Choosing a finish for your application

Position comparable samples at the angle of the finished surface. Overhead spotlights may emphasise reflection on a horizontal top, while low light along a wall can expose texture. Look from both the normal viewing position and the direction of the strongest light.

• Compare daylight and artificial lighting.
• Review adjoining pieces rather than one isolated sample.

Record the likely soil, frequency of use and who will maintain the surface. A residential vanity and a busy public washroom need different routines. Ask for product-specific cleaning instructions before testing any cleaner; do not infer chemical compatibility from a finish name.

• Identify cleaners already used by the building operator.
• Ask how residues from installation should be removed.

The same colour can read differently across finishes. An edge, grout joint, metal trim or sealant line can sharpen that difference. Include these interfaces in the visual approval and check whether the visible edge is the selected surface or a separate construction detail.

• Record the finish on each scheduled surface.
• Do not substitute one sheen solely to match a photograph.

Suppose a design team prefers a pale polished sample in a showroom, but the building operator prefers its matte alternative after reviewing both beneath the proposed lighting. Do not settle the disagreement by declaring one finish better. Place each sample horizontally where the top will sit, then vertically near the planned wall position. Record which observation changes: reflected light toward the user, visible handling marks, or the apparent colour beside the cabinetry. Ask the operator to describe a realistic cleaning routine and review the relevant care guidance before any cleaning trial. The outcome may be two separately approved finishes assigned to different surfaces, rather than one finish imposed everywhere. Keep the photographs, viewing conditions and decision for each position together. This is a comparison exercise, not proof of slip performance, chemical resistance or suitability for a wet floor; those questions require their own product evidence and project review.

• Record observations as “reflection visible from the sink position”, rather than “bad finish”.
• If the finish changes, update the location-specific schedule and retain the new physical reference.