Burnishing scratches, especially deeper ones, makes removal easier, faster. Burnishing is a good step to take on an isolated scratch on a pristine area as it minimizes the amount of material that’s removed adjacent to the scratch. Think feathering, scratch removal footprint, minimal low point remaining in the scratch zone when finished. These deeper scratches once repaired often require a lowering of the whole surface area to feather in the footprint. Focusing too narrowly on the scratch plus high speed tools can make matters worse. Burnishing usually allows for a shallower repair swale, thus easier to recover the smooth surface. I use a highly polished steel burnisher. I’ve never used agate but I imagine it would work for lighter scratches and more delicate surfaces and areas. Burnishing will often smooth out shallower scratches so they magically disappear. A quick polishing touch up is all that’s then required. Obviously, deeper burnished scratches still require sanding and polishing stages to final finish, it just makes it easier with less metal to remove. A final note, start with a lighter pressure as you burnish and watch the metal moving over the scratch, increase pressure from your wrist, not your elbow or shoulder, until things look better. Don’t overdo it. Burnishing work hardens and lowers the surface under the tool, leaving an irregularly hardened surface to smooth out in the end. And make sure your piece is well secured when burnishing. The pressure required can create an out of control tool if you slip.
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