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Custom Brass Plating in Riverside, California

Put the focus back on the details with a carefully finished brass surface.

If metal details look worn, no longer match or need a different decorative appearance, brass plating may be worth considering. We review photos and project details to understand the part, the finish you have in mind and whether the item is suitable for processing.

Certified, Approved and Verified

Brass Plating Options for a More Coordinated Finish

A lasting impression starts with careful attention to detail.

Brass plating can be used on selected decorative metal parts when a refreshed brass appearance is desired. A review of the item’s material and surface helps establish what preparation is appropriate and whether the requested finish can be pursued.

Finish references are especially helpful when the goal is consistency across multiple components. Share images of the target brass tone, note whether you prefer a high or low sheen and identify any pieces that the new finish needs to complement.

Old coatings, surface wear and small imperfections can affect the result, which is why the item is reviewed before work begins. The preparation plan is based on the material and condition rather than assumed from the part’s appearance alone. Most decorative brass finishes receive a clear protective lacquer.

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.

What We Do

Brass Plating Services

Our approach is based on the actual part, not a generic finish description. We review material, construction, existing coatings and the intended appearance before confirming the proposed work.

Polished brass plated light fixture with a mirror shine

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.

Satin brushed brass finish on a cabinet pull

Satin Brass

A fine brushed grain that softens the shine and hides fingerprints. The modern favorite for faucets, bath accessories and cabinet hardware.

Antique brass finish with darkened recesses on an ornate handle

Antique Brass

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.

Brass finish over a bright nickel base on decorative hardware

Brass Over Nickel

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 brass plated hardware being restored on the bench

Brass Replating

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.

Steel brackets with an even industrial brass plating

Industrial Brass

Functional brass on steel parts where rubber has to bond to metal, plus economical brass coatings on production hardware and fasteners.

Restoration Results

Before and After

Slide the handle across any photo to compare the part as it arrived with the same part finished in brass.

Chandelier after polished brass plating
Tarnished chandelier before brass plating Before
After

Five Arm Chandelier

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.

POLISHED BRASS STEEL LACQUERED
Bath accessories after satin brass plating
Worn chrome bath accessories before brass plating Before
After

Bath Accessory Set

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.

SATIN BRASS ZINC DIE CAST COLOR MATCH
Bar rail section after polished brass plating
Scuffed bar rail section before brass plating Before
After

Bar and Lounge Rail

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.

POLISHED BRASS STEEL HOSPITALITY
Choosing a Warm Finish

Brass, Gold or Copper?

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.

Most popular

Brass Plating

  • Classic golden yellow tone
  • Polished, satin or antique
  • Sealed with clear lacquer
  • Easy to match across a set
  • The best value for a gold look
Premium

Gold Plating

  • Richer, deeper yellow color
  • Does not tarnish like brass
  • Jewelry, awards and accents
  • Higher cost per piece
  • Ideal for small, special items
Warmer red

Copper Plating

  • Rosy, reddish brown color
  • Bright, satin or antique
  • Ages to a natural patina
  • Rustic and industrial designs
  • See our copper finishes
What We Can Finish

Metals We Brass Plate

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.

All finishes

Steel

Cleaned, activated and given a smooth nickel base before brass. Rust and pitting are removed first so the golden surface comes out even.

Our specialty

Zinc Die Cast

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.

All finishes

Solid Brass

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.

All finishes

Aluminum

A zincate pretreatment and a strike layer let brass bond to aluminum castings and housings that would otherwise reject plating.

All finishes

Stainless Steel

A nickel strike breaks through the natural oxide film, after which stainless takes a brass finish with a very durable core underneath.

Ask us first

Copper and Bronze

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.

Who We Serve

Where Our Brass Shines

Brass-finished components can be relevant to a range of projects associated with Riverside, from residential updates to commercial interiors and custom fixtures. We focus on the part and finish requirements rather than assuming a particular local application.

Polished brass rail and trim on a casino gaming table

Casinos and Gaming

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.

Brass plated pendant light and wall sconce

Lighting and Interior Design

Chandeliers, sconces, lamp bases and decorative accents finished to a designer's specified brass tone.

Satin brass faucet and towel bar

Bath and Kitchen Fixtures

Faucets, shower trim, towel bars and kitchen accessories converted to brass so every piece in the room matches.

Brass plated cabinet pulls and furniture hardware

Furniture and Cabinetry

Drawer pulls, hinges, legs, ferrules and escutcheons for new furniture lines and antique pieces alike.

Brass plated door lever, kick plate and hinges

Architectural Hardware

Door levers, kick plates, handrails and signage for homes, hotels, offices and commercial lobbies.

Brass plated steel parts prepared for rubber bonding

Industrial Manufacturing

Brass coated steel inserts and brackets that let rubber bond to metal, plus production hardware runs.

How It Works

Our Brass Plating Process

Once photos and project information are received, the team reviews the part and the requested appearance. The preparation plan is based on the item’s material and condition; the completed finish is inspected before return arrangements are confirmed.

1

Share Photos

Send pictures of the part and, if you can, a photo of the brass piece it needs to match.

2

Approve a Quote

We identify the base metal and the prep it needs, then send a written price within 24 business hours.

3

Deliver the Parts

If the project contains multiple pieces, label them clearly and photograph the group before wrapping. Cushion each part, protect protruding details and include a note identifying the finish reference or matching sample.

4

Prepare and Plate

Old finishes are stripped, the surface is polished and leveled, then a nickel base and brass go on.

5

Tone, Seal and Return

Brass is polished, brushed or antiqued, lacquered, inspected and shipped back insured.

