Guide
The same marble can be finished matte (honed) or glossy (polished). The finish changes how the stone looks, feels and ages.
01
Polished marble is ground to a high shine. Colours and veining look deeper. Etch marks show as dull spots on the gloss.
02
Honed marble is ground smooth but not polished. It is matte and soft to the touch. Etch marks blend in. It can absorb stains slightly more easily, so sealing matters.
03
For a basin or a surface in daily use, honed is more forgiving. For a statement piece, polished shows the stone at its strongest. Either can be changed later by a stone specialist.
Questions
No. Honed marble has more grip than polished, which is why it is common on floors.
Yes. A stone specialist can change the finish.
Polished shows etching. Honed shows stains slightly more. Both need sealing.
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