Types of slab surfaces
References
Slabs made of quartz, solid surface, and ceramics are produced with different finishes (surface finishes): polished, matte, semi-polished (satin, soft-touch), and embossed (textured).
Some manufacturers offer slabs with different types of surface finishes.
A solid surface is usually produced with a polished finish. Quartz surfaces and ceramic slabs can have any finish - it depends on the brand.
A polished finish
is the most popular and is offered by almost all brands. The slab has an absolutely smooth reflective surface. Items made of slabs with a polished surface are the easiest to care for. Dirt and fingerprints are easily removed with a regular sponge and soapy water.
A matte finish
makes the surface less slippery. Objects with a matte surface have practically no reflective effect.
The care of matte surfaces made of quartz is more difficult than those with a polished finish.
Meanwhile, ceramic slabs with matte finish are more unpretentious than polished ones. Many people prefer objects with non-reflective surfaces in their interiors because they believe they look more respectable.
The semi-polished finish
gives a soft, muffled, reflective effect. The terms "satin" and "soft-touch" are sometimes used for semi-matte surfaces. Surfaces with a semi-matte finish are very beautiful, but such slabs cannot be produced by all brands.
The embossed finish
suggests a specific pattern, that can be felt when touching the slab's surface. The depth and pattern of the relief can be very different. Textured surfaces, for example, imitate the marks of a hard metal brush on a smooth surface. Slabs with embossed surfaces are very decorative and effective, but they need to be thoroughly cleaned of dirt regularly.