While this isn’t a common finish for granite countertops, it is one that you should consider. The finish is created using a tool that looks like a meat tenderizing hammer with triangular points on it. This tool is struck against the surface to provide a naturally weathered look with a slightly textured surface. This technique also tends to lighten the color of the stone. There are additional finish options, but most of them are just used for decorative purposes, because they are too porous and hard to clean to be used on countertops

Both the color and character of granite are enhanced by a water blast finish, whereas percussive finishes (honed, flamed or bush hammer) tend to fracture the crystals or whiten the stone. The water blast (or “hydro”) finish is created by focusing an extremely high-pressure jet of water across the face of the stone.

Granite is the only natural stone that can have a flamed finish due to the high heat applied to the surface of the stone. This makes the flamed finish pretty rare; in fact, it is most popular for outdoor kitchens, but it isn’t often used on indoor countertops. To create a flamed finish, granite is heated under extreme temperatures that cause the grains in the stone to burst and change color. The final product has a rougher surface with a natural and faded appearance. Countertops with flamed finishes are usually muted in color.

The most common finish for granite countertops is polished. The polished finish makes the surface of the granite countertop glossy and almost mirror-like. With a polished finish, the characteristics of the stone are highlighted. The colors and textures will be more vibrant. The polished finish it the easiest surface to clean; it is easy to keep countertops with a polished finish looking brand new as well. Additionally, the polished finish seals the pores of the stone to keep water and moisture out of the stone. Care for polished granite includes both resealing and polishing the stone in addition to keeping it clean.

The word Lappato has been derived from some Italian words. To produce Lappato finish, granite surface is first grinded by using an Machine and all the polish on the granite surface is removed.

Honed, also called matte or buffed, finish creates a very smooth surface without any gloss or reflection. To create this finish, the regular polish finishing process ends before the stone is buffed to create a flat finish, which is sometimes called a satin finish. Honed finishes are most popular on floors to prevent people from walking on the slippery surface created by polished stones. This finish can also be used on countertops, but it makes the granite more susceptible to staining. Since honed granite isn’t as slippery or stain-resistant than polished granite, you might need to reseal it more frequently. However, you won’t need to add polish to the stone.

The leathered finish, also called the brushed finish, is a relatively new finishing style. It is created by taking a honed surface and running diamond-tipped brushes over it to add texture with subtle dimples. Leathered finishes tend to look more sophisticated. Leathered countertops often keep the color of the natural stone, unlike with a honed finish. When compared to honed granite, leathered granite will be more stain-resistant. This surface finish hides water spots, fingerprints, and smudges.