Metal Table Top Finishes: What You Need to Know
Choosing the right finish for your metal table top is about more than looks — it affects durability, ambiance, and how the piece fits into your space. At Designs05, we specialise in creating bespoke table tops in brass, copper, and zinc, offering a wide range of surface finishes to suit everything from rustic farmhouse tables to sleek modern dining rooms.
Let’s explore the most popular finishes and how to select the one that’s right for your project.
1. Polished Metal Table Tops
Best for: Glamorous interiors, bars, restaurants, and high-end kitchens.
A polished finish (mirror or high-shine) enhances the natural beauty of metals like brass and copper. Reflective and bold, this finish works well in statement spaces. Our polished copper table tops and mirror brass tops are often chosen for commercial settings or luxury homes.
Care Tip: Applying a little Renaissance wax and polishing off reduces tarnishing.
2. Satin Metal Table Tops
Best for: Contemporary interiors, minimalist spaces, and light commercial use.
At Designs05, we offer a satin finish instead of traditional brushed metal, which can be high-maintenance. Our satin finish is created using an orbital sanding process, resulting in a consistent, matte surface that softens the natural tone of the metal while adding a modern aesthetic.
You can choose between a waxed or lacquered satin surface:
- Waxed satin slows the natural patina process but allows the metal to age gracefully with time and use — ideal for those who appreciate a rustic, evolving character.
- Lacquered satin offers more protection and maintains the finish for longer with minimal upkeep.
The result is a clean, understated texture that works well in kitchens, restaurants, and home settings.
3. Hammered Metal Table Top Finishes
Best for: Rustic, handcrafted, or vintage spaces.
Hammered finishes bring texture, depth, and a sense of craftsmanship. Our hammered copper table tops and hammered brass tables are hand-finished in-house, making each piece one-of-a-kind. The surface catches light differently across the hammered pattern, adding movement and character.
This is one of our most requested finishes for coffee tables, side tables, and centrepieces.
4. Aged & Patinated Table Tops
Best for: Heritage homes, antique-style settings, and earthy interiors.
We offer aged and antique patina finishes in copper, brass, and zinc — developed through a controlled process that mimics natural aging. These finishes give your table top an authentic, timeworn look from day one. Popular options include deep antique brass, light patina zinc, and our striking blue copper patina.
You can choose between two protective options:
- Lacquered patina: Preserves the look exactly as finished, with minimal ongoing maintenance.
- Waxed patina: Offers a softer sheen and allows the patina to continue developing over time, gradually creating a more rustic aesthetic.
Whether sealed or evolving, patinated finishes bring a rich sense of character and depth to any setting.
5. Natural & Raw Finishes
Best for: DIY enthusiasts, artists, and custom projects.
We also supply natural mill finish copper, brass, and zinc table tops for customers who want to develop their own patina or finish. This is ideal for design studios or makers working on custom interiors.
Raw metal is supplied untreated, uncoated. You can leave it to develop a natural patina or apply your own sealant.
Choosing the Right Finish: Questions to Ask
- Where will the table be used? (Kitchen, dining, commercial setting?)
- Do you want a bold centrepiece or subtle detail?
- Is patina part of your aesthetic or do you want long-term shine?
- Would you prefer a low-maintenance sealed finish or something that evolves over time?
Our team can guide you through every option — or create a unique combination to match your vision.
Explore Our Collection
We offer a wide range of custom-made table tops in various finishes:
All our table tops are handcrafted in the UK and made to order. Whether you’re furnishing a boutique café or renovating a home, we’ll help you bring your metal vision to life.
FAQ
Q: Can I mix finishes, like a satin top with a hammered edge?
Absolutely — we often combine finishes to create unique two-tone designs.
Q: Do aged finishes require maintenance?
We apply a sealant to stabilise the patina. However, over time, changes may occur — this adds to the character.
Q: Do you offer samples?
Yes — contact us for samples of finishes before ordering a full table top.
Enquire today!
If you would like a quote for a bespoke table top, please contact us directly at info@designs05.co.uk, fill out the Contact Form or call 0151 526 4777
Unit 4, Millmead Buildings,
83 Sefton Lane,
Maghull,
Liverpool, L31 8BU
Professional Metalworkers in Brass, Copper & Zinc for Commercial & Residential Interiors
Designs 05 was established in 2005; it is a trading style of Metal Sheets Ltd
