Metal Polishing
We bring dull or tarnished metal back to a clean finish across all types of metalwork.
Our metal polishing service removes scratches, oxidation, and dullness from brass, aluminium, copper, steel, bronze, and other metals. We work on items that need polishing before plating, pieces that just need restoring without plating, and anything in between. Using buffing wheels and polishing compounds, we bring out the natural finish of the metal. Mirror shine, satin finish, or somewhere in the middle. We've been polishing metal since 1962, handling everything from small household items to larger architectural pieces. Whether your metal needs polishing as preparation for another finish or as the final step, we get it done right.
Why Choose Us for Metal Polishing
Metal polishing takes experience and the right equipment. Too aggressive and you remove too much metal. Not thorough enough and imperfections remain. We've spent over 60 years learning how to polish properly, and every piece is handled by our experienced team.
Family run since 1962 with three generations of polishing experience
We polish brass, aluminium, copper, steel, bronze, and other metals
Mirror or satin finishes depending on what you need
Polishing as preparation for plating or as a standalone service
Experience with household items, architectural features, automotive parts, and more
Honest assessment of what can be achieved based on metal condition
Fair pricing and realistic timescales
How We Polish Metal
Metal polishing isn't just rubbing something until it shines. Different metals need different approaches, and the condition of the surface determines how much work is involved. Here's how we handle it.
Assess the Metal
We check what metal you have and its condition. Some metals polish more easily than others. Scratches, pitting, and oxidation all affect how we approach the work.
Clean Thoroughly
The metal gets cleaned to remove dirt, oils, and surface grime. Polishing dirty metal just spreads contamination and wastes time.
Remove Scratches and Imperfections
Using coarse compounds and buffing wheels, we work out scratches, marks, and surface damage. Deep pitting may not come out completely, but we remove what's possible.
Smooth and Refine
Progressively finer compounds smooth the surface further. This removes the marks left by earlier polishing stages and prepares the metal for final finishing.
Final Polish
The final stage brings out the shine. For mirror finishes, we polish until the metal reflects clearly. For satin finishes, we stop earlier to keep a softer appearance.
Protect if Needed
If you want the polish to last longer without tarnishing, we can apply protective lacquer. Not all metals need this, but it helps with brass, copper, and bronze.
Most metal polishing takes 1 to 2 weeks. Items needing heavy correction or large pieces take longer.
What Metals We Work On
We polish most metals, from soft brass to hard stainless steel. If it's metal and needs restoring, we can likely help.
Brass
Door furniture, decorative items, antiques, architectural fittings, and household brass.
Aluminium
Car parts, motorcycle components, architectural features, window frames, and fabricated items.
Copper
Decorative pieces, architectural panels, antique items, and household copper.
Steel
Industrial parts, fabricated items, automotive components, and structural metalwork.
Stainless Steel
Balustrades, handrails, kitchen equipment, architectural features, and modern fittings.
Bronze
Antique items, sculptures, architectural features, and decorative metalwork.
Other Metals
Chrome (polishing without replating), nickel, and mixed metal items. If you're unsure whether we can polish your metal, send photos and we'll advise.
Some metals have limitations. Deep pitting in aluminium or steel often can't be fully removed. Plated items worn through to base metal may need replating rather than polishing.
Who Uses Our Metal Polishing Service
Metal polishing serves different customers with different needs. Some prepare items for plating. Others just want the metal to look better without adding finishes.
Customers Preparing for Plating Polishing before chrome, nickel, gold, or silver plating ensures the final finish looks smooth and even.
Homeowners Restoring tarnished or dull metal around the house. Door furniture, light fittings, decorative items, and household metalwork.
Automotive and Motorcycle Enthusiasts Polishing car badges, trim, wheels, engine covers, exhaust parts, and classic vehicle components.
Antique Dealers and Collectors Restoring metal antiques, vintage items, and collectables to improve appearance before sale or display.
Architects and Designers Refreshing architectural metalwork, balustrades, handrails, and decorative features in buildings and properties.
Anyone with Dull or Scratched Metal Items that have oxidized, scratched, or lost their shine can be polished back to life.
What Does Metal Polishing Cost
Pricing depends on the type of metal, size, condition, and finish you want. Soft metals like brass polish faster than hard metals like stainless steel. Badly scratched items take more work than lightly tarnished ones.
Send clear photos showing what metal it is and its condition. Let us know what finish you're after (mirror, satin, or something else). We'll give you a clear quote before starting.
Most polishing work takes 1 to 2 weeks. Larger items or those needing heavy correction may take longer. We'll confirm timings when we quote.
How to Send Metal to Us
Customers across the UK send us metal items regularly. Here's how to do it safely.
Pack Well Wrap items in bubble wrap or cloth. Use sturdy boxes with padding to prevent movement. 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 in transit.
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 Metal Polishing
Here are the questions customers ask us most often about metal polishing. If yours isn't here, get in touch.
What's the difference between mirror and satin finishes?
Mirror finish is highly reflective and shows clear reflections like a mirror. It takes more polishing to achieve. Satin finish is softer with less reflection, giving a brushed or matte appearance. Both are durable, but the look is different. Let us know which you prefer when you get in touch.
Can badly scratched or pitted metal be polished out?
Light to moderate scratches can usually be polished out. Deep scratches or pitting may improve but often won't disappear completely. We remove what's possible without taking too much metal away. Send photos and we'll let you know what to expect.
Will polishing remove metal from my item?
Yes, but only a tiny amount. Polishing removes a thin layer of oxidized or damaged metal to reveal fresh, clean metal underneath. For most items, this isn't noticeable. Items polished repeatedly over decades may eventually show wear, but normal polishing doesn't cause problems.
Can you polish metal that's been painted or coated?
Paint or coating needs stripping first before we can polish the metal underneath. Once removed, we assess the metal's condition and polish it properly. Stripping adds time and cost, which we'll discuss when you get in touch.
How long does polished metal stay shiny?
It depends on the metal and environment. Stainless steel and aluminium stay shiny longer than brass or copper, which tarnish naturally. Indoors, polished metal lasts longer than outdoors. Protective lacquer helps slow tarnishing on brass, copper, and bronze.
Can you polish items that are still attached to doors or walls?
We prefer items removed so we can polish them properly. Polishing in place is difficult, messy, and results aren't as good. If removal isn't possible, let us know and we'll discuss options.
Can I drop my items off in person?
Yes. We're in Harrow, London. Bringing items directly often works better, especially for larger or fragile pieces. Call 07391 007 123 first to arrange a time.
Do you polish stainless steel?
Yes. Stainless steel is harder to polish than brass or aluminium, so it takes longer. We can achieve mirror or satin finishes on stainless steel depending on what you need.
What if my metal has dents or structural damage?
Polishing improves surface appearance but doesn't fix dents or structural damage. Repairs or welding may be needed first. Send photos showing the damage and we'll advise whether polishing alone will help or if repairs should come first.
Can you polish chrome without replating it?
Sometimes. If chrome is dull but not pitted or peeling, polishing can bring back shine. If chrome has worn through or is badly damaged, replating is needed. Send photos and we'll let you know which approach makes sense.
Get Your Free Quote
Tell us what metal needs polishing and send photos showing the condition. Let us know what finish you're after and we'll give you an accurate quote.
Metal Polishing Across London and the UK
We've been polishing metal for customers across London and throughout the UK since 1962. From brass and aluminium to stainless steel and bronze, 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 the type of metal, size, condition, and finish you want. Soft metals like brass polish faster than hard metals like stainless steel. Badly scratched items take more work than lightly tarnished ones.