Natural stone: the most versatile cladding for finishes
The ornamental stone industry has been developing, over the years, more and more new types of finishes for natural stones. Whether to enhance the beauty of the stones, enhance the shine of its crystals or to provide new textures, Brazilian companies are capable of offering a wide range of finishes today.
Using ancient techniques or advanced resources from sophisticated technologies and machines, the segment offers a multitude of options for architects, engineers and designers to take advantage of advances and let creativity flow.
Discover the most used finishing options!
Raw
As the name itself indicates, the raw finish is one in which the surface does not undergo any processing, being applied with an aspect that is found in nature. The color of the rock is opaque, as it does not receive color enhancement treatments and the surface has a rustic texture.
Previously widely used on facades and in external areas, today, raw stones have invaded internal spaces, forming part of projects that seek to enhance the natural aspect of materials and the connection with nature. In addition, it is a sustainable option, in which it is possible to take advantage of industry waste for surprising creations.
Stones with a raw finish are usually applied in wall coverings, rustic countertops, vats, decorative panels and even furniture.
Polished
The most used finish in the world is still polished, with the traditional shiny and vitrified effect. It is also the most applied finish on most of the slabs that are produced in Brazil and sent abroad and to the domestic market.
With this finish, the natural stone gains a shiny and smooth appearance. The color of the material can be enhanced with the help of toners and waterproofing agents. It is the ideal finish for floors in indoor areas, countertops, tables and decorative panels. It is not indicated for floors in external areas, as the stone tends to be very smooth and slippery.
Trimmed
Rocks with a trimmed finish gain a rustic look and porous texture. It is a finish obtained by means of a pneumatic hammer that hits the surface with numerous points, creating rough spots on the sheet, but leaving the material level.
To reach the trimmed finish, the process must be carried out on raw slabs. It is a finish widely used in granite, mainly for external and internal coatings, leisure areas, non-slip floors, walls, walls and columns.
Sandblasted
The sandblasted finish is made from sandblasting, which guarantees an opaque and elegant appearance to the surface. With the right technology and machinery, it is possible to print different degrees of pressure, speed and application, digging more or less into the material and creating interesting textures and effects.
This type of finish can be used on both marble and granite and is mainly indicated for projects in external areas such as the edges of pools or walls. Design pieces and signed furniture can also take advantage of the sandblasted finish, bringing impressive effects to your objects.
Escovado
The brushed finish is ideal for those looking to reveal the design and structure of natural stones. To achieve the desired effect, the slabs need to be passed through brushes with flexible bristles and abrasive tips, which brush the surface of the stone with water. After the process, it is possible to see that the minerals that make up the stone are highlighted.
It is a finish applied mainly to marble and granite, but it can also be applied to quartzite, trachyte and slate. The final result guarantees a satin surface and an impressive soft touch.
Flamed
The flamed effect is created from fire, with high intensity flames, which leave the surface slightly rough and opaque. It is a process that breaks up the crystals and minerals on the surface, leaving the stones with a rough and non-slip appearance.
Due to the texture of the stone after passing through the flamed finish, it is recommended to use it mainly in external areas, such as floors, facades, pool edges and stairs. But it can also be used indoors, such as decorative panels and signed furniture. Not recommended for use on marble.
Levigated
In this finish, the natural color of the stone is revealed, but in a more opaque way. The surface appears smooth and without shine. With the action of abrasives, lifting can be regulated in several stages.
The final effect is elegant and has been gaining preference from architects and designers for application in various projects. It is widely used in indoor and outdoor floors, furniture, design pieces, wall coverings and countertops. It can be applied to marble, granite, quartzite, trachytes and others.
Graffitied / Milled / “Lath work”
The look of the stone that receives the graffitied finish, also called milled, can be compared to the slatted effect often used in wood. This process leaves the surface of the stone with friezes that can stand out against the applied texture.
It is a bold finish, with a strong trend in decoration in recent years, which also found its version in natural stone. The applications are countless, from internal and external panels to countertops, columns and furniture.
