A manufacturing method for providing a low-friction surface comprises providing (210) of a mechanical element. A tool is mechanically rubbed (212) against a surface of the mechanical element. A process liquid is provided (214) to a contact area between the mechanical element and the tool. The process liquid comprises a first element that is a refractory metal and a second element that is a chalcogen. The first and second elements are provided in a liquid substance. The mechanical rubbing is performed with a contact pressure that is between 1% and 100% of an ultimate strength of the mechanical element. The mechanical rubbing thereby causes a combined burnishing of the surface of the mechanical element and a deposition of a tribofilm on the surface of the mechanical element. The tribofilm comprises the first element and the second element.