Surface finishing

thumb|upright=1.35|Sheets of sandpaper with different grit sizes (40 (coarse), 80, 150, 240, 600 (fine))

Polishing is the process of creating a smooth and shiny surface by rubbing it or by applying a chemical treatment, leaving a clean surface with a significant specular reflection (still limited by the index of refraction of the material according to the Fresnel equations). In some materials (such as metals, glasses, black or transparent stones), polishing is also able to reduce diffuse reflection to minimal values.

physico-chemical processes contributing to protect a surface against oxidation

coating applied as a free-flowing, dry powder

range of processes that alter the surface of an item to achieve a certain property