How to Increase the Burnished Area of Punched Metal

A punched metal design with a burnished area has a section that is very smooth and shiny. A burnished area on a punched metal design either is a high-gloss finish or a semi-gloss finish because of the surface texture and metal's processing. Add an additional burnished area to punched metal with a burnishing tool. A burnishing tool is a jewelry tool. It has a thick, metal curved end and a handle. Burnish with the end or the sides of a burnishing tool. Use the rounded long side of the burnishing blade to expand the punched metal burnished area.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Punched metal panel
• Burnishing tool

Instructions

1. Fold six to eight sheets of newspaper to the size of the punched metal panel. Pile the folded sheets, then place them directly under the punched metal design until a firm base is created. Make sure the front side of the metal punch is facing up. For example, if the punched metal panel is 12-inch square inside a framed door, fold the newspaper sheets into 12-inch squares. Pile enough squares to fit into the indention in the frame's back.

2. Place the long curved edge of the burnishing tool on the surface of the metal punch. Place your forefinger on top of the curved blade for control and to add additional pressure to the blade.

3. Move the burnishing tool in small circles over the additional portion of the metal punch that requires burnishing. Periodically pick up the tool to see any missed spots. Repeat the burnishing process until it is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Seal the burnished area with a thin spray of mat, semi-gloss or high-gloss acrylic spray sealer.

• The metal takes on a shine where the burnishing tool rubs. Missed spots occur when the circles are too large, or you are moving too fast over the surface.

• The punched metal must be supported completely before the burnishing process begins.