Smooth
finishes
Honed
Honed surfaces have a very smooth, matt or
silky, low sheen appearance. A honed surface
can be quite porous and therefore needs to be
sealed with a penetrating sealer. Floor areas
prone to high traffic will often have a honed
surface. The colour of a honed surface is not
quite as bright as a highly polished surface.
It has a soft appearance and doesn’t show
marks and flaws like a highly polished surface.
Polished
Polished surfaces have a very smooth finish
and a glossy look, however they are not as porous
as a honed surface. Polishing powders and diamond
abrasives are used to achieve varying levels
of shine. The gloss is not a topical coating
though. The polished crystals in the stone reflect
light and produce the high shine. Polishing
also accentuates the natural grain and makes
the colours more vibrant. A polished surface
is very durable, however the gloss will fade
if incorrect cleaning products are used, if
grit and dirt is not cleaned off the surface
and with heavy wear over time.
Textured
finishes
Sand Blasted
Sand blasted surfaces have a dull, matt and
irregular appearance. Sand or other gritty material
is sprayed onto the surface of the stone using
a high pressure hose or spraying device. The
roughness of the finished product depends on
the size of the grit used. This process is often
applied to sandstone in outdoor areas to give
a slightly textured look and provide some slip
resistance.
Flamed
Flamed surfaces have a texture that is not
rough but not quite smooth. The look is between
that of a bush hammered surface and a sandblasted
surface. It is achieved by applying extreme
heat to the natural stone. A textured surface
is created when a flame is passed over the stone
causing the crystals in the stone to burst.
This is often applied to granite in outdoor
areas to create a non-slip finish. A flamed
appearance often gives a rustic feel to the
stone and can also fade the colour.
Bush Hammered
Bush Hammered surfaces are rough and dimpled.
This effect is achieved by beating the natural
stone with a mechanical implement like a hammer
that has teeth. This effect can aid in making
a surface more slip resistant and is often applied
to outdoor surfaces such as paving, steps or
even walls.
Acid Washed
Acid Washed surfaces can have a weathered,
slightly corroded look or a mildly antique look,
depending on the chemicals used, how long they
are left on the stone and the type of stone
being treated. A rugged effect can be achieved
by leaving acid on the surface for longer and
by using a stronger solution. Acid washing to
achieve an antique look is an alternative to
the bush hammered treatment. Acid washing is
often used on floors, walls and paving. Acid
in a mild form can also be used just for cleaning
the surface and stripping oils and grease.
Unfilled
Unfilled surfaces expose the natural holes
in the stone. Travertine can remain unfilled
to retain its unique flaws. It is sometimes
left in this state when used on exterior cladding
to give a natural look.
Saw Cut
Saw Cut surfaces show the parallel saw marks
on the surface of the stone and also expose
the grain in the stone. A gang saw is usually
used to cut across the surface of the stone.
It is then roughly polished to give a more rugged
look.
