Introduction to Burnished Metals

This gallery brings together a curated selection of our burnished metal finishes from the Brass Finishes, Copper Finishes, Steel Finishes, and Zinc Finishes collections. Displayed side by side, these burnished metal finishes highlight the different tones, textures and visual depth achieved through both hand- and machine-applied burnishing.

Whether you’re researching options for interior design, bespoke furniture, feature wall panels or architectural detailing, this gallery makes it easy to compare the character of each burnished sheet metal finish. Many of these finishes can also be applied to brass and copper angles, tee sections, and flat bars—burnished antique brass flat bars remain a popular complement to patinated and polished brass sheets.

For further details on our ageing, patination and finishing processes, visit our Patina Sheet Metal page.

A Guide for Designers on Burnished Metals

Burnished metal finishes offer a distinctive blend of texture, depth and craftsmanship that cannot be achieved through standard polishing or brushing. Whether applied by hand or produced through a controlled machine process, burnishing enhances the natural tone of the metal and introduces subtle movement across the surface. These burnished metal finishes are widely specified by designers for feature panels, bar fronts, furniture, and architectural metalwork where a more tactile, layered and bespoke aesthetic is desired.

• A – Burnished Blackened Steel (Hand-Applied Finish): A hand-applied burnished metal finish on blackened steel with deep grey tones and soft burnishing marks. Ideal for modern interiors, architectural detailing and industrial-inspired wall features.
• B – Burnished Antique Brass (Hand-Applied Finish): A rich antique brass sheet finish with warm brown tones and subtle variation. A characterful burnished metal finish suited to classic interiors, bespoke joinery and detailed architectural metalwork.
• C – Lineal Burnished Antique Brass (Hand Finish): A lineal-grain burnished brass sheet with a hand-applied vertical texture and refined aged patina. Designed for wall cladding, cabinetry fronts, feature panels and custom furniture.
• D – Circles Burnished Brass (Hand Finish): A decorative burnished brass finish with a hand-applied circular polishing pattern that reflects light beautifully. Used for bar fronts, luxury interiors, reception areas and statement surfaces.
• E – Lineal Burnished Copper (Machine Finish): A machine-burnished copper sheet with a fine linear grain, offering a clean, contemporary copper aesthetic. Ideal for splashbacks, furniture, wall panels and modern decorative metalwork.
• <strong A consistent satin-grain burnished brass sheet finish that enhances the natural warmth of brass. Perfect for signage, trims, furniture details and contemporary interiors.
• G – Burnished Antique Copper (Hand-Applied Finish): A warm aged copper finish with darker burnished highlights and organic surface movement. Ideal for heritage interiors, bespoke furniture, and architectural copper features.
• H – Burnished Natural Brass (Hand-Applied Finish): A soft, artisan-finished brass sheet with a warm sheen and fine hand-applied markings. Suited to bar fronts, luxury interiors, decorative panels and bespoke brasswork.