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 well-selected brass finish can refresh a component while preserving the shape and details that make the original piece useful. The team considers the item's material and current condition alongside the desired tone, sheen and practical use. From lighting details to decorative hardware, the process starts with understanding what the part needs.
Choose the right appearance through a thoughtful finish review.
For suitable metal parts, brass plating offers a way to change or renew the visible finish without changing the original form of the component. Depending on the item, the request may involve a single fixture, a group of matching parts or a detail being restored for reuse. Photos of the complete item and close views of worn areas help the team make an initial assessment before confirming suitability.
The available decorative directions include polished brass for a brighter look, satin brass for a softer sheen and antique brass for a deeper, aged effect. When matching existing hardware, identify the reference piece and explain which details matter most, such as color, reflectivity or overall warmth. The team reviews the finish goal with the physical characteristics of the component before confirming the proposed approach.
The steps beneath the final appearance are an important part of the project. Some components need previous coatings removed, followed by cleaning and surface correction before the brass finish can be applied. After finishing, the component is reviewed for appearance and consistency before packing and return arrangements are confirmed.
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 reviewed individually so the recommended approach reflects the part rather than a generic finishing sequence. Providing the base metal when known, approximate dimensions and finish preference helps the team review the request. Any recommendation remains subject to the construction and condition of the actual component.
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 Redlands area may be considering brass finishes for lighting, hardware, furniture details or architectural fittings. Decorative Metal Coatings does not claim a local shop, partnership or completed project based on the city's name. The project details, rather than the city itself, determine whether a component can be accepted for finishing.
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.
An initial evaluation considers the material, surface condition and finish reference. Depending on the component, the team determines whether existing lacquer or plating needs to be removed before further preparation. After finishing, the part is reviewed for appearance and consistency before return arrangements are confirmed.
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 hardware whenever practical. Wrap each metal part separately, cushion fragile edges and include your contact details and a parts list. If several pieces 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.
Big order or a single knob, same care.
Homeowners send us one faucet. Companies in and out of state send production runs of hundreds or thousands of parts. Both get a written quote and the same inspection before anything ships back.
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.
Protect the finish with simple, gentle cleaning habits.
Clean lacquered brass gently with a nonabrasive cloth and mild soapy water, and dry it after cleaning. Strong polishing compounds can damage protective lacquer and change the sheen, so avoid them unless advised.
Pay attention to frequently handled areas and seams where moisture or cleaning residue may collect. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners 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.
Shipping eligible brass-plating projects to our shop
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. Wrap each metal part separately, cushion delicate edges and prevent pieces from rubbing together. Include your contact information and a list of the items. Project-specific shipping and return details are confirmed during the quote process.
Additional California locations listed in our directory include:
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful information for planning a brass finish, from choosing a look to preparing your parts.
Decorative options include polished brass, satin brass and antique brass. The best choice depends on the appearance you want, the part's condition and whether it needs to coordinate with other hardware. A photo or physical reference can help communicate the target finish.
Many existing parts can be considered, but suitability depends on the base metal, construction and surface condition. Send photos of the complete item and close-ups of worn or damaged areas so the team can review it before confirming whether refinishing is appropriate.
Provide clear photos, approximate dimensions, quantity, base-metal information if known and the finish you want. Mention whether several parts need to match. Quotes typically take 24 to 48 hours after the information needed to evaluate the project has been received.
Standard production generally takes 3 to 5 weeks. Rush production may be possible in 5 to 7 business days, subject to project review and shop 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 item, finish requirements and packing details 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.