Antique copper and brass log bin before and after refinishing and polishing.
Copper and brass log bin — verdigris removed, surfaces refinished and polished.

BRASS, COPPER AND BRONZE REFINISHING

Brass, copper and bronze refinishing for hardware, lighting, furniture, fireplace pieces and decorative objects.
Chelsea Plating Company in Philadelphia refinishes brass, copper and bronze for clients locally and throughout the United States. Work includes brass refinishing, lacquer removal, patination and re-lacquering for architectural hardware, lighting, fireplace fittings and decorative objects. Pieces arrive with worn coatings, uneven color or heavy tarnish; they leave with the finish clarified and the surface protected for future use. Many visitors first find the workshop while searching for brass refinishing or lacquer removal near them and choose to ship their pieces to Philadelphia. Before anything is sent, we provide packing guidance, and we arrange return shipping from the studio once the work is complete.​
​Send clear photos and dimensions to begin.

AT A GLANCE

  • Solid and plated brass, copper and bronze refinishing
  • Lacquer removal, new clear lacquer, or waxed bare-metal finishes
  • Bright, satin or brushed surface preparation as appropriate to the object
  • Patina adjustment to deepen, even or soften tone
  • Suitable for hardware, lighting, fireplace equipment, furniture mounts and decorative pieces
  • Structural issues can often be addressed before refinishing (loose joints, dents, misalignment)
  • Historic stamps and engraving preserved while the surface is clarified
  • Restored finishes intended for normal decorative use, not heavy commercial abrasion
  • All work carried out in our Philadelphia workshop for clients nationwide
  • Packing guidance provided before you ship; Chelsea Plating arranges return shipping
Bronze memorial plaque for Highland Chemical Engine Co. before and after refinishing.
Bronze memorial plaque — heavy verdigris removed, lettering and border refinished.

ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE, FIREPLACE PIECES AND FITTINGS

Architectural brass often comes in as a full group: door plates, knobs, hinges, mail slots, bells, house numbers and other trim. We carefully disassemble these sets so each component can be cleaned, stripped of failing lacquer and refinished to a consistent tone. Detail is protected while corrosion is reduced and surface scratches are gently evened. The goal is to clarify the original design, not to erase age.

Fireplace equipment responds especially well to refinishing. Andirons, fenders, tools and screens are typically coated with soot, wax and oxidized lacquer. These deposits are removed in stages, the brass or bronze is polished to the chosen level of brightness, and iron elements are cleaned and coated with appropriate heat-resistant finishes. The result is a hearth set that reads as a complete ensemble again, with structure stabilized and prominent forms highlighted.
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Door hardware, mail slots and other frequently handled pieces can be finished in clear lacquer, wax or a softly brushed surface depending on the setting and desired maintenance. We discuss use and environment before finalizing a finish so it wears in a predictable, controlled way.
Assorted brass mail slot, house numbers, and door hardware showing patinated and polished finishes.
Brass mail slot, house numbers, and door hardware — mixed patina and bright refinished pieces.

LIGHTING, FURNITURE MOUNTS AND DECORATIVE OBJECTS

Lighting often arrives with a mix of issues: patchy color, failing lacquer, darkened crevices and outdated wiring. For brass and bronze chandeliers, table lamps, sconces and ship’s lanterns, we begin by documenting existing wiring and carefully disassembling the fixture. Old lacquer and surface contamination are removed, then the metal is prepared for either a bright or satin finish. Where appropriate, we coordinate with rewiring so that sockets, cords and internal connections are updated while the finish is being restored.

Furniture mounts, gallery rails, bed frames and decorative appliqués are handled with similar care. Loose sections are stabilized, bends are corrected where feasible, and missing screws or discreet fasteners are sourced or fabricated. Polishing focuses on restoring definition to cast or chased detail while avoiding over-rounding edges. For some pieces, especially mid-century work, a controlled satin or brushed finish better reflects the original intent than a very high mirror.
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Decorative objects such as samovars, trench-art vases, maritime instruments and small sculptures can be refinished either to a bright, presentation-grade surface or to a more tempered tone that suits their history. Patinas may be adjusted rather than removed, especially where contrast between high points and recesses is important to the design.
Antique copper and brass post lantern showing patinated and fully polished refinished surfaces.
Copper and brass post-top lantern — heavy exterior patina reduced, polished body and burner clarified.

PROCESS, FINISH OPTIONS AND SHIPPING

Every refinishing project begins with clear photographs and dimensions so we can advise on scope and approximate cost. Once pieces arrive at the workshop, we confirm condition, note any structural concerns and agree on the target finish. Old coatings are removed through controlled chemical stripping and hand or machine work as appropriate to the metal and construction.

