If you are weighing metal restoration against replacement, the first question is almost always cost. The short answer: restoring metal typically runs a fraction of replacement, because the original material stays in place and only the finish is renewed. This guide breaks down what drives the price across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia market.
What Drives Metal Restoration Cost
Pricing depends on the metal, the condition, the finish you want, and access. A single tarnished brass fixture is inexpensive; a corroded bronze monument or a full lobby of scratched stainless is a larger project. The biggest variables are surface area, the severity of corrosion or damage, and whether the work is on site or in our shop.
By Metal Type
- Brass: stripping old lacquer, polishing, and re-lacquering hardware, fixtures, and railings.
- Bronze: conserving statuary and architectural bronze, indoors or out.
- Stainless steel: scratch removal and re-graining for elevators, appliances, and railings.
- Architectural metal: railings, facades, and ornamental work, often mixed-metal.
Restoration vs Replacement
Replacing architectural metal means fabrication, removal, and installation, often at many times the cost of refinishing, and it discards original material that may be irreplaceable on historic buildings. For most fixtures, panels, and railings, restoration delivers a like-new finish for far less.
Get an Exact Number
Every piece is different, so we quote from photos rather than guessing on the phone. Learn more about our metal restoration across the DC metro, then send a few photos for a written estimate. Rose Restoration has refinished metal for homes, hotels, and landmark buildings since 1978.
Get a Free Assessment from Rose Restoration
Tell us about your marble, stone, terrazzo, or concrete and our senior technicians will recommend the right restoration approach. Family-run and trusted across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia since 1978.
Call (703) 327-7676 · Email info@roserestoration.com · or send us photos.
Restore. Don't replace.
47 years of polishing marble, terrazzo, concrete, and tile across Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland. IMF, Four Seasons, Smithsonian, and the Virginia State Capitol trust us — you can too.