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Burnishing: smoothing without removing metal

· 1 min read · Techniques

Illustration: Burnishing: smoothing without removing metal

To burnish is to rub metal with a smooth, hard tool (the burnisher), which compresses the surface instead of removing it. The result is a soft shine and slightly harder metal.

Steps of the technique: Clean, Moisten, Press, Follow the edge, Check, Rinse
Summary of the steps

What for #

To close a bezel or prongs over a stone, to smooth an edge and to shine an area without having to polish it.

Tools #

Steel and agate burnishers, and the steel-shot tumbler (mass finishing).

Advantages #

It removes no metal, makes no dust and hardens the surface.

Tips #

Use soapy water as lubricant and press firmly, always with a clean tool.

Step by step #

  1. Clean. Remove grease and residue.
  2. Moisten. Use soapy water.
  3. Press. Rub the burnisher firmly.
  4. Follow the edge. Close the bezel little by little.
  5. Check. See whether the surface is smooth.
  6. Rinse. Dry with a cloth.

Tools and materials #

  • Steel and agate burnishers
  • Soapy water
  • Steel-shot tumbler
  • Soft cloth

Common mistakes #

  • Dirty or scratched burnisher.
  • Uneven pressure.
  • Burnishing without lubricating.
  • Striking the stone.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.