An apparatus (10) and method for providing a surface finish to articles (12) is disclosed. Various constructions and details are developed which promote the adaptability of the device and method to use in automated facilities employing flow lines to process articles. In one particular embodiment, articles (12) are disposed in predetermined volumes of finishing media (30) which are separated from each other, the finishing media being vibrated as the media is urged along a surface (58) from one location to another by a helicoid-type blade (66). In one embodiment, means for vibrating the media vibrates the surface (58) to vibrate the media. Any suitable device may be used to provide vibrational energy to the surface.