A molded cementitious architectural product for use in building
construction has a cementitious body made of a molded cementitious
material, the surface of which is polished (i.e., burnished) to better
resemble natural stone. The polished surface is formed by exposing a
portion of the molded cementitious material while in a green condition,
more particularly after initial set but before final hardening of the
hydraulic cement binder, and burnishing the surface before final
hardening. Burnishing the surface of the green cementitious material
before final hardening aligns the cement particles at the surface and
seals the surface. The inclusion of an organic polymer binder within the
cementitious material, such as an acrylic or latex polymer, assists in
creating a polished surface resembling natural polished stone. The extent
of cement hydration may be determined by monitoring the temperature of
the cementitious material within the mold. Hydration may be slowed by
quenching the molded green cementitious material with water to extend the
window of time within which burnishing may be carried out before reaching
final hardening.