Natural Stone Finishes

A high-gloss polish is one of the most traditional finishes for natural stone and is widely used in both residential and commercial spaces. Polishing increases reflection, enhances colour and veining, and can give the stone a greater sense of depth. When properly maintained, polished marble can also perform very well in high-traffic areas.

Marble, limestone and other calcite-based stones remain sensitive to acids regardless of how highly they are polished. Common substances such as citrus, vinegar, cola and many household cleaners can etch the surface, leaving dull marks that are particularly noticeable against a reflective finish. Granite and natural quartzite are generally much less susceptible to this type of acid etching.

In areas where frequent etching or visible wear is a concern, a Honed or Patina finish may be worth considering because the lower level of reflection can make minor surface damage less noticeable. The best finish ultimately depends on the stone, its location and the appearance you want to achieve. See our Stone Care Guide for recommendations on maintaining polished natural stone.

A Patina / Satin finish has a softer, more diffused reflection than a high-gloss polish, creating an appearance similar to the natural lustre stone can develop through wear. It is a relatively maintenance-friendly finish because minor etching, surface wear and changes in reflection tend to be less noticeable than they are on highly polished stone.

Limestone is particularly well suited to a Patina finish, where it can create a warm, natural appearance. The level of reflection can also be adjusted, ranging from a very soft glow to a clearer satin sheen approaching a polish. Because minor etching is less visually pronounced, Patina finishes can work especially well in kitchens and other frequently used areas where spills and everyday wear are expected.

For marble in heavily trafficked commercial environments, the choice of finish should also take into account dirt, grit and the type of traffic the surface will receive. In some applications, a Patina finish may show abrasion or traffic patterns differently than a polished surface, so we recommend the finish according to the stone and its intended use. Patina is particularly well suited to limestone floors, pool surrounds and many interior areas where a softer, lower-reflection appearance is desired.

A Honed finish can range from very dull to softly reflective and is often chosen because minor etching and surface wear are less noticeable than they are on highly polished stone. For countertops or other surfaces that are difficult to maintain at a high gloss, converting to a Honed finish can provide a softer appearance with more forgiving day-to-day maintenance.

Reducing the level of reflection can also change how the stone’s colour, veining and translucency are perceived. This is particularly noticeable in many white marbles and some quartzites, where a Honed surface can produce a softer, warmer appearance and allow subtle variations in the material to become more visible.

The appropriate level of hone depends on the stone and how the surface will be used. Very low-reflection finishes can show dirt, traffic patterns or abrasion differently than polished surfaces, particularly in heavily used commercial environments. Absorption can also vary with both the material and the degree of surface smoothness, so sealing requirements should be determined from the stone itself rather than from the finish alone. We assess the material and intended use before recommending the final level of hone.