A high gloss polish is the most popular finish for natural stone, especially in commercial spaces. Polished stone is timelessly beautiful and adds the illusion of depth and grandeur to any space. Polished marble is also surprisingly resilient in high traffic areas.

Polished marble and limestone are highly sensitive to acid. Common household items – cola, tea, cleaning products, etc. – will easily etch the finish of these natural stones. (By contrast, granite, quartzite and manufactured stone are not as sensitive to acid.) When marble or limestone are installed in kitchens or bathrooms, we recommend an antique patina or honed finish. These finishes better hide etches and general wear. See our care guide for tips on maintaining your polished stone.

A patina/satin finish is the most natural and maintenance-free finish available; it has a diffused reflection in comparison with a high gloss polish, very similar to the natural wear caused by foot traffic.
Limestone is most commonly given a patina finish to achieve a warm look. Many levels of patina can be achieved, from a soft glow to a clearer reflection (closer to a polish). A patina floor is highly recommended for kitchens and other high traffic areas that are prone to spills, as etches are not as visible with a patina finish.While resilient, we cannot always recommend a patina/satin finish for marble in high traffic commercial spaces; even though it is very resistant to spills, the rougher surface is slightly more prone to scratching when exposed to dirt and grit. Pool surrounds and areas not directly connected to the outdoors are more suited to a patina finish.

A honed finish, which can vary from very dull to slightly reflective, is quickly becoming one of the most popular finishes because of its ability to hide etching. If you’ve had trouble maintaining a polished counter top, resurfacing to a honed finish may be your best option.
With reduced reflection there is a tendency to accentuate the transparency of the stone, particularly with white marble and quartzite: light is absorbed and creates a warm glow. A lack of reflection also reveals variations in color and veining that are otherwise concealed by a high gloss finish.

A honed finish makes stone more porous and therefore requires more frequent sealing than other finishes. A honed finish may also be more prone to scratching: grit can easily ‘catch’ on the rougher surface. For this reason, very dull hones are not always suitable for commercial applications. We will assess your stone to determine which level of finish is most appropriate for your space.