Jun. 09, 2025
In this post we’ll be showing you step-by-step how to polish copper the easy way. If you’re looking to transform your copper from a dull brown/blue into a stunning high shine, here you’ll find everything you need to know.
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This method works on all non-ferrous metals, including copper, brass and aluminium. If you’re working with ferrous metals such as steel or lead, check out our other blogs.
Before we begin the process of polishing copper, ensure you are aware of the following safety advice.
Firstly, metal poisoning: Copper is a toxic metal. And excess of Copper can build up in the body leading to ‘copperiedus‘. Normally this will only occur as a result of eating foods cooked in non-tinned copper pans, or long term exposure to copper via drinking water or work. Although it’s not something you normally need to worry about, it’s good motivation for aways wearing the appropriate safety gear. We advise the use of gloves, protective clothing, and goggles.
During this How to polish copper guide, we’ll be using the simple tools and compound supplied by Revive tool, but you can use similar tools and compounds.
Here’s our quick guide for How to Polish Metal the easy way. Please see underneath for a more detailed guide to polishing copper and other non-ferrous metals.
We’ll be using the £14.99 Copper Polishing Kit to demonstrate achieving the mirror finish on this old copper kettle. However, you can achieve the same result using tools and abrasives at home (see the kit lis you’ll need below).
If you’re using a different kit, assembled at home, or from your local hardware shop, here’s what you’ll need:
You will also need a standard electric drill.
The process of polishing copper to a mirror finish involves applying an abrasive compound (use the brown cutting compound) onto your copper surface using the most abrasive wheel in the set (which will be mounted on a handheld electric drill via the mandrel to seriously speed up the process).
This first step will remove the grime, oxidation and dirt from your surface, exposing a new layer of copper underneath.
Apply the brown cutting compound to the wheel by clamping the brown compound to a work-surface, then spin the wheel into the compound to coat the wheel in a thin layer of the compound.
Then work the copper surface with the compound coated wheel. Go in figure of eight movements and try not to dwell on one spot for too long (you don’t want your surface to become uneven where you’ve worn down some spots more than others.
Once you’ve applied an appropriate amount of abrasive compound to your copper surface, the trick is to move down to the next level of abrasiveness. So, change the course polishing wheel for the ‘medium’ polishing wheel and repeat the same steps.
Again, work the copper surface with the compound coated wheel. Go in figure of eight movements and try not to dwell on one spot for too long (as before, you don’t want your surface to become uneven where you’ve worn down or buffed up some spots more than others.
Once you’ve taken all of the dirt and grime from your surface, you should be able to see a nice copper colour coming through. But you’ll notice that it doesn’t have a mirror finish, yet.
This is where you need to change your wheel to the softest polishing wheel.
You’ll be repeating the same method once again, but this time you’ll need to use the blue polishing compound.
Want more information on Copper Polishing Machine(ar,ru,pt)? Feel free to contact us.
Again, work the copper surface, this time with the blue compound coated wheel. Go in figure of eight movements and try not to dwell on one spot for too long (you don’t want some spots to be shinier than others). Continue until you see a lovely even shine and a spectacular mirror finish.
If you get to the end of step three still see a few scratches, you can simply repeat the process again.
It sounds time consuming, but if you have the correct wheels and compound, it’s a fairly fast and hassle free way of polishing copper. It took us 45 minutes to achieve this incredible finish on the copper kettle.
You can use this method to shine up any copper surface:
You can also use this EXACT method for polishing other non-ferrous metals such as aluminium or brass. Simply follow the how to polish copper guide above and apply it to any other non-ferrous metal for a stunning result.
If you’re polishing ferrous metals such as steel and iron, ReviveTool.com has kits for those too.
Our Brass & Copper Polishing Mini Kit is perfect for bringing the life back to your copper and brass items. This mini kit is specifically crafted to enhance the appearance of smaller copper and brass project while providing everything you need for a successful restoration process.
One (1) 8" Pink Airway Buffing Wheel (with center plate)
One (1) 8" UBM Airway Buffing Wheel (with center plate)
One (1) set of Steel Safety Flanges for High Speed Metal Polishing (for Buffing Wheels WITH center plates)
One (1) Junior Bar of Q69 Illudium Polishing Compound
One (1) Junior Bar of Competition Purple Polishing Compound
One (1) 12 Ounce bottle of Renegade Red Liquid Metal Polish
One (1) 2" Mini UBM Buffing Wheel (40-Ply, 1/2" Arbor Hole)
One (1) 2" Mini Surface Prep Wheel (Medium, 1/2" Arbor Hole)
One (1) 1/2" Mandrel for Mini Buffing Wheels
One (1) Premium Microfiber Round Pad
We recommend two different sanders that you can use with your sanding process before going into your metal polishing with buffing wheels & buffing compound. One is corded and is great quality and the other is a cordless for those that have a little extra budget and want the added convenience. Both are fantastic quality and work with our sanding discs.
1. Corded Orbital sander - Makita 5" Orbital Sander $ 89
2. Cordless Orbital Sander - Milwaukee Cordless Orbital Sander $ 117.99
MAKITA C- The best 3,500 RPM polishing machine (PROS & BEGINNERS)
MAKITA GA - The best 6,000 RPM polishing machine (PROS)
Yes it is strongly recommended and even suggested it should be required to wear a respirator when polishing. We strongly recommend this respirator as it offers great protection and is affordable. You can buy it HERE its only $ 99 and it will PROTECT you!
BEST Full Face Respirator for metal polishing $ 99
Below are some videos that offer some insight on polishing copper and brass surfaces:
For more information, please visit Proofing Press.
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