Polished Brass
A bright, reflective brass with a deep golden glow. Built over a leveled base so it shines like a solid brass piece, then sealed to keep that color.
Our brass plating service is focused on the appearance and condition of the part being finished. Whether the project involves one fitting or multiple related components, we review the base material, existing surface and preferred brass tone before recommending the next step.
The appearance begins with a surface prepared for the finish.
An existing metal detail may have value beyond its current appearance. If the piece is structurally suitable, brass plating can be considered as a way to update its finish. The evaluation takes account of the base metal, construction, worn areas and the finish requested.
When selecting a finish, consider both the color and the way light reflects from the surface. Polished brass reads brighter, satin brass softens the reflection, and antique brass adds a darker variation. A reference piece can make the target easier to evaluate.
Preparation is specific to each part. Previous lacquer or plating may need to be stripped, surface irregularities reviewed and the component cleaned before finishing. The completed work is inspected, and a clear protective lacquer is used on most decorative brass projects unless the agreed finish calls for a different approach.
Because fresh brass darkens in open air, every decorative brass job ends with a clear protective lacquer unless you ask for a living finish. Send photos and tell us where the piece will live, and we will recommend a finish and send a written quote.
Each project is evaluated individually. The team considers the part’s construction, surface condition, intended use and finish reference before discussing a suitable brass plating approach.
A bright, reflective brass with a deep golden glow. Built over a leveled base so it shines like a solid brass piece, then sealed to keep that color.
A fine brushed grain that softens the shine and hides fingerprints. The modern favorite for faucets, bath accessories and cabinet hardware.
Brass that is toned darker and hand relieved, so raised details catch the light while the background stays aged. Right at home in period homes.
A bright nickel layer goes down first for smoothness and corrosion protection, then the brass color goes on top. Our standard build for lasting decorative work.
Worn, peeling or bleeding plated brass is stripped to bare metal, repaired and plated again, so a tired piece looks like it just left the factory.
Functional brass on steel parts where rubber has to bond to metal, plus economical brass coatings on production hardware and fasteners.
Slide the handle across any photo to compare the part as it arrived with the same part finished in brass.
Before
Brown, blotchy plating that had lost its lacquer years ago. Disassembled, stripped, polished and plated in bright brass, with every arm matched before it was sealed and rewired.
Before
Dated chrome towel bars, hooks and a paper holder. Converted to satin brass so the whole set agrees with a new satin brass faucet installed in the same room.
Before
A rail section from a hospitality lounge, worn through to the base metal where guests rest their hands. Stripped, rebuilt, polished and plated in bright brass.
All three bring warmth to a room, but they differ in color, upkeep and cost. Here is how they compare so you can pick the one that fits your project.
Brass can go on almost any common metal, but every base needs its own cleaning and its own foundation layer to hold a lasting golden finish.
Cleaned, activated and given a smooth nickel base before brass. Rust and pitting are removed first so the golden surface comes out even.
Most modern faucets, pulls and bath accessories are die cast. They need a careful copper strike and leveling before brass, work we do every week.
Old lacquer and tarnish are stripped, then the part is polished. Many solid brass pieces only need refinishing, others get a fresh plate for an exact color.
A zincate pretreatment and a strike layer let brass bond to aluminum castings and housings that would otherwise reject plating.
A nickel strike breaks through the natural oxide film, after which stainless takes a brass finish with a very durable core underneath.
Copper and bronze accept brass well once cleaned. Unusual alloys and plated plastics are reviewed case by case, so send a photo before you ship.
Brass-finished components can be relevant to a range of projects associated with Anaheim, from residential updates to commercial interiors and custom fixtures. We focus on the part and finish requirements rather than assuming a particular local application.
Table rails, slot cabinet trim, cashier cage details and bar fixtures in polished or satin brass. Casino resorts across North County San Diego trust us to keep their gaming floors glowing.
Chandeliers, sconces, lamp bases and decorative accents finished to a designer's specified brass tone.
Faucets, shower trim, towel bars and kitchen accessories converted to brass so every piece in the room matches.
Drawer pulls, hinges, legs, ferrules and escutcheons for new furniture lines and antique pieces alike.
Door levers, kick plates, handrails and signage for homes, hotels, offices and commercial lobbies.
Brass coated steel inserts and brackets that let rubber bond to metal, plus production hardware runs.
First, provide images of the complete part and close-ups of worn or damaged areas. Include the material if known, dimensions, quantity and a finish reference. After review, the team can discuss suitability, preparation and the proposed scope.
Send pictures of the part and, if you can, a photo of the brass piece it needs to match.
We identify the base metal and the prep it needs, then send a written price within 24 business hours.
Before packing, separate each item and prevent metal surfaces from touching. Remove nonmetal parts when practical, protect delicate corners and include a list of the components. A reference photo is useful when several pieces need a coordinated finish.
