Polished Is Yesterday's Trend – Specialty Surfaces from Italy

Most of you already know that, with our headquarters in Affi, the beating heart of the natural stone world, we have access to what seems like an endless selection of materials. However, access to exceptional materials is only one part of the equation. Today, the real distinction is created through surface finishing.

What once usually ended with “polished” or “honed” has evolved into a wide spectrum of technical and design possibilities. In project business especially, the surface is increasingly becoming the decisive factor: it defines the tactile feel, visual appearance, slip resistance, and ultimately the entire architectural impact.

Working with our partner in Italy, we are able to create a new surface finish on slabs virtually “overnight.”

First of all, the traditional finishes remain part of our everyday business:

Polished – honed – flamed – satin-finished – waterjet – shot-blasted – sandblasted

Beyond these, however, we can offer a wide range of exceptional surface finishes, including:

Wood

Fine parallel grooves, cut with diamond tools and subsequently brushed, create a uniform appearance reminiscent of a wooden surface. This effect is particularly striking on materials with a consistent color. Thanks to the brushing process, the surface is not overly rough, making it ideally suited for kitchen countertops.

Tranché

Similar to the fine linear texture of the Wood finish, but with additional grooves cut at a ninety-degree angle. The combination creates a subtle and elegant pattern. As with the Wood finish, materials with a uniform color or only light veining are particularly well suited to this surface.

Juta

‍A coarsely textured surface with a softly “textile” appearance and an irregular, natural character. Ideal for rustic and expressive spaces.

Wen-Pec

‍A grooved surface created using a sand-waterjet process. Modern, slip-resistant, and exceptionally well suited for clean, contemporary architectural designs.

Corteccia

‍Similar to Wen-Pec, but with even more power. A more pronounced surface texture that can be used both for rustic applications and as a modern design feature.

Rockface

The surface is transformed into a naturally split, rough-faced finish. Bring the charm of a split-face slab to a sawn slab.

Crosta

This unique technique also creates a rough, natural surface, but with colors that appear fresh and enhanced. This finish reveals its full potential on materials featuring labradorite inclusions.

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The Key Factor: Material and Surface Finish Must Work Together

Not every surface finish is suitable for every type of stone.
Hardness, structure, porosity, and mineral composition determine which finishing processes are technically appropriate and economically viable.

If in doubt, speak with your expert from the Orlandini team!

Photos: Peroni Guido & C. s.r.l. (used with permission of the copyright holder)

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