Surfaces are then prepared for the chosen sheen: high-polish, soft polish, brushed or satin. At this stage, corrosion is reduced, detail clarified and tone blended across the object or set. Most clients choose a modern clear lacquer to protect the finish and reduce day-to-day maintenance. In other cases, we leave the metal unlacquered and apply microcrystalline wax so it can age naturally with occasional gentle cleaning.
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Clients outside the Philadelphia area regularly ship projects to the studio. We provide packing guidance in advance so hardware, lamps and other fittings arrive safely. After work is complete, Chelsea Plating arranges return shipping from the workshop using the agreed method. For larger or fragile assemblies, we can discuss partial disassembly and labeling to simplify reinstallation at home.
Antique bronze Spartacus statue shown before and after refinishing, with new dark patina and restored metallic sheen.
Bronze Spartacus sculpture — original flat finish transformed with rich dark patina and added chain details.
​Send clear photos and dimensions to begin.

BEFORE AND AFTER GALLERY

​Our brass, copper and bronze refinishing gallery shows hardware sets, lamps, fireplace equipment and decorative objects with finishes restored and tone unified. Each example demonstrates how failing lacquer, uneven color and heavy tarnish can be reduced while preserving the character of the original metalwork.
Antique copper and brass outdoor wall lantern shown before and after professional restoration, with tarnished green patina on the left and bright polished metal on the right.
Copper and brass outdoor wall lantern — heavy verdigris removed, polished, relacquered, and carefully rewired.
Highly decorative Rococo bronze picture frame with scrolling shells and foliage, left half dark and tarnished and right half bright gold to illustrate partial refinishing work.
Rococo-style gilt bronze picture frame — dark patina reduced and surface detail clarified during cleaning.
Four views of a pair of abstract modernist brass andirons, with the upper images showing dark, tarnished metal and the lower images showing the same andirons after restoration, cleaned and polished to a smooth golden shine.
Pair of modernist brass andirons — heavy oxidation reduced and geometric forms polished to a bright finish.
Before and after of antique brass single-arm wall sconces, dark tarnished surfaces restored to bright polished finish and carefully rewired.
Antique brass wall sconces — heavy tarnish removed, polished, relacquered, and rewired.
Before and after of an ornate brass door knocker, heavy green corrosion cleaned away and surface refinished to a bright polished lacquered finish.
Ornate brass door knocker — green corrosion removed, polished, and relacquered.
Before and after of a brass elephant sculpture, heavily tarnished surface polished to a bright reflective finish with pattern detail clarified.
Brass elephant sculpture — darkened patina removed and engraved detail clarified.
Disassembled antique brass widespread sink faucet laid out in two sets, with dark, corroded pieces on the left and freshly polished, refinished parts on the right after professional restoration.
Antique brass bathroom faucet set — disassembled parts cleaned, polished, and refinished.
Four images of the same two antique copper and brass wall lanterns before and after restoration, showing corroded, broken fixtures on the left and bright, structurally repaired, electrified lanterns on the right.
Pair of copper and brass outdoor wall lanterns — frames rebuilt, polished, reglazed, and carefully rewired.
Before and after of a vintage brass bed headboard, tarnished frame refinished to a bright polished lacquered finish.
Vintage brass bed headboard — old finish removed, polished, and relacquered.
Before and after of a brass palm tree ceiling light, heavily tarnished surface restored to a bright polished lacquered finish.
Brass palm tree ceiling light — darkened finish polished and relacquered.
Before and after of iron and brass fireplace andirons, rusted iron and dulled brass restored to repainted iron bases and bright polished lacquered brass finials.
Iron and brass andirons — corroded surfaces cleaned, brass urns polished, ironwork refinished.
Before and after of antique brass beehive candlesticks, green verdigris and tarnish cleaned away and surfaces polished to a bright lacquered finish.
Antique brass candlesticks — heavy green verdigris removed, polished, and relacquered.

FAQ

WHAT TYPES OF BRASS, COPPER AND BRONZE OBJECTS DO YOU REFINISH?
We refinish architectural hardware, lighting, fireplace equipment, furniture mounts, bed frames, decorative objects and similar pieces in solid or plated brass, copper and bronze.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POLISHING AND REFINISHING?
Polishing focuses on cleaning and brightening an existing surface, while refinishing adds the steps of stripping old lacquer, correcting tone, preparing a new surface texture and applying a fresh protective finish.

CAN YOU ADJUST THE COLOR OR PATINA OF MY BRASS OR BRONZE?
In many cases yes. We can deepen, soften or even out existing patina, or bring metal to a brighter tone, always with respect for the object’s design and construction.

HOW SHOULD I SHIP PIECES TO YOUR PHILADELPHIA WORKSHOP?
Once we review photos and dimensions, we provide specific packing guidance for your hardware, lighting or other objects, and Chelsea Plating arranges return shipping from the workshop after the work is completed.
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HOW DO I REQUEST A BRASS REFINISHING ESTIMATE?
Send clear photos, basic dimensions and any notes about desired finish using our Request an Estimate form; we will respond with suggested treatment and next steps.
​Send clear photos and dimensions to begin.

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