Sandblasted surfaces are created by firing abrasives at the workpiece. This causes tiny pieces of the natural stone to break off, increasing the roughness of the surface. Sandblasted surfaces meet the highest anti-slip requirements and can be used in all outdoor areas.
Sandblasting is also the most cost-effective surface treatment for outdoor use. This is an advantage in particular for workpieces processed on all sides, as up to six sides can be processed in one round, due to automation.
The surface is not particularly suitable for indoor use, due to the high level of roughness and the susceptibility for becoming dirty.
As with sandblasted surfaces, abrasives are fired at the diamond-cut raw pieces to make them rough. The sandblasted surface is then brushed using diamond brushes. This process keeps the unevenness of the surface, but removes sharp edges. The surface feels uneven and smooth at the same time. This makes the surface suitable for interior use.
Depending on the brush used (C80, C120, C500), the result is different color depths and non-slip characteristics.
Bush-hammered surfaces are created using a chisel. This can be done automatically or using hand-operated machines. This process also causes tiny pieces of the natural stone to break off, increasing the roughness of the surface. Bush-hammered surfaces meet the highest anti-slip requirements and can be used in all outdoor areas.
Bush-hammered surfaces are visually very difficult to distinguish from sandblasted surfaces. The process is not easily automated and is especially suitable for large, uneven workpieces. Bush-hammering is the traditional surface processing for outdoor use, and is particularly important for restoration jobs.
The surface is not particularly suitable for indoor use, due to the high level of roughness and the susceptibility for becoming dirty.
As with bush-hammered surfaces, a chisel is used to make the diamond-cut raw pieces rough. The bush-hammered surface is then brushed using diamond brushes. This process keeps the unevenness of the surface, but removes sharp edges. The surface feels uneven and smooth at the same time. This makes the surface suitable for interior use.
Depending on the brush used (C80, C120, C500), the result is different color depths and non-slip characteristics.
Flamed surfaces are produced through thermal processing. Due to the inhomogeneity of the material, the applied flame causes small pieces of the stone to break off, increasing the roughness of the surface. This can be done automatically or using hand-operated machines on flat workpieces.
The surface processing is not easily automated and is suitable for large, uneven work pieces. The surface is not particularly suitable for indoor use, due to the high level of roughness and the susceptibility for becoming dirty.
As with flamed surfaces, the diamond-cut raw piece is also thermally processed. The flamed surface is then brushed using diamond brushes. This process keeps the unevenness of the surface, but removes sharp edges. The surface feels uneven and smooth at the same time. This makes the surface suitable for interior use.
Depending on the brush used (C80, C120, C500), the result is different color depths and non-slip characteristics.
The cut marks on the diamond-cut surface can be removed gradually by further sanding processes. This process can be carried out by a machine or by hand. This means both smooth and curved surfaces can be realized with a honed surface. Honed surfaces are only suitable for interior use or for decoration in outdoor use.
This surface is created by the diamond or silicone carbide in the tools, which removes any unevenness through abrasion. Only a minimal amount of material is removed through this process, which is carried out with different grains (C60, C120, C220, C320).
Granite can also be processed with diamond brushes. Using diamond brushes on diamond-cut surfaces creates a satined surface.
The surface is leathery to the touch. It is flat, but has small indentations. The tactile feel particular to this stone is particularly pleasant, and therefore suited for indoor use, while the R9-R10-grade slip resistance (depending on the material used) usually provides a high enough slip resistance.
Depending on the grade (180, 500) the surface will feel even smoother and the color of the stone is further accentuated, without being reflective.
A polished surface has glass-like characteristics. It is extremely smooth and reflects light. This surface has the lowest propensity for becoming dirty and allows very little fluid to seep into the stone.
According to the information leaflet “Slippery floors in workrooms and work areas”, this surface also does not provide any slip resistance.