Introducton
Surface finishing is the technique that brings out the beauty of the stone. The ornamental function and also some technical characteristics (e.g. its resistance to weather conditions or its slipperiness) are strongly influenced by the surface finishing applied to the product.The final process of the stone surface can be divided into four categories. The most popular is the use of a series of pads made of various materials. A process of abrasion takes place that converts the different sizes of particles into the finer size. It helps to have almost zero porosity.
Other finishing techniques include flame, sand blasting, and natural cleft.
Polished
Polishing is the main and most frequently applied finish. In the polished process, cement-based, resin-based, acidic-based pads with different abrasion properties are used to rub the stone mechanically until it attains natural glossy shining.
It follows the finest honing and employs polishing abrasives that add brilliance with mirror effect to the stone surface. This finishing process is used in all kinds of stone.
Because of the unique feature of polished stone, they have been used almost everywhere.
Honed
It is a technique that does not completely polish the stone, but only matte the surface of the stone.
In the honed process, mainly cement-based pads and some resin-based pads with different abrasion properties are used to rub the stone mechanically until it attains eye-catching matte looking.
Honed stones are slip-resistant and scratch-resistant .Thereby,it is applied on walls and floors of bathrooms,kitchens,and pool deck .This kind of finishing is often used on areas where heavy traffic would wear off a polished finish.
Leather/brushed
The leather stone finishing is not shiny but has more depth than a honed finish.
In the brushed process, cement-based, metallic-based, and some acidic-based pads with different abrasion properties are used to rub the stone mechanically. So it attains leather surface which is pleasing to the touch.
It is easily cleaned and slip-resistant and scratch-resistantand that is ideal for bathrooms, bar tops, Livingroom, fireplace cover, and a special table.
Bush-hammered
Bush-hammering is done by hammering the stone with a series of steel points to break up the surface and create a pitted look.
In the machinery polished process, hammer pads, some cement-based pads with different abrasion properties used to rub the stone mechanically. so it attains highly slip-resistant surfaces.
in the traditional process, a hammer is used to form the bush hammer stone.
Like all the processes, it can be done to a greater or lesser degree. It can also be used to construct the medieval look.
Flamed
A flamed finish is created by passing an oxy-acetylene torch over the surface of the stone.
It 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.
This finishing process is mainly used on granite.
This process is one of the most popular finishes for external use where slip resistance is a concern.
Sandblast
This finishing process softens and uniforms the color and characteristics of the original stone.
A mixture of sands, ceramic beads, and some abrasive components used in the process. When the mixture is spraying with air pressure or water pressure, and in forth & back movements, it creates a light appearance of the stone.
Sandblasting is a technique that also gives a more slip-resistant surface suitable for outside areas(where traffic is high) or for wet areas.
Natural Cleft/Sawn Stone/ Rock face
It is the absence of a surface finishing process to leave a stone in the most natural status.
this production process is divided into 2 categories.
The first kind of process
The finishing surface process will be finished when stone mine blocks are cut following a standard procedure(cut parallel) with a multi-blade cutter and wire cut and gang sawing machine.
The second kind of process
A rock face finishing process is breaking a stone with a gulitine (chisel).
Depending on the type of chisel used this can provide a very rough surface or a slightly irregular surface.
These kinds of stone Create a unique face with natural beauty for use in wall and floor coverings.
Many other kinds of stone surface finishing you can see in the market, such as Tooled, Split-face, Diamond-Water Jet, Shot Blasted, Lychee surface, Antiqued, tumbled stone and so on.