Protective Lacquering

We seal polished metal with a protective clear coat to prevent tarnish and reduce upkeep.

Our protective lacquering service seals polished brass, copper, and bronze with a clear coating that slows tarnishing and reduces maintenance. Once metal is polished, it starts reacting with air and moisture immediately. Lacquer creates a barrier that keeps the shine lasting months or years instead of weeks. We apply lacquer after polishing door furniture, candlesticks, decorative brass, antique items, and anything else that needs protecting. The coating is clear, so it doesn't change the colour or appearance. It just holds the polished finish in place. We've been applying protective lacquer since 1962, and we use quality coatings that don't yellow, crack, or peel quickly like cheaper products. Whether you've just had items polished or want to protect newly restored metalwork, lacquer keeps the shine and cuts down how often you need to clean and polish.

Why Choose Us for Protective Lacquering

Lacquer application needs to be done right. Dirty surfaces, uneven coating, or poor quality lacquer all cause problems. We've spent over 60 years applying lacquer properly, and every piece is handled with care by our experienced team.

Family run since 1962 with three generations of lacquering experience
Quality clear lacquer that doesn't yellow or discolour over time
Even application ensures full coverage and smooth finish
We lacquer brass, copper, bronze, and polished metals
Lacquer applied immediately after polishing for best results
Experience with door furniture, church items, antiques, and decorative metalwork
Fair pricing and realistic timescales

How We Apply Protective Lacquer

Lacquer only works if the surface is clean and the application is even. Rushing this step causes failures. Here's how we do it properly.

Ensure Clean Surface

Lacquer won't bond to dirty, oily, or contaminated surfaces. If the metal has just been polished, we ensure all polishing compound is removed. If you're sending items that need lacquering, they must be clean and free of fingerprints.

Check for Old Lacquer

If old lacquer exists, it needs stripping first. Applying new lacquer over failing old coating traps tarnish underneath and looks worse than no lacquer at all.

Apply Lacquer Evenly

We apply thin, even coats of clear lacquer. Multiple thin coats work better than one thick coat. The lacquer is applied by spray or careful brushing depending on the item.

Allow Proper Drying

Lacquer needs time to cure properly. We allow sufficient drying between coats and before the item is handled or packaged.

Final Check

We check for even coverage, smooth finish, and proper adhesion. Any missed spots or imperfections get corrected before the item is finished.

Most lacquering takes 1 to 2 weeks including drying time. Rush jobs aren't possible because lacquer needs proper curing.

What Metals We Protect with Lacquer

Lacquer works on brass, copper, and bronze. It's applied after polishing to seal the shine and slow tarnishing.

Brass Items

Door handles, knockers, letterboxes, candlesticks, decorative brass, antique brassware, church items, and household brass.

Copper Items

Decorative copper, architectural features, antique copper, polished copper pieces, and household copperware.

Bronze Items

Bronze sculptures, antique bronze, architectural bronze, decorative pieces, and restored bronze items.

Polished Metals After Restoration

Any brass, copper, or bronze that's been polished and needs protection from tarnishing.

Items Not Suitable for Lacquer

Silver and chrome don't usually need lacquer. Stainless steel doesn't tarnish so lacquer isn't necessary. Items that get heavy wear may scratch the lacquer quickly, making it less worthwhile.

Who Uses Our Lacquering Service

Lacquering serves customers who want polished metal to stay shiny longer without constant maintenance.

Homeowners Protecting brass door furniture, knockers, and household metalwork so it doesn't need frequent polishing.

Churches Sealing polished brass candlesticks, altar items, and church fittings to reduce maintenance and keep them looking good.

Antique Owners Protecting restored antiques after polishing to preserve the finish and reduce handling damage.

Property Managers Maintaining brass in buildings, hotels, and properties where polishing every few weeks isn't practical.

Collectors and Dealers Protecting polished pieces so they stay presentable for display or sale without constant upkeep.

Anyone Who's Just Polished Metal Items freshly polished benefit most from immediate lacquering to seal the shine before tarnishing starts.

What Does Lacquering Cost

Lacquering pricing depends on the size and number of items. Small pieces like door handles cost less than large decorative items or full collections.

If we've already polished your items, lacquering is usually included or added at a small additional cost. If you're sending already-polished items just for lacquering, we'll quote based on size and quantity.

Send clear photos showing what needs lacquering. Let us know if we've already polished them or if they're coming to us clean and ready for coating. We'll give you a clear quote.

Most lacquering takes 1 to 2 weeks including curing time.

How to Send Items for Lacquering

Items being sent for lacquering must be clean, polished, and free of fingerprints. Here's how to send them safely.

Ensure Items Are Clean Lacquer won't bond to dirty or oily surfaces. If you've polished items yourself, make sure all polishing compound is removed. Don't touch polished surfaces with bare hands as fingerprints will show under lacquer.

Pack Carefully Wrap items in clean 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. If they need cleaning or prep before lacquering, we'll let you know. 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 Protective Lacquering

Here are the questions customers ask us most often about protective lacquer. If yours isn't here, get in touch.

How long does lacquer last?

Indoors, quality lacquer can last 5 to 10 years or longer. Outdoors, it breaks down faster due to UV light and weather, usually lasting 2 to 5 years. Items that get handled frequently may show wear sooner. When lacquer starts failing, the metal underneath will begin tarnishing again.

Will lacquer change the colour or appearance of the metal?

Clear lacquer shouldn't noticeably change colour. It just seals the polished finish as it is. Some cheaper lacquers yellow over time, but quality lacquer stays clear for years. The metal looks the same, just protected.

Can lacquer be applied over tarnished metal?

No. Lacquer seals whatever's underneath. If you lacquer over tarnish, the tarnish stays visible and continues developing under the coating. Metal must be polished clean before lacquer is applied.

What happens when lacquer eventually fails?

When lacquer breaks down, the metal underneath starts tarnishing again. At that point, the old lacquer needs stripping, the metal needs repolishing, and fresh lacquer can be reapplied. This is normal maintenance for lacquered items.

Can I lacquer items myself?

You can, but results vary. Spray lacquer from hardware stores works for some items, but uneven application, dust contamination, and poor surface prep cause problems. We apply lacquer in controlled conditions with proper equipment for consistent results.

Does lacquer work on silver?

Silver can be lacquered, but it's less common. Silver lacquer tends to yellow faster than brass lacquer. For silver, regular cleaning or storage in anti-tarnish bags often works better than lacquer.

Can I drop my items off in person for lacquering?

Yes. We're in Harrow, London. Bringing items directly often works better, especially if we need to assess whether they're ready for lacquering. Call 07391 007 123 first to arrange a time.

Can lacquer be polished or buffed?

No. Lacquer is a protective coating, not a metal surface. Polishing or buffing damages the lacquer and exposes the metal underneath. If lacquered items get dirty, just wipe them with a soft damp cloth. Don't use polish or abrasives.

Will lacquered brass still tarnish?

Eventually, yes, but much more slowly. Lacquer slows tarnishing by sealing out air and moisture. It doesn't stop it forever. When lacquer breaks down or gets scratched, tarnishing will start in those areas.

Can lacquer be removed if I don't like it?

Yes. Lacquer can be stripped with lacquer thinner or remover. Once removed, the metal can be repolished and either relacquered or left unlacquered. Lacquer removal is straightforward if you decide it's not right for your items.

Get Your Free Quote

Tell us what needs lacquering and send photos showing the items. Let us know if we've already polished them or if they're coming to us ready for coating.