Brass Polishing & Lacquering
We remove tarnish, restore the shine, and protect brass with a clear lacquer coating.
Our brass polishing and lacquering service brings back the rich, warm shine that brass is known for. We remove years of tarnish, polish the surface until it glows, and apply a protective clear lacquer that slows future tarnishing. Door handles, candlesticks, church fittings, antique pieces, decorative items. Whatever brass you have, we treat it with the care it deserves. The lacquer protection means you won't need to polish constantly to keep brass looking good. It holds the shine and reduces maintenance for years. Every piece is handled by the Stevenson family using methods we've refined over six decades.
Why Choose Us for Brass Polishing
Brass polishing takes skill and patience. Too much pressure removes too much metal. Not enough leaves tarnish behind. We've spent over 60 years learning how to get it right, and every piece of brass is handled personally by our team.
Family run since 1962 with three generations of brass polishing experience
We remove tarnish without damaging the brass underneath
Deep polish brings out the natural warm colour and shine
Clear protective lacquer applied to slow future tarnishing
Experience with door furniture, church items, antiques, and decorative brass
Honest assessment of what can be restored and what limitations exist
Fair pricing with realistic timescales
How We Polish and Lacquer Brass
Brass restoration isn't just wiping it clean. Proper polishing removes tarnish, smooths the surface, and brings back the depth of colour. Here's how we do it.
Remove Old Lacquer
If the brass was previously lacquered, we strip the old coating first. Lacquer eventually breaks down and traps tarnish underneath. Starting fresh gives better results.
Clean Thoroughly
The brass gets cleaned to remove dirt, oils, and surface grime. This reveals the actual condition and prepares the surface for polishing.
Polish the Brass
Using buffing wheels and polishing compounds, we work the surface to remove tarnish and oxidation. The brass is brought back to a smooth, even shine. This step takes time and can't be rushed.
Final Clean
After polishing, the brass is cleaned again to remove any polishing compound residue. Lacquer won't bond properly over dirty brass.
Apply Protective Lacquer
We apply a clear protective lacquer that seals the brass and slows tarnishing. This keeps the shine lasting longer and reduces how often you need to clean it.
Final Check
Every piece gets checked for even coverage, smooth finish, and proper protection. If it doesn't meet our standard, we work on it again.
Most brass polishing takes 1 to 2 weeks. Larger collections or heavily tarnished items may take longer.
What Brass Items We Restore
We work on all kinds of brass items. Door furniture, church pieces, antiques, household brass. If it's tarnished or dull, we can bring it back.
Door and Architectural Brass
Door handles, knobs, letterboxes, knockers, kick plates, finger plates, hinges, railings, and stair rods.
Church and Religious Brass
Candlesticks, altar crosses, collection plates, lecterns, plaques, memorial brass, and other liturgical items.
Household and Decorative
Picture frames, trays, ornamental pieces, clocks, lamps, fireplace tools, coal scuttles, and decorative fittings.
Antiques and Collectables
Vintage brass items, antique furniture fittings, restored pieces, and collectables needing careful restoration.
Musical Instruments
Brass instruments needing polishing and lacquering to restore appearance while maintaining proper function.
Some brass items are plated rather than solid. If the plating is worn through, polishing won't help. Send photos and we'll let you know what's possible.
Who Uses Our Brass Polishing Service
Churches trust us with altar brass. Homeowners bring door furniture that's lost its shine. Antique dealers send pieces needing restoration before sale. We help them all.
Churches and Religious Groups Restoring candlesticks, altar crosses, collection plates, and liturgical brass with the care these items deserve.
Homeowners Bringing back the shine on door handles, knockers, letterboxes, and household brass that's tarnished over time.
Antique Dealers and Collectors Preparing brass antiques for sale or restoring family pieces and collectables to original condition.
Property Managers and Landlords Maintaining brass in period properties, hotels, and buildings where appearance matters.
