Burnishing (pottery)

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]

Tripod vessel with lid, Maya culture, Mexico or Guatemala, c. 4th-5th century, hand-built ceramic with incised decoration and burnished slip, Honolulu Museum of Art, accession 4183.1
A pot by Maria Martinez, approximately 1945, at the de Young Museum in San Francisco

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

References

  1. Von Dassow, Sumi. "Burnishing Pottery: A Step by Step Guide". ceramicartsnetwork.org. The American Ceramic Society. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
  2. Peterson, Beth. "How to Burnish Pottery". The Spruce Crafts. The Spruce Crafts. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
  3. "Burnishing Versus Sealing Concrete". customconcreteprepandpolish.com. Custom Concrete Prep & Polish. 15 June 2017. Retrieved 31 August 2020.


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