Definition Of Burnish In Ceramics

Burnish definition to polish a surface by friction.

Definition of burnish in ceramics. 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. Many ancient peoples used burnishing to make their pottery harder and more waterproof before they discovered the use of glazes. Burnished pottery has a very beautiful earthy feel and look. Ancient potters used these techniques to produce their wares before glazes and kilns were developed.

Burnishing pottery is a technique in which clay is polished to a beautiful sheen without the use of glaze like this piece by carol molly prier. Burnished pottery should not be used for food or drink with few exceptions. Today modern potters are burnishing pottery to create works of great beauty. Burnishing pottery is rubbing the surface of the clay body with a hard object to achieve an even and polished surface.

It is indeed a very special and characteristic stage in the journey of our ceramics. Contemporary potters can also use burnishing to great effect. This technique can be applied to concrete masonry creating a polished finish. There is one very important point to keep in mind.