UNPOLISHED (MATTE)
This finish is commonly used for full bodied and double/multiple loaded porcelain. Rarely used with soluble salts as the metal oxides are not very visible if not polished.
The production technique is very simple. After the pressing and drying, the tiles are fired and then packed.
Pros
- Slip-resistant in dry and wet environments.
- High resistance to scratches.
- Inexpensive
- Matte rough look.
Cons
- Requires more maintenance since rougher.
- Flat look, little depth.
- Some 'glazed versions' can be shiny and glaze can wear off with high traffic.
POLISHED
Glazed porcelain rarely offered in polished version since it will require a very thick layer of glaze. To obtain polished surface, the tiles go through a polishing (brushing the rough part of the tile off the surface) and rectifying (squaring/bevelling the edges) process.
Pros
- Very easy to maintain since dirt has nothing to grip on.
- Rich and high-end appearance.
- Generally stronger than marbles or granites which require constant sealing & maintenance.
Cons
- Can be slippery in wet conditions.
- Can be more expensive.
- Shiny look might not be accepted.
- Might have higher porosity.
- Require sealing to avoid staining.
SEMI POLISHED
Also know as lappato finish, this version is mainly offered in glazed porcelain material. Since in most of the cases the layer of glaze is very thin, we cannot apply a full polishing process.
The light polishing is carried out the same way as polished version, but the brushing is very light or just on the peaks of the tile surface to create the shiny-rough look.
Pros
- Exclusive look.
- Not as slippery as the full polished when wet.
- Affordable price.
Cons
- "Heavy" and "busy" look, sometimes used as accent.
SATIN
The production process is like the polished one but skipping the last polishing pads, which means avoiding the shiny mirror effect. The result is smooth silky finish without the glossy look.
Pros
- Smooth surface without the shiny look.
- Velvety look.
- More slip resistant than the polished.
Cons
- Grinding marks might be visible (not using the last pads is like not finishing the polishing job properly).
- High maintenance.
PREPOLISHED / HONED
This finish can be obtained in two ways, directly in the press (particular device) or right after the press (light brushing heads). The second version can only be done with full bodied porcelains.
Pros
- Anti-slip in wet and dry conditions.
- Stain resistant.
- Scratch resistant.
- Easy to maintain.
- Honed look.
- Affordable.
Cons
- If coated with transparent glaze, the honed look, the anti-slip features and the scratch/wear resistance are compromised.
STRUCTURED
This finish is obtained in the press and if not coated with transparent glaze behave as the unpolished finish. An additive called carborundum can also be employed to give the surface a rougher texture to provide more slip resistance.
Pros
- Anti-slip in wet and dry conditions.
Cons
- Requires more maintenance since rougher.
