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.
Brass plating is an option to investigate when a metal part needs a warmer decorative appearance. The assessment starts with the actual component, since previous coatings and surface wear can affect the preparation plan. In Lexington, the same review process begins with the part's intended use and the finish reference.
A considered approach to decorative metalwork for Lexington projects. Review the material before production.
A suitable existing component may be a candidate for decorative brass plating when replacement is not preferred. The review considers the part's material, visible damage and the condition of areas that are difficult to reach. For this Lexington project, identify whether the item belongs to a matched group or is a single replacement component.
The finish description should explain both color and sheen. A warm gold tone can appear quite different in polished, satin or antique form, especially when viewed beside other metals or under changing light. The Lexington project notes should also mention whether the target is a close match or a coordinated accent.
Preparation depends on the current coating and the condition beneath it. Clear photos and any known repair history help set realistic expectations before the project is approved. For a Lexington submission, include dimensions and note any areas that must remain unchanged.
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 considers selected metal hardware and fittings for brass plating. The scope is established only after the part and its surface have been reviewed, since not every material or condition is suitable.
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.
Potential applications in Lexington, KY include renovation plans where existing hardware is being retained. These examples describe possible project types, not local customers, completed jobs or a local facility.
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.
Begin with photos, dimensions, quantity and any known base-metal information. After the project is reviewed and quoted, approved parts move through the preparation and plating work appropriate to their material, followed by a finish review.
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.
Separate and cushion each component so edges and detailed features cannot strike one another. Use a sturdy box with enough padding to prevent movement, and include a parts list and the project contact information.
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.
Not sure what your part needs? Send us a photo.
We'll tell you what the metal is, what it takes to bring it back and what it costs. A written quote usually comes back within 24 business hours, and there's no obligation.
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.
Make finish care part of regular, gentle maintenance.
Dust with a clean, soft cloth. When needed, use mild soapy water and dry thoroughly. Do not use scouring pads or metal polish on a lacquered surface because they can scratch or wear the clear coating.
If the coating becomes cloudy, scratched or begins to peel, photograph the area before attempting a repair. A damaged protective layer may need professional evaluation rather than stronger cleaning.
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 metal parts for shipment from Lexington, KY
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 operates in Oceanside, California. Eligible projects can be shipped from anywhere in the United States. Request and review a quote before sending parts. Wrap each component separately, protect delicate edges and prevent movement inside the package. Carrier transit times vary.
Other listed brass plating locations in KY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Review these answers for information about material suitability, finish choices, project preparation and scheduling.
Some metal components may be suitable, depending on the base material, construction and condition. Send clear photos of the front, back and mounting details for an initial review.
Not necessarily. Surface defects may remain visible unless they can be addressed during preparation. The part should be reviewed before a result is promised.
A physical sample is the clearest reference. You can also send well-lit photos and describe whether you prefer polished, satin or antique brass.
Yes, related pieces can be presented together for review. Label the parts and identify which items should share the same finish target.
Written quotes are generally provided within 24 to 48 hours. Standard production is 3 to 5 weeks. Rush production may be 5 to 7 business days, subject to review and availability.
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.