Stone Surface Finish Descriptions
The surface of granite and marble is, typically, brought to a high polish. In the case of limestone, the finish will usually be honed, or matte. Below are a few of the finishes you will, occasionally, see on the various materials in our showroom. However, all of the stone we receive is not available in every finish listed.
A glossy finish which is highly reflective and smooth to the touch – usually found on granite and marble. This is the least porous of the available finishes.
A smooth, matte finish which is not reflective and has a soft look and feel – is a standard finish on limestone and travertine which do not take a polish. Honing a polished material opens the pores making it more susceptible to staining. “Honing” will fade the color of the stone which can be noticed more on dark materials than lighter ones. A color enhancing sealer can be applied to restore the color (if desired).
A style of finishes rather than a particular finish – leathered, river washed, and tumbled finishes are all examples of an antiqued finish. Sometimes a leathered finish is called an antiqued finish.
A very rough- textured finish applied to granite only using an extremely hot flame causing the mineral crystals to pop out – flamed finishes are best used for exterior purposes, like walkways.
A matte-textured, faded finish with no gloss achieved by a steady pressure wash of sand and water – the finish is very porous and hard to clean making is suitable for decorative use only.
A term used to describe either a leather finish or a river-washed finish, although there are very distinct differences between these two finishes.
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