Know Your Stone - What Type of Finish Your Stone Surface Has?

Stone surfaces generally have smooth finishes or textured finishes. Here, the experts at The Marble Man discuss different characteristics of stone surfaces and the special treatment given to them to achieve certain stone qualities.

Smooth Finishes:

Honed

Honed stone surfaces are porous and so require effective sealing with a penetrating sealer. Floor areas prone to high traffic will often have a honed surface. It doesn’t show marks and flaws like a highly polished surface.

Polished

Polished stone surfaces have a smooth finish and a glossy look, and are less porous compared to honed stone surfaces. Polishing imparts varying levels of shine and 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. Always use the high quality, professional products of The Marble Man for safe and effective maintenance.

Textured Finishes:

Sand Blasted

Sand blasted stone surfaces have a dull, matt and irregular appearance. The roughness of the finished product depends on the size of the grit used to blast it. 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 and its special look is achieved by applying extreme heat to the natural stone. 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. Used for laying on paving, steps or even walls.

Acid Washed

Acid Washed stone surfaces can have a weathered, slightly corroded look or a mildly antique look, depending on several factors. 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.

Unfilled

Unfilled stone 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 stone surfaces show the parallel saw marks on the surface of the stone and also expose the grain in the stone. It is roughly polished to give a more rugged look.

The Marble Man natural stone restorers have a combined experience of 29 years in the field of natural stone repair and maintenance. Customer care is of utmost importance to us. If you are not satisfied with our stone repair or cleaning job, we’ll come back and do it again till you are happy without any additional cost. We also give a stone restoration guarantee which is very rare in the industry. You may visit our Website for more info. Call us on 1300 627 626 for making your appointment today.