Honing and polishing are the two ways marble is refinished, and the difference comes down to the finish you want. Honing gives marble a smooth, soft matte look. Polishing gives it a glossy, mirror-like shine. Both remove damage like etching and scratches. Here’s how each one works and how to choose.
What Is Marble Honing?
Honing uses diamond abrasives to grind the surface of the marble flat and smooth, leaving a satin or matte finish with little to no shine. It removes etching, scratches, dull traffic paths and lippage between tiles.
- Soft, natural, matte look
- Hides future etching and scratches better than a high polish
- More slip resistant, good for bathroom floors and high-traffic areas
What Is Marble Polishing?
Polishing starts the same way, then continues through finer and finer diamonds until the marble reflects light like glass. The shine comes from the stone itself, not from a wax or coating.
- High-gloss, mirror-like shine
- Deepens the color and veining of the marble
- Classic look for foyers, living areas and countertops
Honed vs. Polished: Which Should You Choose?
It’s mostly about the look you love and how the space is used. Honed marble is forgiving in kitchens and bathrooms where etching and wear happen often. Polished marble is a showpiece in foyers and formal rooms. And it doesn’t have to be one or the other. We offer every sheen in between, so you can choose exactly how much shine you want.
How We Hone and Polish Marble
- Repair: we fill chips, holes and cracks so the finish is even.
- Diamond refinish: we mechanically refinish the marble with diamonds, step by step, to remove etching, scratches and dullness. No waxes or coatings that wear off.
- Detail by hand: edges and corners the machines can’t reach are finished by hand.
- Finish to your sheen: from honed matte to high polish.
- Protect: floors are sealed. For marble countertops, we recommend MORE AntiEtch, which stops etching for good.
How Much Does Marble Honing or Polishing Cost?
Marble floors typically start around $5 per square foot, and countertops around $30 per square foot, with minimums for smaller jobs. Most jobs are done in a day, and floors can be walked on right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does honing remove etching?
Yes. Honing and polishing both remove etching, scratches and dull spots by refinishing the surface of the stone.
Is honed marble harder to clean?
Not really. It’s slightly more porous than polished marble, so it should be sealed, and cleaned with a pH-neutral stone cleaner.
Can polished marble be changed to honed, or the other way around?
Yes. We can take your marble to any sheen, from matte to high polish.
How do I stop my marble countertops from etching?
Sealer won’t stop etching. MORE AntiEtch is a clear protective film that keeps acids from touching the marble, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Get Your Marble Looking New Again
Prestige Grout has been honing and polishing marble across Chicagoland since 2012. See our marble polishing and repair services and MORE AntiEtch countertop protection, or call or text (708) 582-6904 for a free quote.
