While they are both durable options there is still a great debate on which one is better.
Leathered granite staining.
Also because of the more muted surface fingerprints and water spots are not as visible.
Due to the tightened pores that are a result of the leathering process leathered granite will have a natural anti bacterial defense as well as the aforementioned stain and smudge resistance.
Leathered granite is more stain resistant than honed granite and disguises smudges and water spots better than polished granite.
This means less polishing and maintenance to keep your countertops looking great.
Though granite stone is resistant to water damage and staining the naturally occurring pores in this rock can absorb water cleaners and other fluids or pieces of food and other substances get stuck in them.
The process of leathering granite slabs makes the stone more stain resistant due to the fact that the stone pores are closed.
The process features moving of diamond tipped brushes across the surface of the granite.
However leathered granite is non reflective and as a result can make a small space seem smaller.
What you have is not a stain stains occur when substances absorb into the stone turning the stone darker in color.
The leathering process does tighten up the millions of pores that pepper the surface of any granite.
Leathered granite hides smudges and stains easier than granite countertops that are polished or honed.
This makes it even more resistant to staining.
A leathered finish will also better accentuate your stone s natural color than a honed finish.
The leathered finish can hide fingerprints water stains smudges scratches and other spots better than a polished shiny finish.
In terms of cleaning you can use just soap and warm water to clean any granite countertop.
Because leathered granite is an uneven natural product trying to clean the textural components of the stone can be exceptionally challenging when compared to polished or honed surfaces.
You are not likely to ever stain this granite especially if it is sealed properly.
For leathered granite specifically you can use a hand broom to remove crumbs and dust that may become trapped in the grooves.
Your spot is a lighter pale grey color so you need to find out what is being etched.
Honed granite provides a more subtle appearance but may be more susceptible to staining.
Just to be clear.
There is no industry standard on what constitutes a leather finish on granite according to jeff handley member relations manager for the natural stone institute 440 250 9222.