What is burnish?

Burnishing is a finishing technique that involves rubbing a material with a tool or a hard object to smooth its surface and create a shiny or polished appearance. It is commonly used on metals, such as brass, copper, and silver, to enhance their luster and remove any imperfections. Burnishing can also be done on paper, leather, and wood.

The process of burnishing involves applying pressure and friction to the material using a burnishing tool, which can be a metal or wooden implement, a polishing cloth, or even a simple bone or stone. The tool is used to rub the surface of the material in a circular or back-and-forth motion, gradually increasing the pressure to achieve the desired level of shine or smoothness.

There are different types of burnishing techniques, including dry burnishing, wet burnishing, and mechanical burnishing. Dry burnishing involves using a dry tool or cloth to polish the material, while wet burnishing involves applying a lubricant, such as oil or water, to the surface. Mechanical burnishing involves using a machine or tool to apply pressure and heat to the material.

Burnishing is a popular technique in art and craft, particularly in bookbinding, printmaking, and leatherwork. It is also used in metalworking, jewelry making, and woodworking to give a professional finish to the final product.