Antique Metal Polishing
We restore period metalwork with methods that respect age, character, and collector value.
Our antique metal polishing service restores shine to tarnished brass, silver, copper, and bronze while respecting the piece's age and character. We don't just polish everything until it's mirror bright. We work with collectors, dealers, and families to understand what level of restoration suits each piece. Some antiques look better with gentle cleaning that keeps their aged patina. Others benefit from full polishing that brings back their original shine. We assess each item individually and recommend the approach that makes sense. Whether you have inherited silverware, antique brass furniture fittings, vintage decorative pieces, or collectables needing restoration, we handle them with the care they deserve. Since 1962, we've restored antique metal for museums, dealers, private collectors, and families wanting to bring heirlooms back to life.
Why Choose Us for Antique Polishing
Antique polishing requires judgment and restraint. Over-polishing removes character. Under-polishing leaves potential unrealised. We've spent over 60 years learning where that balance sits, and every antique is handled with respect for its age and history.
Family run since 1962 with three generations of antique restoration experience
Period-sensitive approach that respects age and character
We assess each piece individually and recommend appropriate restoration
Experience with Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, and other period metalwork
Gentle cleaning for pieces where patina should be preserved
Full polishing for pieces that benefit from restored shine
Honest advice on what approach suits your antiques best
How We Polish Antique Metal
Antique polishing isn't one-size-fits-all. What suits one piece damages another. Here's how we approach antique metal restoration.
Assess Age and Condition
We examine the piece to understand its age, metal type, condition, and whether it has original finishes or patina that should be preserved. This determines our approach.
Discuss Your Preferences
Some collectors want antiques to look as they did when new. Others prefer aged character. We discuss what you want before starting work.
Gentle Cleaning First
We start conservatively with gentle cleaning to remove dirt and grime without removing patina. For many pieces, this is enough.
Selective Polishing
If more restoration is needed, we polish carefully, working gradually rather than aggressively. We can always polish more but can't put patina back once removed.
Preserve Details
Engravings, hallmarks, maker's marks, and fine details are protected during polishing. These matter to collectors and add value.
Final Assessment
We check the piece against what you wanted. The goal is improvement without destroying character or originality.
Most antique polishing takes 1 to 2 weeks. Complex pieces or full collections may take longer.
What Antique Metal We Restore
We work on all types of antique metal items. The approach varies based on age, rarity, and condition.
Antique Silver
Victorian silverware, Edwardian tea services, Georgian pieces, antique trays, and decorative silver from all periods.
Antique Brass
Victorian door furniture, Art Deco fittings, antique candlesticks, fireplace tools, antique lighting, and decorative brassware.
Copper and Bronze
Antique copper cookware, Victorian copper items, bronze sculptures, antique fire tools, and decorative metalwork.
Furniture Fittings
Period door handles, escutcheons, hinges, drawer pulls, antique furniture hardware, and architectural salvage.
Collectables and Display Pieces
Vintage trophies, antique clocks, period lighting, decorative antiques, and items with historical or sentimental value.
Religious and Church Items
Antique altar brass, Victorian church fittings, period religious metalwork, and historic liturgical items.
Some antiques are better left with patina. Others improve with polishing. We'll advise based on the specific piece.
Who Uses Our Antique Polishing Service
Antique metal polishing serves collectors, dealers, families with heirlooms, and anyone needing period-sensitive restoration.
Antique Dealers Preparing pieces for sale, restoring shop stock, and maintaining inventory where appearance affects value.
Private Collectors Maintaining collections, restoring newly acquired pieces, and preserving family heirlooms with care.
Families with Inherited Items Restoring silver services, brass items, and metalwork passed down through generations.
Museums and Institutions Period-appropriate restoration for display pieces and historic items where conservation matters.
Interior Designers Preparing antique metalwork for client properties where period authenticity is important.
Anyone with Antique Metal Items with age, history, or sentimental value that need restoring without losing character.
