Burnishing is a form of pottery treatment in which the surface of the pot is polished, using a hard smooth surface such as a wooden or bone spatula, smooth stones, plastic, or even glass bulbs, while it still is in a leathery 'green' state, i.e., before firing.[1] After firing, the surface is extremely shiny.[2]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Tripod_vessel_with_lid%2C_Mexico%2C_Campeche%2C_Classic_Myan_period%2C_c._450-500_C.E.%2C_brown_pottery_with_burnished_brown_slip%2C_Honolulu_Academy_of_Arts.jpg/220px-Tripod_vessel_with_lid%2C_Mexico%2C_Campeche%2C_Classic_Myan_period%2C_c._450-500_C.E.%2C_brown_pottery_with_burnished_brown_slip%2C_Honolulu_Academy_of_Arts.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/94/Maria_Martinez_pot.jpg/220px-Maria_Martinez_pot.jpg)
This technique can be applied to concrete masonry, creating a polished finish.[3]
Burnishing can also be applied to wood, by rubbing two pieces together along the grain. Hard woods take the treatment best. Burnishing does not protect the wood like a varnish does, but does impart a glossy sheen.[4]
See also
edit- Black-burnished ware, a type of Romano-British ceramic
- Black-on-black ware, a pottery tradition developed by Puebloan Native American ceramic artists
- Northern Black Polished Ware of Iron Age India
References
edit- ^ Von Dassow, Sumi. "Burnishing Pottery: A Step by Step Guide". ceramicartsnetwork.org. The American Ceramic Society. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- ^ Peterson, Beth. "How to Burnish Pottery". The Spruce Crafts. The Spruce Crafts. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- ^ "Burnishing Versus Sealing Concrete". customconcreteprepandpolish.com. Custom Concrete Prep & Polish. 15 June 2017. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- ^ Burton, Walter E. (1957). Burnishing Puts a Fine Finish on Wood or Metal (108 ed.). Popular Mechanics. p. 205.