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Burnishing (pottery)
To polish the surface of a ceramic vessel / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
![Thumb image](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/640px-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)
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/94/Maria_Martinez_pot.jpg/640px-Maria_Martinez_pot.jpg)
For the metalworking process, see Burnishing (metal).
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]