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Honed Black Granite and Honed Antico Bianco

14 years ago

Went to stone yard today. I was sold on honed absolute black, but I'd never actually seen it in person. It seems to have a greyish cast to it. Is that how yours is if you have it? Is it just this fabricator? Since their honed ab/and other blacks were not what I was looking for, I looked at the antico bianco. I've always loved this stone. Any comments about it being honed? I have very shiny cabinets, and don't want too much shine.

Thanks.

Lisa

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Comments (5)

beekeeperswife
14 years ago
I've never seen the Bianco Antico honed. I have to say though that this stone really comes alive when it is polished with all of the mica in it. Here is a recent shot of mine....I still am in love with it!
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sandiandjerry
14 years ago
We have looked at honed angola black and like that as it has a little more flare to it.

Perhaps that is an option.
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"I think they applied the sealer incorrectly." It may have not needed sealer at all. If the stone is too dense to absorb the sealant - as most black granites are - the sealant sits on top of the stone, forming a haze. This is particularly noticeable if a dish or something is pulled across the counter, streaking the sealant. There are many granites that do not ever need to be sealed because they are too dense, but unfortunately, many fabricators apply sealant habitually, whether the granite needs it or not. The sealant can be removed with acetone. If you have some nail polish remover in the house, you can try that, since nail polish remover is acetone. Otherwise you can get acetone at Home Depot or hardware stores. A little goes a long way. It would be best to test an inconspicuous spot with the acetone, and wipe off, and see what happens. I say inconspicuos spot because there are some black granites being sold that have been dyed to be more black than they originally were. If that is the case with yours, then the acetone will take off the hazy sealant but also some of the black dye, so test in an inconspicuous spot.
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oopsie913
14 years ago
in case it isnt too late to offer an opinion. I chose, after much stressing, the honed absolute black. It certainly looks black enough to me and after some issues on whether or not I should seal or enhance it, I did neither and I love love love it. Yes, it is a bit more time to maintain the look but my love for this stone is now outweighing any maintainance stresses and I know I will never tire of it since it is like a canvas to me in my kitchen which is what I wanted. When honed is polished to the max, it will have a deeper black look, but there is not a person who comes in my kitchen who thinks it is anything but black. I think the honed just takes the 'bite ' out of the black. I am still considering just enhancing it which blackens the color and may make streaks not be noticeable, but as of now the unenhanced, unsealed is fine. I just did not want the shine/polished as I think it just makes the kitchen look too busy and with the honed it is more like an eggshell finish/softer. good luck in your decision. and Merry Christmas
tilequeen
14 years ago
Absolute black comes from Zimbabwe and that is the true black. India Black has larger grains and is a little gray but is often sold as Absolute. You might want to look at other yards and find the real Absolute Black.

Here is a link that might be useful: Artfiredearthstonetiles
oopsie913
14 years ago
I am pretty sure that mine is a true black, absolute black, but, yes, check it out. When any black is honed it will be less black looking no matter what because the polish is what brings out the black. When I am cleaning it, it is stark black at first and, to be honest I am glad that I didnt get it polished as it looks too stark against my white cabinets. I do see small grey flecks in it, but, like I said noone would ever think this is anything but black. That antico is awfully pretty though i must say. I hope you come to a conclusion that keeps you happy. I was thinking more the long term when I chose the black as I felt I could always change around it when I am bored. If I can ever figure out and have the time to learn how to post photos I will.

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