Bronze sculptors masterfully create visual tension by strategically combining polished and unpolished surfaces in their works. This deliberate contrast begins with careful planning during the clay modeling stage, where artists designate areas for different finishes. The casting process preserves these textural intentions through precise wax work and mold preparation.

For polished sections, artists employ progressive sanding with increasingly fine abrasives (from 80-grit to 3000-grit), followed by buffing with specialized compounds. These mirror-like surfaces reflect light dramatically, often used to highlight focal points or suggest movement.

Unpolished areas maintain the bronze's raw, granular quality through controlled oxidation. Artists may use acid patinas, torch heating, or controlled exposure to create organic textures. Some preserve the original sand-cast surface or employ chiseling tools to enhance roughness.

The magic occurs in transitional zones where artists gradually blend textures using wire brushes, sandblasting, or selective polishing. This gradient effect creates depth and guides the viewer's eye. Contemporary sculptors often amplify contrast by applying dark chemical patinas to unpolished sections while keeping polished areas bright.

Temperature plays a crucial role - heating the bronze to specific temperatures (typically 300-600°F) before applying patinas allows for richer color variations in unpolished zones. Many artists seal polished areas with wax while working on adjacent rough sections to maintain sharp boundaries.

This textural duality serves both aesthetic and symbolic purposes, with polished areas representing refinement and unpolished sections conveying raw energy or natural forms. The technique requires exceptional control, as over-polishing can diminish the artwork's dynamic quality, while excessive roughness may appear unfinished.