Since 1989

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.

Tap to add photos (up to 5). JPG, PNG, WEBP or iPhone HEIC.
    What Our Clients Say

    Trusted by Professionals

    Homeowners, designers and hospitality teams share what it was like to send their brass and other finishing work to our shop.

    Brass plated hardware being inspected in the shop
    Plating line at Decorative Metal Coatings
    35+ Years of Expertise
    Take a Moment to Learn More

    About Decorative Metal Coatings

    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.

    Free Estimates Available

    Email a photo of your brass project and get a no obligation quote within 24 hours.

    Quality Guaranteed

    Each piece is backed by our craftsmanship guarantee. If the finish is not right, we make it right.

    Nationwide Shipping

    Customers in every state ship brass work to us, from one lamp to a full hotel order.

    Fast Turnaround Times

    Most projects are completed within 3 to 5 weeks. Expedited Orders: 5 to 7 business days. Contact us for availability.

    Our Commitment

    Brass That Stays Beautiful

    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.

    Solid Foundation

    Brass goes over a polished nickel base, which gives it depth and keeps the base metal protected if the surface is ever scratched.

    Matched Side by Side

    When you send a sample, finished parts are checked next to it under shop light before they are approved.

    Lacquer Done Right

    Parts are cleaned of every fingerprint before the clear seal goes on, so no spots appear under the coating months later.

    Careful Packing

    Each finished piece is sleeved in soft wrap and boxed apart from the others so lacquered surfaces arrive unmarked.

    What We Do Differently

    • We match tone and sheen to a sample you send
    • Old plating and lacquer are fully stripped first
    • Every decorative brass part gets a nickel base
    • We send photos when a color decision is needed
    • Sets are plated together so every piece agrees

    What You May Experience Elsewhere

    • Brass sprayed or painted on instead of plated
    • No nickel base, so the color fades and wears fast
    • Mismatched tones within the same set of hardware
    • Unsealed brass that darkens within a few weeks
    • Fingerprints trapped under the lacquer
    Brass Plating Catalog

    Brass Finishes and Services

    Every brass finish and brass related service we offer under one roof.

    Decorative Brass

    • Polished Brass
    • Bright Brass
    • Satin Brass
    • Brushed Brass
    • Antique Brass
    • Aged and Toned Brass
    • Clear Lacquer Topcoat

    Restoration and Matching

    • Brass Over Nickel
    • Brass Replating
    • Lacquer Stripping and Resealing
    • Chrome to Brass Conversion
    • Sample Color Matching
    • Matching Hardware Sets

    Base Metals and Industrial

    • Steel
    • Stainless Steel
    • Zinc Die Cast
    • Aluminum (Zincate)
    • Copper and Bronze
    • Rubber Bonding Brass
    • Production Hardware Runs

    Brass Finish Care for Hardware and Fixtures

    Keep the appearance consistent with careful everyday maintenance.

    For routine care, choose a soft cloth and mild soap rather than an abrasive cleaner. Dry the part after cleaning, especially around joints and edges, and avoid metal polishes that could affect the clear coat.

    Pay attention to handles, pulls and bath accessories that receive regular contact. Wipe away moisture and cleaning residue, and do not allow harsh household chemicals to sit on the surface. Ask for advice if the coating changes or begins to lift.

    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.

    Nationwide Service

    Ship Us Your Parts From Anywhere in the US

    Packing brass components for a finishing project

    01

    Get your quote first

    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.

    02

    Protect every surface

    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.

    03

    Insure and send tracking

    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.

    04

    Approve, then receive

    When your brass is finished we send photos for approval, then pack every piece in new materials and ship it back insured.

    Visit Us

    Our Location

    All brass work is stripped, plated, toned, lacquered and inspected in our own facility in North County San Diego.

    Decorative Metal Coatings

    Brass, copper, nickel, chrome and metal finishing in San Diego County since 1989.

    Business Hours

    • Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    • Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
    • Sunday Closed

    Shipping eligible metal-finishing projects to Oceanside

    Our shop is in Oceanside, California. Eligible metal parts can be shipped from anywhere in the United States after the project has been reviewed. Cushion each component, separate individual pieces, protect fragile edges and include a list of the items with your contact details.

    Nearby Cities We Serve

    Our California location directory also includes:

    Helpful Answers About Decorative Brass Plating

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Learn what to consider before refinishing decorative metal hardware and fixtures.

    Related components can be reviewed as a group. Photograph the pieces together and provide a reference sample or image of the target finish. This helps communicate the desired tone and sheen.

    Preparation depends on the part. Existing lacquer or plating may need to be removed, and the surface may require cleaning or correction. The team reviews the material and condition before determining the appropriate steps.

    Standard production generally takes 3 to 5 weeks. The schedule can depend on the part and the work required. Rush production may be possible in 5 to 7 business days, subject to review and availability.

    Send photos of the complete component and close-ups of any wear, along with quantity, approximate dimensions, known material and finish preference. Quotes typically take 24 to 48 hours after the required information is received.

    Yes. The Oceanside, California shop accepts eligible metal-finishing projects shipped from anywhere in the United States. Contact the team before sending parts to confirm suitability and packing instructions.

    Send us a few photos of the part from different angles, along with what it is and the finish you want. We look them over and send a written quote, usually within 24 business hours. It's free, and you're under no obligation to go ahead.

    Standard orders take 3 to 5 weeks from the day your parts arrive. If you're on a deadline, ask about expedited service. When the schedule allows, we can finish in 5 to 7 business days.

    Yes. Our workmanship is covered for 12 months. If something isn't right with the finish we put on, call us and we'll make it right.