Anyone with Tarnished Brass Items that have dulled, blackened, or lost their shine can be restored and protected with lacquer.
What Does Brass Polishing Cost
Pricing depends on size, how tarnished the brass is, and whether old lacquer needs stripping first. Small items like door handles cost less than large collections or heavily tarnished pieces.
Send clear photos showing the condition. Let us know how many items you have and what they are. We'll give you a clear quote before starting. No hidden costs.
Most brass work takes 1 to 2 weeks. Larger jobs or full sets may take longer. We'll confirm timings when we quote.
How to Send Brass to Us
Many customers across the UK send us their brass. Here's how to do it safely.
Pack Carefully Wrap each piece separately in bubble wrap or cloth. Use sturdy boxes with padding. Include your contact details and return address.
Send Insured Use tracked and insured delivery. Royal Mail Special Delivery or a courier with insurance protects you if anything goes wrong.
What Happens We'll confirm as soon as your items arrive. 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 Brass Polishing
Here are the questions customers ask us most often about brass polishing and lacquering. If yours isn't here, get in touch.
How long does lacquer last on brass?
Indoors, lacquer can last 5 to 10 years or longer depending on conditions. Outdoor brass exposed to weather may need relacquering sooner. The lacquer eventually breaks down from UV light, moisture, and handling. When it starts failing, the brass underneath will begin tarnishing again.
Can badly tarnished or blackened brass be restored?
Yes. Heavy tarnish just takes more polishing to remove. Even brass that's turned black or green can usually be brought back. The worse the condition, the more time it takes. Send photos and we'll assess what can be done.
Will polishing remove the aged look from antique brass?
It depends on what you want. Polishing removes tarnish and brings back shine. If you prefer the aged patina look, we can clean brass gently without full polishing. Let us know your preference when you get in touch.
Can you polish brass that's still attached to doors or furniture?
We prefer items to be removed so we can polish them properly and apply lacquer evenly. Polishing in place is difficult and results aren't as good. If removal isn't possible, let us know and we'll discuss options.
How do I know if my brass is solid or plated?
Solid brass has a consistent colour if you scratch the surface lightly in a hidden spot. Plated brass shows a different metal underneath. If you're unsure, send photos of any worn areas and we can usually tell. Plated brass that's worn through can't be polished back without replating.
Will lacquer change the colour of the brass?
Clear lacquer shouldn't noticeably change the colour. It just seals the polished brass and keeps it looking as it does right after polishing. Some lacquers can add a very slight warmth or tone, but it's minimal.
Can I drop my brass off in person?
Yes. We're in Harrow, London. Bringing brass directly often works better, especially for larger or fragile items. Call 07391 007 123 first to arrange a time.
How do I maintain lacquered brass after you've restored it?
Wipe with a soft cloth and warm soapy water when needed. Dry thoroughly. Don't use abrasive cleaners or polish. The lacquer is doing the protecting, so you don't need to polish anymore. When the lacquer eventually fails, bring it back for relacquering.
Can you restore brass door furniture without damaging the doors?
We recommend removing brass from doors for restoration. If you can't remove it yourself, we can advise on how or recommend someone who can. Polishing and lacquering in place risks damaging the door and gives poorer results.
What if my brass has dents or damage?
Minor dents can sometimes be worked out during polishing. Deep dents or structural damage may need repair work first. Send photos showing the damage and we'll let you know what's realistic and what it would involve.
Get Your Free Quote
Tell us what brass needs restoring and send photos showing the condition. Let us know how many pieces you have and we'll give you an accurate quote.
Brass Polishing Across London and the UK
We've been restoring tarnished brass for customers across London and throughout the UK since 1962. From church candlesticks and door furniture to antiques and decorative brass, we handle the work properly. Based in Harrow, we're here to help. Visit us directly or send items by post with full insurance.
Pricing depends on size, how tarnished the brass is, and whether old lacquer needs stripping first. Small items like door handles cost less than large collections or heavily tarnished pieces.