Old finishes are stripped, the surface is polished and leveled, then a nickel base and brass go on.
Brass is polished, brushed or antiqued, lacquered, inspected and shipped back insured.
You don't have to live nearby to work with us.
Customers all over the country pack their parts and ship them to our Oceanside shop. We finish them, inspect them and send them back insured. It starts with a few photos.
Homeowners, designers and hospitality teams share what it was like to send their brass and other finishing work to our shop.
Since 1989 our Oceanside shop has helped homeowners, designers and casino resorts get brass that matches, from a single heirloom lamp to hundreds of pieces of hotel hardware.
Email a photo of your brass project and get a no obligation quote within 24 hours.
Each piece is backed by our craftsmanship guarantee. If the finish is not right, we make it right.
Customers in every state ship brass work to us, from one lamp to a full hotel order.
Most projects are completed within 3 to 5 weeks. Expedited Orders: 5 to 7 business days. Contact us for availability.
A brass finish is only as good as the layers under it and the seal on top of it. Here is what goes into every order.
Brass goes over a polished nickel base, which gives it depth and keeps the base metal protected if the surface is ever scratched.
When you send a sample, finished parts are checked next to it under shop light before they are approved.
Parts are cleaned of every fingerprint before the clear seal goes on, so no spots appear under the coating months later.
Each finished piece is sleeved in soft wrap and boxed apart from the others so lacquered surfaces arrive unmarked.
Every brass finish and brass related service we offer under one roof.
Use gentle cleaning to help preserve the finished surface.
For lacquered brass, use a soft cloth with mild soap diluted in water, then dry the surface completely. Avoid abrasive pads, scouring powders and aggressive metal polishes, which can scratch the finish or wear through the protective clear coat.
On frequently handled hardware or parts exposed to moisture, remove fingerprints, water spots and residue before they build up. If the lacquer becomes cloudy, scratched or begins to peel, take photos and ask for guidance before trying a stronger product.
Bath and kitchen pieces see the most wear. Wipe off water spots and soap residue before they dry, and avoid spraying bathroom cleaners directly on the hardware. On casino and hospitality pieces that are cleaned many times a day, ask us about a schedule for resealing before the base metal ever shows.
Prefer brass that ages? We can leave a piece unsealed so it darkens naturally, and you can polish it back whenever you like. When a lacquered piece starts to show spots, send it back: in many cases we strip the old lacquer, rebuff the brass and reseal it without replating.
Brass Plating Gallery
Polished, satin and antique brass on chandeliers, bath sets, bar rails and furniture hardware for homes, hotels and casino resorts.
Preparing your brass-plating project for shipment
Email photos of every piece and the brass finish you want. We reply with a written quote and lead time, often the same business day. Please wait for a quote number before you ship.
Wrap each part separately in bubble wrap or foam so no two pieces touch, and leave at least three inches of padding around them. Glass shades and electrical parts should be removed first.
Declare the full value with your carrier and email us the tracking number, so we can watch for your box and log it in on arrival.
When your brass is finished we send photos for approval, then pack every piece in new materials and ship it back insured.
All brass work is stripped, plated, toned, lacquered and inspected in our own facility in North County San Diego.
Brass, copper, nickel, chrome and metal finishing in San Diego County since 1989.
Decorative Metal Coatings is located in Oceanside, California and accepts eligible projects shipped from anywhere in the United States. Pack each item separately so finished surfaces cannot rub together, protect corners and delicate details, and include your contact information and a parts list. Project-specific shipping and return arrangements are confirmed with the team.
Additional California locations listed in our directory include:
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about finish choices, part suitability, preparation and project timing.
Decorative options include polished brass, satin brass and antique brass. They differ in tone and reflectivity. Share a photo or sample of the appearance you want so the team can discuss which option may suit the part.
It may be possible if the base metal, construction and surface condition are suitable. Send photos of the complete item and close-ups of worn areas for an initial review before deciding whether to replace it.
Provide clear photos, approximate dimensions, quantity, the base metal if known and the finish you prefer. Mention any matching requirements or previous coating information. Quotes typically take 24 to 48 hours once the necessary details are available.
Standard production generally takes 3 to 5 weeks. Rush orders may be possible in 5 to 7 business days, subject to project review and availability. Confirm the schedule with the team before making plans.
Yes. Decorative Metal Coatings is located in Oceanside, California and accepts eligible projects shipped from anywhere in the United States. Contact the team before sending parts so the project and packing requirements can be reviewed.
The shop is open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM. We're closed on Sunday. Shipments are received Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM Pacific.
Usually, yes. Send a photo of the piece you want to match, or ship it along with your parts as a sample. We adjust the finish until the new work sits right next to the old.
When the work is done and inspected, we pack your parts in fresh materials and ship them back insured. If you're close to Oceanside, you're welcome to pick them up instead.