仕上げ
polishing
Japanese: 艶出し
The finishing stage where a glossy finish is achieved using fine-grit sandpaper and felt.
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Polishing is the final step in the grinding process, used to achieve a mirror-like finish. By applying polishing agents such as cerium oxide to a felt pad and polishing the surface, a lustrous, translucent finish is achieved. An optically smooth surface beautifully controls the reflection and refraction of light, bringing out the maximum transparency and brilliance of the piece.
Polishing requires patience; if you do not completely remove the fine scratches left over from the intermediate polishing stage, the final surface will end up with a white, cloudy appearance. Before proceeding with polishing, make sure that the scratches from the previous step have been sufficiently removed. It is important to continue polishing at a consistent pressure and speed while using water to replenish the abrasive as needed.
This entry is written in Japanese by Rei Chikaoka and translated for readers outside Japan. If something reads oddly, the original is the source of truth.