TYPES OF SURFACE TEXTURES

By Pini

There are many different types of stone available today. When stone is ordered, it is fabricated with a particular type of surface. There are six main types of surfaces that are selected:

Honed: Provides a flat to low sheen gloss. Different levels of gloss can be selected. This surface is very smooth, but often very porous. This texture is common in high traffic buildings. Honed floors should always be protected with a Penetrating Sealer because it has wide-open pores. Honed stone colors are not as vibrant as a polished stone.

Polished: A glossy surface that wears away with time due to heavy foot traffic and using improper maintenance procedures. This surface is very smooth and not very porous. The reflectivity of polished crystals brings out the brilliant colors and grains of natural stone. The shine comes from the natural reflection of the stone's crystals. The polish is provided by polishing bricks and polishing powders that are used during fabrication. The shine is not from a coating.

Flamed: A rough surface that is developed through intense heat. During fabrication, the stone is heated up and the crystals begin to pop, thus forming a rough surface. This surface is very porous and must be treated with Sealers.

Tumbled: A slightly rough texture that is achieved by tumbling small pieces of marble, limestone, and sometimes granite to achieve an archaic/worn appearance. It often requires an application of Stone Color Enhancer to bring out the colors.

Sand Blasted: This surface is the result of a pressurized flow of sand and water that provides a textured surface with a matte gloss.

Sawn: A process performed by using a gang saw.

Bush Hammered: A pounding action that develops a textured surface. The degree of roughness can be selected.

Regardless of the type of surface that is to be maintained, all stones should be protected with Penetrating Sealer. A sealer is sufficient for honed and polished floors. Sealers should be used on flamed, sand blasted, sawn, and bush hammered surfaces.