Burnishing a pot will rearrange and compress the clay surface particles to achieve a smooth, even texture. A well-burnished pot will have a high sheen and appear quite glossy. There are numerous methods to burnishing clayware, a few of which will be discussed in this section. Some potters will burnish their ware at the leather hard stage. This can be accomplished using a hard rib made of rubber, metal, wood or other firm surface. The entire piece will be burnished for a consistent look and feel. Once the piece is bone-dry terra sigillata may be applied to enhance the look. If terra sigillata is applied the pot will again be burnished utilizing the potters hands, a cloth or various tools including stones, spoons or rods.

Others choose to burnish their pots when bone dry. At this stage they may lightly sand the piece to remove surface scratches and minor throwing or trimming marks. The piece is then lightly dampened with water. Burnishing is then accomplished using the previously mentioned tools. Once again, terra sigillata may be applied and burnished to give the pot a finished look.

A variation on the second method would be to dampen the bone-dry pot with oil followed by water and proceed with the burnishing. This extra step seems to yield a finer polishing surface.

If the desired effect is to achieve a satin surface you may wish to burnish the pots with a cloth or your hands. A glassy surface can be achieved using the rigid tools mentioned.