Natural stone can come in several different finishes, and while natural stone slabs are rough, suppliers typically sell the stone already finished. Having a professional refinish your stone will allow you to alter the finish of your stone even after it has been installed in your home. Choosing a finish for your natural stone is really up to your preference and what combines best with your interior design style! ​

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High Gloss​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Natural stone that is polished is also known as "high gloss" because of the glossy, glass-like appearance that the stone has with this type of finish. While this gives the stone an elegant appearance, it is important to note that this finish is not slip-resistant. Take this into consideration when choosing a high-gloss finish based on the surface and location. 

This finish is achieved through the honing process in which the stone is ground or "sanded" down with diamond pads of different grits. Scratches are removed first with an abrasive diamond of the lowest grit. Then it is sanded, with successive grit levels, until the polished look is achieved, similar to sanding wood. The exception is that honing is a wet cut, avoiding dust. Specifically for the polished finish, the stone must be honed with a high grit.

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Satin & Matte

These finishes are similar to the high-gloss finish because they also have a smooth surface but with varying degrees of reflection. They are not only less reflective but also softer and can be more slip-resistant. 

These finishes are achieved through a similar process as the high-gloss, the difference being the grits that are used for each type of finish during the honing process, (the sanding/grinding of the stone). Low grits are used for a matte finish, and if a satin finish is desired, a medium grit is also used. The high grits are reserved for polished finishes. 

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Matte, while achieved in a similar process, is quite different in its appearance as it has no reflection and gives the stone a more natural look. One benefit of choosing a matte finish is that it hides etching and scratches better than other finishes. 

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Leather

Leather finishes are different than polished finishes since they are rough to the touch in varying degrees. These finishes hide etches and scratches well, due to the uneven texture that they leave on the stone. These finishes are ideal for high-traffic areas, and the best for exteriors.