What term refers to a surface made smooth and glossy through the process of friction?

The term that refers to a surface made smooth and glossy through the process of friction is "polished finish." This term is widely used in various fields, including woodworking, metalworking, and finishing processes, to describe the outcome of smoothing a surface until it achieves a reflective quality.

A polished finish is typically achieved by using abrasives or polishing compounds in a systematic manner, which gradually refine the surface to remove imperfections and enhance its clarity and shine. The process of polishing often involves the use of tools and materials that generate friction, leading to the desired smooth and glossy appearance.

While "gloss finish" might seem similar, it generally refers to the degree of sheen in a surface rather than the process used to achieve that sheen. "Fresh finish" is not a standard term in finishing processes and doesn't specifically relate to the method of achieving a smooth surface. On the other hand, a "buffed finish" might imply a surface treated with a buffing tool, which is indeed a way to achieve a polished look, but it is often less comprehensive than the term "polished finish," which encompasses the entire series of processes involved in achieving that end result.