Which term describes a finish where bare metal is scratched with an abrasive material and then finished to a smooth high gloss?

• A. Brushed
• B. Polished
• C. Satin
• D. Burnished

Answer: (A)

The finish described is defined by creating a surface texture with an abrasive to form deliberate scratches, which is the hallmark of a brushed finish. Those visible lines come from the abrasive action, giving the metal a directional, textured look. Even though the surface can then be finished further to a higher sheen, the key identifier in this description is the initial scratching pattern, which points to brushed.

Polished would imply a smooth, mirror-like surface with no visible scratch marks. Satin is a softer, diffuse look without high gloss. Burnished emphasizes a very smooth, bright surface achieved by rubbing, but not the characteristic scratch lines produced by brushing. So the term that best fits the described process is brushed.