I have to pick a counter top for a art studio work sink area and somehow it worked out that I have two options.

1.) plain, dark greyish-black granite with subtle gloss finish (bargain price)
2.) glossy white formica (the only formica material I would consider)

I don't have experience with either material, but was told formica has come a long way. Would I be nuts to pick formica over granite?

About the space and use: The sink space will be used like a utility sink i.e. wash up paint brushes. It is not a kitchen and there will be no pans to burn the formica. The room and cabinets will be various shades of white for the most part.

Both are pretty good, washable surfaces and both can also stain if you leave stuff sitting on them. I'd treat either surface carefully, putting down paper or plastic and not permitting chemicals or pignments to get on them to the degree possible. If there's a spill or splatter, just wipe it up right away.

My understanding is that the best materials for your application would be stainless steel (but it's always smeary and looks like hell unless you're constantly polishing it), or sealed soapstone (like they use in science labs) or quartz, which is less porous than granite.

Granite would probably hide stains better than white formica, but white formica can be bleached if you stain it (a little soft scrub with bleach squirted over the stain - let it sit a bit, then gently wipe it off with a soft cloth).

I'm jealous - I'd love an art studio, but alas... still in my dreams.