Using Granite for interiors and exteriors is popular around the world. However, not many know about the finishes that add a unique character to these counters or other natural stone applications. A wide range of finishes is available from polished to honed and brushed to sandblasted.
These coatings provide the surface of granite stone with an excellent texture and appearance that can determine the beauty, functionality, and capability to resist wear and tear.
As one of the long-established granite suppliers and exporters, Quality Marble Exports (India) uncovers important things you need to know about a flame finish stone before making a buying decision.
What is Flamed Stone?
Thermal stone finish is a creative technique that comes to mind when discussing innovation and new design possibilities. In this method, an acetylene torch's white-hot flame is used to cure the stone’s surface. For example, for making flamed granite, regular granite will be put under this process.
Fire is used to burnish the stone surface to a rough finish. When building exterior entrances, flamed floors are typically visible. Due to its roughness and potential for increased slip resistance, a flame finish stone is a popular choice for commercial structures.
Flamed granite needs to be sealed since it can absorb liquids, and doing so is especially crucial if you are planning to install the stone outside where it will be exposed to the elements. The sealer, which prevents non-acid liquids like water and oil from penetrating the stone pores, is not a coating. It is best to reseal the stone annually for outdoor surfaces.
Flamed Stone Gives a Antique and Dull Look
Due to its composition of minerals with varying rates of heat expansion, granite is the only natural stone type that is ideal for blazing, which is why flamed stones are often synonymous with flamed granite.
Thermaling, often known as stone burning, is a technique used to make a stone appear to have weathered naturally. The granite stone surface is heated to a high degree during the burning process, turning it into a flamed granite.
When people refer to a flamed stone or thermal stone finish, they indicate that the surface has been treated with a white-hot flame to make it appear rough and non-slippery. When a powerful flame is fired at the surface of Absolute Black Granite tile, slab, or counter, the chemical composition of the stone responds. You can then notice a significant difference in the appearance of a regular Absolute Black Granite and a flame granite counterpart.
The white-hot areas provide a wonderful surface texture that is flamed. Absolute Black Granite eventually develops a rough surface. With the exception of granite and limestone, this type of finish cannot be applied to all stones. Granite can be used in locations that are prone to moisture. Thanks to the clever features of the flamed finish. Absolute Black Granite with a flamed surface is a stunning, upscale choice for creating outdoor living areas.
Characteristics of Flame Finish Stone
A flame finish stone has the following qualities:
- The surface is extremely textured and rough.
- Not all types of natural stone can have a flamed surface. It is typical of granite and a few firm limestone varieties.
- It looks quite natural and aged.
- They come in very delicate and subdued earthy tones.
- Dampness and slipping are not an issue.
- Given how textured and rough it is, cleaning can be challenging.
Suggested Uses
The treatment gives the material a rough, vitreous texture that makes it the ideal material for exterior coatings. Flamed granite develops anti-slip qualities and becomes extremely weather-resistant.
It is applicable both indoors and outdoors, but notably in moist or water-prone locations. Pool decks, patios, and outdoor landscape walkways all can make considerable use of it. In some places, granite that has been flamed is combined to create a unique and contrasting pattern.
It is now obvious that flamed stone in its purest form is suitable for exterior applications. The resulting surface is useful for weather resistance and becomes non-slippery. These days, a lot of outdoor construction and décor projects around the world call for this particular stone kind.
However if you like the look of flamed granite but don’t want the rough feel of it, you can always polish it down for a smooth and dull texture. The smoothed-down flame granite can be better for interiors as it will be more comfortable to walk over.
Flame Finish Stone at Quality Marble Exports (India)
Quality Marble Exports offers a variety of finishes for different natural stones including granite, marble, sandstone, slate, and limestone. As far as you are looking for a flame finish stone, granite is the best choice as it is capable of accepting this rough and textured finish.
From a list of granite stones, here are a few flamed stones we offer:
Ash Black
Nurelle Grey
Tan Brown
If you are planning for your new outdoor construction project or renovation, consult our expert professionals to choose the ideal finish for a natural stone. We will be happy to help you.