Does anyone have anything positive to say about using absolute black l

10 years ago

We bought an amazing farmhouse and have begun updating. I love the look of AB leathered granite and installed it 2 days ago. Now I am reading that they are a nightmare to maintain and easily scratch and discolor. Have I just made a huge mistake? They do look fabulous!! Hope to keep it that way..

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Amy Schwartz Singer

10 years ago

Have had absolute black counters for over 10 years. Granite is hard and durable. Like all natural materials, some maintenance is required. We seal it probably once a year ourselves. Easy to do. Otherwise, a breeze

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Comments (11)

Kathy
10 years ago
My niece has had it for years with no problem...I have had no experience myself. I have never heard her complain and I remember her saying it was easier to maintain. Your kitchen does look beautiful.
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ArtzeeDesigns Plasker
Original Author
10 years ago
Amy, do you have a leathered finish or is it shiny black? I'm now reading that you can't seal the leathered finishes, but I'm not sure.
odin08075
10 years ago
I have had absolute black counters on the permitter of my kitchen that look as good as the day they were installed. They don't make a design statement and blend in nicely with my cherry cabinets and the granite on my large island which is very busy. Yes they need to be wiped down daily to look good, but then again I wipe everything down because I am fussy.
baileysr
10 years ago
I have a leathered finish (not absolute black, though) and sealing it is easy. Takes maybe 10 minutes to do the whole kitchen, maybe once a year (or so....). Just wipe on with a sponge and you're done.
Josie Critt
10 years ago
Odin08075 Would you post a picture? I'm looking for colors for my cherry cabs. Debi, I have several friends with this and they absolutely love it. We have hard water, which was a worry to me, but they said it a makes them better housekeepers as they just keep it wiped up. Your kitchen is beautiful, classic.
ArtzeeDesigns Plasker
Original Author
10 years ago
This is making me feel a little better, thank you. I do notice that I'm wiping them constantly because even a little bit of water shows up a lot (darkens it up) until it dries. I've never had leathered or honed counters, guess I'll get used to it.
Amy Schwartz Singer
10 years ago
I have the leather head finish. yes, it can be sealed
Josie Critt
10 years ago
If it is darkening, it probably needs to be sealed. Is water beading on the surface?
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JAN MOYER
10 years ago
Seal it. And ALL black tops, matte or glossy, need to be wiped dry, or you will see water spotting.
ArtzeeDesigns Plasker
Original Author
10 years ago
It's only darker when it's wet. As soon as the water dries it goes back to the original dark grey color. Yes, I'd say the water beads. But I also notice that it's slightly darker where I was using olive oil last night.