What Does Antique Polishing Cost
Antique polishing pricing depends on age, condition, rarity, and how much work is appropriate. Period pieces requiring conservative restoration take time and careful handling.
Send clear photos showing the item, any marks or engravings, and its condition. Let us know what you want achieved. We'll assess what approach suits the piece and give you a clear quote. No hidden costs.
Most antique work takes 1 to 2 weeks. Rare or particularly delicate pieces may take longer. We'll confirm timings when we quote.
How to Send Antiques to Us
Antiques need careful packing and full insurance. Here's how to send them safely.
Pack Very Carefully Wrap antiques in bubble wrap and soft cloth. Use sturdy boxes with plenty of padding. Package items individually if sending multiple pieces. Include your contact details and return address.
Insure Fully Always use tracked and fully insured delivery. Antiques should be insured for replacement value. Royal Mail Special Delivery or a specialist courier with antiques experience works best.
Include Documentation If you know the age, maker, or history, include that information. Photos of hallmarks or maker's marks help us handle the item appropriately.
What Happens We'll confirm as soon as your items arrive. We'll assess them and discuss the best approach before starting. You'll get updates throughout, and we'll arrange secure return delivery when finished.
Our Address Stevenson Platers 34 Woodgrange Avenue Harrow London HA3 0XD
Common Questions About Antique Metal Polishing
Here are the questions we hear most often about antique metal restoration. If yours isn't here, get in touch.
Will polishing devalue my antiques?
Not if done appropriately. Over-aggressive polishing that removes patina, marks, or details can reduce value. Conservative polishing that restores appearance without destroying character usually improves presentation and value. We assess each piece individually and recommend what makes sense.
Should antique silver be polished or left tarnished?
It depends on the piece and your preference. Display silver often looks better polished. Some collectors prefer aged patina on rare pieces. We can discuss what suits your specific items and your goals for them.
Can you restore heavily tarnished Victorian brass?
Yes. Victorian brass can usually be brought back even when heavily tarnished. The approach depends on whether you want full restoration to original shine or gentler cleaning that retains some age character.
Will polishing remove hallmarks or engravings?
Not if done properly. We protect hallmarks, maker's marks, and engravings during polishing. These details matter to collectors and should never be polished away.
How do I know if my antique needs polishing or just cleaning?
Send photos and we'll advise. Many antiques just need gentle cleaning to remove dirt and grime. Others benefit from polishing to restore shine. We'll recommend what suits your specific piece.
Can you restore antique furniture fittings?
Yes. Victorian and Edwardian furniture often had brass or copper fittings that have tarnished over time. We restore these while respecting their period and keeping them appropriate to the furniture's age.
What if I'm unsure whether to polish my antiques?
Send photos and describe the items. We'll give honest advice on whether polishing improves them or whether they're better left as they are. We won't recommend work that doesn't make sense.
Can I drop my antiques off in person?
Yes. We're in Harrow, London. Bringing antiques directly often works better, especially for fragile or valuable pieces. Call 07391 007 123 first to arrange a time.
Do you work with museums or institutions?
We've restored pieces for museums, churches, and institutions where conservation and period-appropriate restoration matter. Our approach respects historical significance and preserves character.
Can you match the finish on other antiques in my collection?
We can aim for consistency across a collection. Matching aged patina or polished finishes helps sets look cohesive. Send photos of what you want matched and we'll discuss what's achievable.
Get Your Free Quote
Tell us about your antiques and send detailed photos. Include any known history, age, or maker information. Let us know what you want achieved and we'll advise on the best approach.
Antique Metal Polishing Across London and the UK
We've been restoring antique metal for collectors, dealers, and families across London and throughout the UK since 1962. From Victorian silver and brass to period furniture fittings and decorative antiques, we handle restoration with care and respect for age. Based in Harrow, we're here to help. Visit us directly or send items by post with full insurance.
Antique polishing pricing depends on age, condition, rarity, and how much work is appropriate. Period pieces requiring conservative restoration take time and careful handling.