cleaners and resealing when needed, will keep the surface looking its best. But if you decide that polishing is worth the investment to change the look or match other areas, be sure to hire a reputable and experienced fabricator. With care and proper cleaning, your beautiful quartz countertops can look pristine for years, whether you opt for a honed or polished finish.