A fixture that looks like solid brass may actually be plated steel. A silver finish may be a thin electroplate over another metal. Many newer fixtures carry a factory clear coat sealant designed to prevent tarnish. All three look similar at a glance, and all three respond very differently to polish.
Extensive or deep polishing can cut straight through plating, leaving a patchy base metal that no amount of buffing will fix. On a sealed fixture, abrasive polish clouds or strips the clear coat unevenly. This is why some fixtures simply do not qualify for deep polishing, and an honest company will tell you that before starting rather than after.
Our technicians identify what your fixture is really made of first. Solid brass and silver, including delicate antique pieces, can usually be brought back to a warm, even shine. Plated and sealed fixtures get gentler care matched to their construction. Either way, we use highly effective low odor polishes, so your home is not filled with harsh fumes while we work.
On antique chandeliers, patina can be part of the value. We talk through how much shine you actually want before we begin, because on some pieces a full mirror polish is the wrong answer and a careful clean is the right one.
Most quotes need just a few photos. Give us a call or send an email, we serve SouthWest, Central, North Florida and the Palm Beaches.
