Flame Treating Methods There are several types of methods of putting finishes on stone products, this section focuses on flame treatment. Jet Stick Stone Flame ................
Flamed Finish Stone: A Look at the Flaming Process
As an architect or designer, you probably already understand how important it is to have choices. Being able to give your clients options for their projects or having an array of building materials – choices are important to the craft. They also create room for innovation and for the introduction of new techniques to take design possibilities to all new levels.
What is Flamed Stone?
Flamed stone or thermal stone finish granite 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 granite's surface.
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. 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.
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.
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. When working with hard stones there are some limitations, especially when it comes to the size of the natural stone. With the right skills, even the toughest of stone can be turned into something new and personalized to fit any space.
What is a flamed finish?
First the basics. This technique works to peel away the layers of stone and reveal a new beauty lying beneath. The process is often referred to as a “flamed” or “thermal” finish and can be best described as creating a textured look. While the process can only be applied to stones like granite that have minerals with varying expansions rates, as well as bluestone, there are certain hard limestones and marbles that can also withstand the process. To achieve the style, an intense flame is held at the stone’s wet surface. While firing it, the surface becomes so hot it bursts and a layer flakes away to reveal a rough, even texture.
Suggested Uses
Now instead of a smooth, sheen surface or something too rigid and jagged, you have a stone that’s slip-resistant and can be used in more locations than before.
Clients looking for a high-end patio, or wall finishes for exterior settings for example, can use flame finished stone. The application is especially useful to avoid trip hazards and is a great finish for designs requiring a modern aesthetic. The other great thing about the flaming process is that you can use it to alter the color of stone if needed. Depending on the material used, the process can turn stones new hues. For example, when you flame gold limestone, the process turns the stone a pinkish hue. When bluestone is flamed however, the blueish gray color does not change.
Skill Requirements
Understanding how this process works and the ways to manipulate stone for project needs requires a professional skilled in the craft. There is a fine line between creating an amazing new piece of material and damaging the stone. Flaming is aggressive so getting pressure and distances just right in the production phase is critical to create stone that is desirable and has a consistent finish as was intended.
The treatment gives the material a rough, vitreous texture that makes it the ideal material for exterior coatings. The rock 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.
