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 can renew the appearance of suitable existing metal parts without requiring every component to be replaced. For projects in Detroit, the work may involve cabinet pulls, knobs, lighting components and furniture fittings. The right approach depends on the part's base material, construction, present condition and the finish you want to achieve.
An even result begins with a careful surface review.
Brass plating adds a brass-colored metallic finish to a prepared part. It can be considered when an existing component is worth retaining, but its worn or outdated surface needs a new appearance. Suitability depends on the underlying metal and the condition of the item.
Finish selection should reflect the surrounding design. Polished brass creates a brighter reflection, satin brass has a softer sheen, and antique brass offers a darker, more aged look. A reference sample or clear image can help communicate the target.
Preparation is evaluated before plating because the final appearance depends on the condition of the base surface. Parts should be photographed from several angles, including worn areas and attachment points. Final review considers the requested appearance and the condition of the finished item. When the original surface is uneven, the evaluation should account for those defects before a finish is selected.
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.
We evaluate suitable metal parts for decorative brass plating, with attention to the base material, current surface, construction and desired appearance. For Detroit projects, share the part details and finish reference so the work can be assessed before 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.
Projects connected with Detroit may include architectural hardware, lighting details, furniture fittings and decorative pieces used in homes or commercial spaces.
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.
The process begins with a review of photos, part details and the requested finish. Preparation is selected for the material and existing surface, then the part is processed and reviewed against the agreed decorative finish goal. Any protective coating or special finish expectation should be discussed before work begins.
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.
Photograph each item before packing, protect delicate edges and separate individual parts with suitable cushioning. Keep matching pieces together, label each group and include a parts list with your contact information and finish request.
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.
Maintain the appearance with gentle, consistent care.
Where the brass has a clear protective coating, avoid polishing compounds and abrasive cleaners. Gentle wiping and complete drying help preserve the intended sheen.
Lighting and furniture components often need only occasional dusting. Avoid rubbing grit into the surface, and use a clean cloth when handling finished parts.
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 brass plating projects from Detroit
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 its shop in Oceanside, California. Eligible parts can be shipped from anywhere in the United States. Wrap each piece separately, protect corners and fragile features, and use enough cushioning to prevent movement inside the box. Transit time depends on the carrier and service selected.
Other listed cities in MI with brass plating information.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers cover finish selection, part evaluation, preparation, timing and shipping.
The confirmed quote turnaround is generally 24 to 48 hours after the project information is received and reviewed.
Standard production is generally 3 to 5 weeks. Actual timing depends on the parts and the work required.
Rush production may be possible in 5 to 7 business days, subject to review and availability. The parts and scope must be assessed before a rush schedule can be confirmed.
The base material, existing coating, wear, corrosion, scratches and part construction all affect preparation. The condition must be reviewed before the appropriate process can be determined.
Polished brass has a brighter, reflective appearance. Satin brass softens the reflection, while antique brass introduces a darker, more aged character. A photo or physical reference helps identify the intended tone.
It depends on the part. Older fixtures and hardware are often better made than what you can buy today, or simply can't be found anymore. Send us photos and we'll give you an honest answer, even if that answer is to buy a new one.
Yes. We work with hotels, casinos, restaurants, architects, contractors and manufacturers, as well as homeowners. For businesses we can plate a whole project to one finish so every piece matches.
Yes. Our shop is at 2613 Temple Heights Dr, Suite G, in Oceanside. Bring your quote number and your parts during business hours, Monday to Friday 8 AM to 5 PM or Saturday 9 AM to 2 PM.