How to Burnish Earthenware

Burnishing will help you achieve that smooth glossy finish on your pots typical of Ancient Roman, or Inca Ceramics.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A leather hard earthen ware vessel to burnish.
• Stainless steel table spoon or small polished stone.

1. First, make sure that your pot is sufficiently hard that you can handle it without leaving marks or finger prints on the surface. Also, select a pot that already has a smooth surface.

2. Begin by lightly rubbing the back of the spoon, or the rounded side of the polished stone over in a circular motion over on the surface of the pot. After a few passes, a glossy sheen should begin to emerge.

3. Once you have completed step two over the entire surface of the pot, allow it to dry to the bone dry state before firing it at no higher than cone 08. The burnishing will loose its sheen if the pot is fired to hot.

4. Congratulations, you have just completed your first burnished vessel and joined the ranks of potters in a tradition thousands of years old!

Tips & Warnings

• Start with a piece you are not too keen about, as you may need to practice your motion to achieve a satisfactory finish.
• Use a earthenware clay that has minimal grog as it may interfere with a good burnish.
• Make sure your stone/spoon and pot are clean and free of grog as it will damage the finish.