Which tool is a smooth metal instrument used to smooth the surface of a metal intaglio printing plate?

• A. Brayer
• B. Gouge
• C. Burnisher
• D. Plate

Answer: (C)

In intaglio printmaking, smoothing the plate surface is part of preparing the metal for inking. A burnisher is a smooth metal instrument designed specifically to polish and flatten the plate, removing burrs and micro-roughness so the ink sits evenly in the recessed lines. This helps achieve cleaner, more even prints. The other options don’t fit: a brayer rolls ink onto the plate, a gouge cuts into the metal to make lines, and a plate is the metal sheet itself, not a tool. Burnishers come in different smooth finishes to suit the level of refinement needed.