What action involves making something smooth or glossy?

The action that involves making something smooth or glossy is best described by the term "burnish." When you burnish an object, you typically use friction, heat, or a tool to create a shiny, reflective surface. This method is often employed in various crafts and industries, such as metalworking, woodworking, and leatherworking, where a beautiful finish is desired.

While "polish" might seem similar, it generally implies using a substance, like a cream or liquid, to achieve a slick surface, which can also result in a glossy finish. However, burnishing specifically highlights the process that utilizes pressure and friction to enhance the surface finish.

"Refine" refers to the process of improving something by removing impurities or unwanted elements but doesn't necessarily imply a shiny surface. "Buff" involves a technique that also makes surfaces smooth but is often used to remove minor imperfections and is typically done using a softer cloth or wheel. Therefore, "burnish" is the term that most accurately captures the action of making something glossy through direct application of pressure and friction.