# Finishes: matte, satin, brushed and hammered

> Jewelry finishes: high polish, satin, matte, brushed, bead-blasted, hammered and antiqued; how they are achieved and when each suits.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/surface-finishes-matte-satin-brushed-hammered/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-09-07
- Updated: 2026-09-07
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/acabados-de-superficie-mate-satinado-cepillado/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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The finish is the final texture of the surface. It defines how the jewel looks and feels, and hides or highlights scratches.

![Steps of the technique: Decide the finish, Sand, Satin, Blast, Oxidize, Protect](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/acabados-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## High polish

A mirror finish, almost reflective. It shows scratches easily.

## Satin and brushed

Achieved with steel wool, brushes or sandpaper in one direction; it gives fine lines and a soft shine that hides scratches.

## Matte and blasted

Sandblasting or bead blasting leaves an opaque, even surface with no shine.

## Hammered

Small hammer facets that reflect light irregularly.

## Antiqued and oxidized

A dark patina in the recesses to highlight relief (see [coloring of metals](https://www.711grados.com/en/coloring-of-metals/)).

## Step by step

1. **Decide the finish.** Polished, satin, matte or hammered.
2. **Sand.** With progressive grits.
3. **Satin.** Sandpaper or steel wool in one direction.
4. **Blast.** For the matte finish.
5. **Oxidize.** To highlight relief.
6. **Protect.** With wax or lacquer.

## Tools and materials

- Sandpaper and steel wool
- Brass or steel brushes
- Sandblaster or glass beads
- Patinas and waxes

## Common mistakes

- Changing direction when satin-finishing.
- Blasting without protecting stones.
- Mixing grits when sanding.
- Forgetting to protect a patina.

## See also

- [Polishing and buffing metal](https://www.711grados.com/en/polishing-and-buffing-metal/)
- [Texturing metal surfaces in jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/texturing-metal-surfaces/)
- [Burnishing: smoothing without removing metal](https://www.711grados.com/en/burnishing-metal/)