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.
A carefully selected brass finish can refresh a useful component while preserving its original form. Each request is assessed for material, condition and finish preference before a process is recommended. That review gives each project a clear starting point, from one fitting to a coordinated group of components.
The right result starts with a careful review of the part.
For compatible metal pieces, a decorative brass finish can offer an alternative to replacing the original component. Parts reviewed may include lighting components, decorative fittings, architectural hardware and furniture details. The base metal, construction and condition determine whether a part can be accepted for the process.
Decorative brass can be specified in different visual directions depending on the design and reference. Polished, satin and antique brass are distinct options, each with its own reflectivity and depth. Discuss matching requirements early so the team can evaluate the reference with the actual component.
A consistent decorative result depends on suitable preparation and careful handling of the part. Some parts need previous coatings stripped before cleaning and surface preparation can be completed. After finishing, the component is reviewed for appearance and consistency before packing arrangements are made.
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.
Decorative Metal Coatings reviews the part before confirming a suitable finishing approach. Clear images of the full item and worn areas help explain the work being requested. The review helps establish suitability, preparation needs and the next steps for a quote.
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.
Customers planning work in the Beaumont area may be considering brass finishes for lighting, hardware or furniture accents. They do not imply that Decorative Metal Coatings operates a shop or has completed projects in the city. Project suitability depends on the component itself, not on the city where the project is located.
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.
Each project starts with an evaluation of the part, its current finish and the desired appearance. The exact sequence depends on the substrate and may involve stripping, cleaning and surface preparation. The approved finish is then applied and the component is reviewed before packing and return arrangements.
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, remove glass, bulbs, wiring, plastic pieces and detachable nonmetal parts whenever practical. Wrap each metal part separately, cushion fragile edges and protect threads or mounting details. Include your contact information and a parts list. If several components need to match, add a photo showing them together.
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.
Over three decades of plating, one shop in Oceanside.
Every part is stripped, prepped, plated and inspected in our own building, and our work comes with a 12 month workmanship guarantee. Send photos and we'll take it from there.
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.
Maintain the appearance with careful everyday handling.
Use a nonabrasive cloth and mild soapy water when cleaning a lacquered brass surface. Strong cleaners can wear through a protective coating and affect the appearance underneath.
If clouding, peeling or a change in sheen appears, photograph the area before attempting a repair. Do not use polishing compounds unless the care method has been confirmed for the specific finish.
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.
Sending components for decorative brass plating
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.
The shop is based in Oceanside, California. Eligible metal parts can be shipped from anywhere in the United States after the project has been reviewed. Pack items individually, protect corners and fragile details, and confirm shipping and return arrangements with the team.
You can also explore Brass Plating information for these California cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Understand the information needed for an evaluation and quote.
Polished brass is bright and reflective, satin brass has a softer sheen, and antique brass offers a deeper, aged appearance. A reference photo or sample can help communicate your preference.
Hardware, lighting components, furniture details, bath accessories and other decorative metal fittings may be considered. The material and condition determine suitability.
Related components can be reviewed together. Provide photos of the pieces as a group and identify the finish reference so the team can understand the desired coordination.
The usual quote turnaround is 24 to 48 hours after the team receives the information needed to evaluate the project. Photos, dimensions, quantity and finish preference are helpful.
Rush production may be available in 5 to 7 business days, but it must be reviewed and confirmed for availability. Standard production generally takes 3 to 5 weeks.
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.