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Question:

When burnishing a piece of pottery, do you go in one direction or two?

I'm burnishing a mask i made out of clay with a smooth stone, but i don't know if i should just go up and down OR up and down then side to side. I have to do it soon before the piece gets too hard. Any suggestions?


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

You are essentially rubbing the surface of the clay to a shiny smooth finish, any direction should work, so long as you are consistent with pressure and the object you are using has no edges that will "catch". My favorite was to use the bottom of a spoon, it's curved sides make for a really versatile tool.