What finishing technique is used to achieve a smooth high gloss on bare metal?

The finishing technique used to achieve a smooth high gloss on bare metal is polishing. Polishing involves using a fine abrasive compound or tool on the metal surface to remove any imperfections and create an extremely smooth finish. This process enhances the reflective quality of the metal, providing that desired high gloss appearance.

Brushed finishing, on the other hand, is characterized by a textured surface that has linear scratches often created by a brushing tool, which does not result in a high gloss finish but rather a more muted and matte appearance. Matte finishing refers to a non-reflective surface that lacks shine and gloss, often achieved through sanding or using specific materials that diffuse light, making it unsuitable for achieving a high gloss look. Buffing, while it does contribute to shine, is typically a process that comes after polishing and may not directly create a high gloss itself without the polishing step preceding it. Thus, the correct understanding of the polishing process aligns with achieving that smooth, reflective characteristic sought after in metal finishing.