Even dark granite that has been honed to a patina that isn't necessarily glossy will feature fingerprints. Reduce Dust on Granite Surfaces If you've already installed dark granite countertops with a shiny finish, it's in your best interest to clean them frequently.
Honed granite countertops require the same basic maintenance as polished, but with one caveat. You might think the added texture of a honed surface would hide water spots and fingerprints, just as it camouflages scratches. But in fact, these daily signs of use may be more visible.
Honed black granite can be extremely difficult to keep looking clean. Its unlikely to actually stain but it will show every fingerprint and oil splatter and take a frustrating amount of elbow grease to get it clean without streaks everywhere.
Black Countertops Are Harder to Keep Clean
But on the downside, it does make it so that fingerprints, water rings, and soapy residue also will be visible. No matter what, you should wipe down the color or material you choose for your countertops daily anyway.
Dusting them off with a soft cloth that doesn't leave lint residue is a start, but you should also wipe the counters down with a specially formulated granite countertop cleaner. The idea is not only to wipe away fingerprints, but also to eliminate dust accumulation. Never use common household cleaners on granite.
Black Countertops Never Go Out of Style
Black countertops can be timeless, but updating finishes is key to keeping things fresh.
Can show fingerprints: Requires regular cleaning to maintain its appearance. May be more expensive than lighter-colored granites: Pricing can vary depending on the specific type and quality of black granite.
Honed granite is different. It's recommended that you seal it every 2 to 3 months. Although this may seem like a lot of work, it's a small price to pay for such a unique slab of granite. Even though honed granite needs to be sealed more often than polished granite, you can still use the same kind of sealant on both.
Cleaning Granite Countertops
Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Instead, a little soap and water should do the trick. Add dish soap and warm water to a sponge, get a good lather and begin cleaning. Avoid using abrasive pads, as granite can be scratched.
While you can technically place a hot pan directly on your countertop briefly without sustaining long term damage, it's not a good idea to do so. There are several reasons why we always recommend using a trivet, pad or potholder when placing a hot pan on a granite countertop.
While they are both durable options, there is still a great debate on which one is better. Honed granite provides a more subtle appearance but may be more susceptible to staining. Leathered granite provides a textured look and feel, yet some claim that it might be easier to care for than a honed finish.
White granite countertops are a classic choice that never goes out of style.
Marble, granite, and stainless steel are all remarkable at reducing the appearance of fingerprints, but they also all need a different kind of cleaning solution. If you spill something on the countertop, don't wait to mop it up.
Hard to stain
Unlike polished or honed finishes, spills are less likely to penetrate and leave lasting marks on leathered granite. This textured surface also minimizes the visibility of fingerprints and water spots, a major advantage for those who prefer low-maintenance countertops.
Honed granite is more resistant to scratches because of its matte finish. Unlike with a polished surface, honed granite does get scratched, it is less noticeable because the scratch won't be as easy to see when light reflects off it.
Wiping liquid on the countertop will actually spread it more. This is even truer for honed granite because the smooth surface is more susceptible to liquids than polished granite. Even if it is sealed, a honed granite counter may still discolor or stain from food and drink spills.
If left unsealed, granite countertops can become vulnerable to stains and damage over time. Granite, being a porous material, naturally absorbs liquids. Without proper sealing, liquids spilled in the kitchen, such as wine, oil, coffee, or food can seep into the pores, leaving behind stubborn stains.
As a general rule, darker granite tends to be less porous and, therefore, will require less (or no) sealing.
Black Kitchens Are at the Forefront of Style
Besides black, which is clearly dominating the trends in kitchen design in 2024, there are other colors that are also becoming more popular. Mint brings out freshness and lightness in a space, while grey gives a kitchen a modern, sophisticated look.
If after a few minutes the water has soaked into the granite, then it's time to reseal the stone. DON'T: Use harsh or abrasive cleaners and sponges. Windex; acidic cleaners, like vinegar, lemon, lime; or anything with ammonia or bleach should be avoided.
Black granite is also comprehended for its durability, another edge over white granite. It is highly resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks, making it a perfect choice for places with high foot traffic.
Glorious Granite in Your Home
The truth is, 2024 is a great year for granite!
Classic Elegance: White Cabinets with Black Granite Countertops. White is undoubtedly the best color to use in conjunction with black elements. The classic black and white color scheme is always in style, and it can be used in almost any type of kitchen decorating scheme, from traditional to modern.