This study investigated the surface finish of resin-modified (Fuji II LC, GC) and highly viscous (Fuji IX GP Fast, GC) glass ionomer cements after treatment with three one-step finishing/polishing systems (One-Gloss [OG], Shofu; Pogo [PG], Dentsply; Sof-Lex Brush [SB], 3M-ESPE). The surface roughness obtained was compared to that using a matrix strip [MS], a two-step rubber abrasive (CompoSite [CS], Shofu) and a graded abrasive disk (Super Snap [SS], Shofu) system. Eight specimens (3-mm long x 3-mm wide x 2-mm deep) of each material were made for the various treatment groups. With the exception of the MS group, all groups were roughened with 320 grit grinding paper using a lapping device prior to finishing/polishing with the different systems. The mean surface roughness (microm) was measured with a profilometer. Data was subjected to ANOVA/Scheffe's tests at significance level 0.05. Mean Ra ranged from 0.13 to 1.04 microm for Fuji II LC and 0.14 to 0.81 for Fuji IX GP. For both materials, the smoothest surface was obtained with MS and the roughest with OG. Depending on the materials, the surface finish produced by PG and SB was superior or comparable to that obtained with CS and SS. The effectiveness of one-step systems, when used to finish/polish resin-modified and highly viscous glass ionomer cements, is product dependent.