The different granite finishes
From raw cleaved to glossy polished, each finish transforms the look, shade and use of granite. Discover the processes and result of each one.
The choice of finish depends on the use (pedestrian, roadway, terrace), the desired look and the natural shade of the stone. The same granite can go from a raw to a glossy appearance depending on the treatment applied in the factory.
Flamed
A process that creates a thermal shock on the surface of the material, giving a smoother appearance and slightly changing its original colour with a darker, pinkish tint for yellow granites.
Bush-hammered
A process that strikes the surface of the stone with a bush hammer (a hammer with more or less widely spaced points) creating slight hollows and bumps uniformly over the whole surface. Bush-hammering lightens the stone.
Shot-blasted
Projection of steel grains onto the surface of the stone to obtain a roughness. It evens out the shade of the stone.
Sandblasted
Obtained by projecting silica grains onto the surface of the previously sawn stone.
Sawn
A smooth surface obtained by sawing with diamond tools. It may show saw marks left by the blade.
Matt
A stone surface treatment between sawing and polishing, giving a smooth but matt surface.
Polished
A surface obtained after several passes of different abrasive grinding wheels until a shiny surface is reached. Not recommended for urban projects because of its slipperiness, especially when wet.
Cleaved
Obtained by splitting the stone with a cleaving machine, keeping the raw look of the rock. It is used for pedestrian passage.
Pedestrian, roadway or decoration
Pedestrian outdoor projects
- Cleaved: raw look, suited to pedestrian passage.
- Flamed, bush-hammered and shot-blasted: anti-slip and durable.
- Sandblasted: regular finishes, soft to the touch.
- Matt: smooth and matt surface, ideal for terraces.
Roadways and non-pedestrian uses
- Cleaved: raw look, for sidewalks, paths and roads.
- Avoid polished: slippery when wet.
Discover our granite setts and granite slabs from Portugal, available with the finish of your choice.
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