What Are Different Types of Stone Surface Finishes?
Stone surface finishes refers to the use of different processing treatments on the surface of the stone under the condition of ensuring the safety of the stone, so that it presents different material styles to meet various design requirements.
According to actual applications, it can be divided into three categories:
- Conventional surface finishes: Polished, honed, etc.
- Non-slip surface finishes: Acid-wash, leather, flamed, water-jet, bush-hammered, rough picked, etc.
- Decorative surface finishing: Antique, mushroom, natural, sandblasted, acid washing, etc.
1. Polished
Grinding, sanding, and buffing produces a high gloss, mirror-like surface. The surface is brilliant and shiny with a mirror effect. This type of finishing is suitable for almost all kinds of stones. A polished finish is quite popular as it enhances the color and markings of the material. Popular uses include: interior and exterior wall cladding, interior paving, fireplace facing and hearth, lavatory tops, residential and commercial counter tops, table tops, etc.
2. Honed
Grinding and sanding produces a smooth, yet not glossy finish. This is best for low maintenance, high traffic applications. Honed finishes unlike polished finishes are not reflective. The honed finish is a satin smooth surface with little light reflection.
3. Flamed
A flamed finish is one of the most popular finishes for external use where slip resistance is a concern. Produced by applying a high-temperature flame to the surface of the stone which creates thermal shock and causes the inherent crystals to fracture, resulting in a deeply textured surface ideal for external surfaces. Mainly used on granites.
4. Bush Hammered
A highly textured finish, best used for exterior applications such as paving or sidewalks. A mechanical hammer hits the stone, leaving small dents on the surface. The surface of the stone is rough and uneven. This finish is suitable for any kind of stone.
5. Sandblasted
A rough, but tidy look created by applying a high pressure blast of quartz sand to the stone surface. A sandblasted finish creates a finely textured surface ideal for use in traffic-ways.
6. Leathered
A unique finish that gives the stone a textured, soft feel resembling leather. Created by brushing the stone surface with diamond-tipped brushes, it produces a slightly textured surface that is smooth to the touch while maintaining natural character. Ideal for countertops and interior applications.
7. Machine Cut / Sawn Cut
This finish is created by sawing the stone with diamond disc teeth. It produces a somewhat rough and irregular surface with small furrows and undulations. Available for external paving, steps, pathways, driveways and patios.
8. Water-jet
High-pressure water is used to directly impact the surface of the stone to peel off the softer components to form a unique decorative effect of the rough surface. Usually used in conjunction with flamed, bush hammered, etc.
9. Chiselled
A diamond teeth mill grinder is applied perpendicularly to the surface, to achieve the typical flat profile. The grooves always run parallel, the distance between them remains constant. Can be applied to any stone.
10. Natural Split
The natural cleft surface is formed when the stone is split along its natural cleavage planes. This creates a rough, uneven texture that showcases the stone natural beauty. Commonly used for slate and sandstone products, ideal for roofing, flooring, and wall cladding.