Burnishing (pottery)

[2] It is important to wet the piece before burnishing because scratch marks will be present on the surface if the clay is too dry.

[7] As with pottery, it creates a surface that is moisture repellent, but not watertight, meaning it cannot be used for functional purposes like kitchen dishes.

This is done by wrapping your finger or thumb tightly in a piece of plastic, such as a grocery bag, and rubbing it against the pottery.

[4] Burnishing is an ancient technique that requires minimal tools, often using just the ceramist's hands and natural materials.

While modern industrial tools and machinery are available, the traditional approach remains for its simplicity and tactile connection to the craft.

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
An orange burnished pot at the Petrie Museum .