Rose Restoration is a Washington DC brass restoration specialist, refinishing and polishing brass for homeowners, hotels, property managers, and general contractors across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC. Our senior in-house craftsmen have brought tarnished, lacquered, and corroded brass back to its original finish since 1978 — without replacement.
Brass We Restore
Brass develops a dull, brown, or blotchy patina as its old lacquer breaks down and the metal oxidizes. We restore it in place wherever possible:
- Door hardware, handles, kick plates, and push bars
- Lobby and elevator panels, railings, and trim
- Light fixtures, sconces, and chandeliers
- Plaques, signage, and historic architectural brass
- Bathroom and kitchen fixtures and fittings
- Furniture hardware and decorative accents
Our Brass Restoration Process
We assess the piece, strip failed lacquer, remove tarnish and corrosion, then hand-polish through progressive grits to the finish you want — from a soft satin to a full mirror. We finish with a durable protective lacquer or coating so the result lasts rather than tarnishing again in months.
Residential and Commercial Brass Refinishing
For homeowners, we refinish fixtures, hardware, and heirloom pieces on site or in our shop. For hotels, condos, and commercial buildings, we restore lobby brass, elevator interiors, and railings on phased, after-hours schedules that keep your space presentable throughout the work, with full insurance and certificates on file.
Why Rose Restoration
Family-run since 1978, with senior craftsmen who restore rather than replace. Our work appears in landmark buildings and luxury hotels across the DC metro. Every project is backed by our written workmanship warranty.
Serving the DC Metro
Brass restoration and polishing across Washington DC, Arlington, McLean, Bethesda, Alexandria, Fairfax, Potomac, Chevy Chase, and the surrounding communities of Northern Virginia and Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tarnished brass be restored, or does it need to be replaced?
Almost all brass can be fully restored. Even heavily tarnished or corroded pieces can be stripped, polished, and re-lacquered to look new — at a fraction of replacement cost.
How much does brass restoration cost?
Cost depends on the piece, its condition, and the finish. Send us photos and we will return a written estimate. Most projects are far less than replacing the hardware or fixture.
Will the brass tarnish again?
We apply a protective lacquer or coating after polishing, which prevents the oxidation that causes tarnish. With proper care, a restored finish lasts for years.
Do you restore brass on site?
Yes. Fixed elements like railings, panels, and door hardware are restored in place. Smaller, removable pieces can be restored in our shop.
Bring your brass back to original. Call (703) 327-7676, email info@roserestoration.com, or send us photos for a written estimate.
Brass restoration or replacement?
Tarnished, pitted, or peeling brass can look beyond saving, but in the vast majority of cases it is not. Before you pay to replace hardware, fixtures, or railings, it is worth understanding what restoration can do and when replacement is actually the better call.
When to Restore Brass
Almost all brass can be restored. Even heavily tarnished, lacquer-failed, or lightly corroded brass can be stripped, polished, and re-lacquered to a like-new finish. Because the underlying metal is solid and durable, age alone is rarely a reason to replace it. Restoration also preserves original and historic hardware that simply cannot be matched by modern reproductions.
When Replacement Makes Sense
Replacement is occasionally the right choice: when a piece is structurally broken beyond repair, when it is thin brass plating that has worn through to the base metal, or when a client wants an entirely different style. Even then, a quick assessment tells you for certain.
The Cost Difference
Restoring brass typically costs a fraction of buying and installing new hardware or fixtures, and the result keeps the character of the original. For lobbies, historic buildings, and quality fixtures, the math strongly favors restoration.
Not Sure? Send Photos
We will tell you honestly whether a piece is worth restoring. See our brass restoration and polishing service, or explore all of our metal restoration work across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, then send photos for a written estimate.
