One of the most common notes we see on customer drawings is just one word: “Polishing.” It looks straightforward, but in practice, “polishing” can mean multiple things depending on the goal — and this is why prices and outcomes often vary.
Key point: The important factor is not the word polishing itself, but the purpose behind it. Once the purpose is clear, the process and cost will naturally follow.
Three Common Purposes of “Polishing”
1) Functional Polishing — Smooth and Safe to Touch
For a large number of projects, polishing is requested simply to:
Remove burrs and sharp edges
Ensure the part feels smooth and safe in use
Right approach: Complex mirror polishing is unnecessary here. Simple processes such as sandblasting or adding a small CNC chamfer are usually enough to achieve the result at lower cost.
Case Example: A North American startup requested “mirror polishing” for their prototype. After clarifying their true concern was safety in handling, we suggested a minor CNC chamfer plus light blasting. The result met their needs and avoided extra expense.
2) Decorative Polishing — Aesthetic & Brand Perception
When surface appearance is critical, customers want parts without visible tool marks or scratches, often for consumer-facing products. In such cases, we recommend finishes such as:
| Finish | Look & Notes | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| No.4 / Satin | Fine brushed look; uniform matte reflection. | Appliance panels, electronics. |
| Hairline | Long, continuous grain; premium appearance; hides small scratches. | Consumer products, decorative covers. |
| BA / 8K Mirror | Bright, highly reflective surfaces; 8K is near perfect mirror. | Luxury, architecture, high-end design. |
Customers sometimes send a reference picture of the effect they want.
For parts with complex shapes, exact mirror-like results may not be possible. Our engineers provide a feasibility assessment of the design and recommend the most practical surface finish for your specific part.
3) Technical Polishing — Defined Surface Standards
Some professional customers specify detailed standards, such as:
Defined surface roughness values (e.g., Ra 0.8)
Industry-specific grades (BA, #8 Mirror, 8K Finish, etc.)
Here, the purpose is clear, and our role is to match the required finish with the geometry and feasibility of the part, ensuring compliance.
Multiple process cycles — repeated polishing and buffing.
Strict inspection — no tolerance for scratches or pits.
High manual labor — polishing complex parts is time-intensive.
Material removal — more surface reduction, higher difficulty.
Compared to standard polishing, these finishes demand significantly more effort and cost.
You Don’t Need to Be an Expert in Polishing
You don’t need to know every polishing method. What matters most is sharing the purpose:
Safety?
Appearance?
Technical compliance?
Once we know the goal, BERGEK engineers handle the rest — evaluating feasibility and recommending the most practical finishing process for your part.
Conclusion
“Polishing” is not a single process. It is an outcome shaped by your goal. By clarifying the purpose, you save time, avoid miscommunication, and get exactly what you expect.
At BERGEK, you don’t need to worry about technical details. Simply tell us what you want to achieve, and we’ll turn that into a manufacturing solution.
Discuss your product goals with BERGEK and choose the right finish together.
