Polished, satin, and honed granite refer to the different types of surface finishes applied to the face of natural stone. The "face of the stone" is the side of the stone which you will see and use. The surface finish you choose will affect the look and feel of your room and also the maintenance of your granite counter top.

The Polishing Process
 It all starts with a rough slab of granite. This slab is placed on an automated conveyor system which moves the slab through various stages of the finishing process.
The side of the slab to be finished is placed up on the conveyor belt and then this process begins.
The granite goes through a series of polishing wheels fitted with coarse abrasive pads and also finer polishing pads. These pads apply pressure to the stone grinding and buffing the stone as it moves through the finishing process. The surface finish of your stone is determined by where the finishing process ends.

Polished Finish
A polished surface finish is shiny and reflective. This is a glossy mirror like finish. The full color, depth, and crystal structure of the stone is visible. Your stone appears darker and the colors seem richer. A polished finish will highlight the character of your natural stone. This finish is considered the finest and smoothest finish available.

It is easier to keep your granite counter tops clean and free from staining. A polished finish seals or closes more of the pores of the stone surface which helps the stone repel moisture. It is nearly impervious to weather and chemical wear.

A polished finish does not mean you don't need to seal your stone. Some stones are really porous and need to be sealed regardless of the surface finish. (For Example: Kashmir White, Madura Gold, Shivakasky) if you're not sure, try the Water Test.

The harder the stone is the harder it is to polish. Therefore, your polished granite will retain it's shine for a long, long, time.

Satin Finish
A satin surface finish is a middle of the road finish. This is a newer surface finish which has a light or a faint gloss. It is not as shiny as the polished finish nor as matte like as the honed granite finish. It is in between the two.

Honed Granite
To achieve a honed surface finish, the finishing process ends prior to the buffing stage. The result is a smooth surface without reflection. The stone will have a matte like appearance. A perfectly honed granite finish is one without scratch marks. The finish remains flatter than a full gloss polish. Generally, this finish is preferred for floors, stairs, and other locations where the presence of water might make a polished finish slippery or where foot traffic may wear off a polished finish.

Honed granite can and is used for kitchen countertops. But, taking the high gloss polish off of your stone will decrease the depth of color and depending on the type of granite, make it more susceptible to surface staining. A color enhancer such as MB-6 Color Enhancer will help to minimize surface staining from things such as fingerprints and oil or grease marks.

There are other custom surface finishes available for granite such as the Diamond 8, antiqued. leathered or thermal finish. Consult with your fabricator as to the other custom surface finishes they offer and there suitability to your project.