Common Stones Finishes

Common stone finishes used in stone industry is to be discussed here. Natural stone surface finishing is one of the major considerations on where the stone can be used appropriately. Different finishes will provide different slip resistance, chemical resistance and other external factors that can affect its functionality and durability.

Surface Finishing

Surface finishing is a broad range of industrial processes that alter the surface of a manufactured item to achieve a certain property. Finishing processes may be employed to improve appearance, adhesion or wettability, corrosion resistance, tarnish resistance, chemical resistance, wear resistance, hardness, modify electrical conductivity, remove burrs and other surface flaws, and control the surface friction. In limited cases some of these techniques can be used to restore original dimensions to salvage or repair an item. An unfinished surface is often called mill finish.

Two Main Surface finishing Categories

Surface finishing processes can be categorized by how they affect the work piece:

Removing or reshaping finishing
Adding or altering finishing

Mechanical processes may also be categorized together because of similarities the final surface finish.

Common Stones Finishes

Surface of a stone can be prepared or worked to a number of different finishes. Below are some of the most common surface finishes used in stone industry.

Honed Surface Finish

Honed surface is achieved by the use of diamond abrasives, but unlike polished stone, honed stone has a smooth, non-reflective surface. This type of surface finish is more porous than polished stone and therefore it is not recommended for use on kitchen countertops in heavily used kitchens. Honed stone may be used in areas with less exposure to chemicals and for both internal and external areas. Honed stone should also be correctly sealed to assist against staining.

Polished

Polished stone is created by using diamond abrasives up-to 3,500 grit followed by polishing powders. This finish is given to natural stone typically used for internal flooring. Polishing gives natural stone brightness and a mirror-like effect that intensifies stone colors and enhances the pattern. Polishing also reduces the porosity of the stone which increases the stones resistance to humidity and chemical substances.

Bush Hammered

A bush-hammered finished is created using a purpose-built high impact device to create an evenly textured surface. The texture creates a non-slip surface ideal for high traffic outdoor areas. This finish will lighten the color and dulls any patterning found in a stone’s original state.

Flamed

An exfoliated or flamed finish is one of the most used finishes for external area where slip resistance is a big consideration. The surface is 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 deeply textured surface ideal for external surfaces. This finish is mainly used on granites, and will hide surface imperfections and tone variations.

Antique

An antique finish gives stone an aged appearance by simulating use and wear. Acid wash is applied to surface of the stone to distress the surface of the stone. This generally dulls the color of the stone. The surface then brushed with mechanical wire bush to make the stone smooth and slightly restore the color.

Sandblasted

A sandblasted finish creates a finely textured surface ideal for use in traffic-ways. Applying a high-pressure jet of small bullets, this treatment softens the color and characteristics of the original stone.