Natural stone offers endless possibilities, both in terms of its wide variety of tones, as well as its different types of finish. Its truly a multi purpose building material with an aspect that can vary according to each project’s requirements. Therefore, the different types of marble finishes available allow us to provide each environment with a different character, a feature that is highly appreciated by both architects and interior designers. In order to change the marble’s superficial aspect, we apply different abrasive treatments to the stone. These treatments and the equipment used shall depend on the required finish.
Read MoreThis includes diamond, quartz, sandstone, emery and corundum. As indicated by their name, these are obtained directly from nature.
This includes silicon carbide, boron nitride, aluminium oxide, etc. By using these abrasives, we can grind, polish, rectify and sharpen marble.
This treatment achieves a coarse, uneven look and it is applied by brief exposure to intense heat. By applying this technique to marble, it becomes ideal for both indoor wall tiling and splashbacks, as well as outdoor cladding.
Sand blasted marble finish is produced by blasting small particles of silicon or corundum “sand” towards the marble surface in order to corrode it.
Sand blasting results in a similar but less rugged aspect than that achieved with the bush hammering technique. Therefore, it can be used for indoor splashbacks and wall tiling as well as outdoor cladding and flooring.
Bush hammered marble is obtained by striking a bush hammer on top of the material’s surface to achieve a rugged, uniform appearance.
Depending on the spacing and size of the points, as well as the intensity of the strikes, we shall obtain a finer or coarser finish. The resulting pits are between 1 – 3 mm deep. Bush hammered marble finishes are mostly recommended for outdoor use.
Our aim when applying this technique is to reflect the passage of time upon the material. For that reason, we use brushes with the purpose of providing a smooth but rugged and worn out aspect at the same time. A good example of this can be achieved with antiqued Crema Marfil marble, that can be used to obtain a classical environment.
This type of finish is mostly used for splashbacks, indoor wall and floor tiling.
Our aim when applying this technique is to obtain a rustic finish that can be achieved by using a chisel. By striking this utensil on the marble surface, it produces chips or splinters thus obtaining a more abrupt aspect.
Split faced marble is used both outdoors in façade cladding and indoors for wall tiling.
Rough honing is the following stage after sawing. In this case, although the cutting marks will be no longer visible, the marble surface will remain matt. In order to achieve this finish, we use a grade 60 (FEPA) carborundum disc.
Following the rough honing process, the next stage in the marble finishing process will be the fine honing.
Unlike with the rough honing, we use a higher grade 120 (FEPA) carborundum disc for the fine honing process. In this manner, the resulting marble surface is much smoother and matt than with the previous finish. This is the previous step before polishing.
In general terms, this type of finish is mostly used for outdoor marble flooring and cladding.
In this case, the polished finish is obtained through the repeated application of abrasives upon the marble’s surface, in order to achieve a smooth, glossy aspect. On the other hand, through polishing we also reduce the material’s porosity, an important aspect to consider in the case of marble worktops as well as wall and floor tiling, splashbacks and cladding.
Since polished marble surfaces do not provide sufficient grip, particularly when wet, they are particularly recommended for indoor use.