Metal Surface Polishing and Finishing Course
This course gives you the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to turn raw or worn metal into flawless parts. You will learn the most effective techniques to remove imperfections, achieve satin and mirror finishes and protect your work against corrosion, from stainless steel deck hardware and railings to industrial and decorative components. It suits both beginners and professionals who want to refine their technique.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Metal Surface Polishing and Finishing Course?
This short course takes you through the complete process of polishing and finishing metal surfaces. You will study the differences between cleaning, grinding, sanding, buffing, satin and mirror finishing; the behavior of stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, bronze and carbon steel; the common defects such as scratches, oxidation, pitting, tool marks and visible welds; the choice of abrasives, polishing compounds, wheels, mops and machines; progressive sanding and defect removal on flat, curved and tubular parts; the final polishing stages and special finishes; and the safety measures needed when working with tools, dust, sparks and chemical products.
What sets this course apart: a clear method for choosing the right abrasive, grit, speed and pressure for each metal and finish; techniques for hand and machine polishing, including parts with complex geometries; practical attention to the metal fittings found on boats, such as railings, cleats, hinges and plates, as well as industrial and decorative pieces; quality control of the finish through visual inspection and roughness and gloss measurement; a strong focus on safe work and personal protection; and an applied project in which you plan and document the full finishing sequence for a real part.
Program highlights
- Metals and defects: stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper and bronze, and how to diagnose their surfaces.
- Abrasives and tools: sandpapers, discs, wheels, mops, compounds and polishing machines.
- Sanding and grinding: progressive grit sequences and removal of welds, burrs, scratches and rust.
- Finishes: satin, brushed, matt, high gloss and mirror finishes on simple and complex parts.
- Quality and safety: inspection, roughness and gloss checks, PPE, dust and spark control.
- Applied project: a complete finishing and protection plan for a nautical or industrial part.
Syllabus of the Metal Surface Polishing and Finishing Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Fundamentals of metal surfaces, preparation and professional finishing criteria
- 1.1. The concept of metal polishing and the differences between cleaning, grinding, sanding, buffing, satin finishing and mirror finishing
- 1.2. Types of metal: stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, bronze, carbon steel and technical alloys
- 1.3. Common defects: scratches, oxidation, stains, pitting, tool marks, visible welds and loss of shine
- 1.4. The relationship between type of metal, initial condition, end use, abrasive, tool and expected level of finish
- 1.5. Risks of a poor process: overheating, distortion, cross-contamination, loss of material and an uneven finish
Tools, abrasives, compounds, machines and working materials for metal polishing
- 2.1. Sandpapers, abrasive discs, fiber wheels, brushes, felts, mops, sponges, belts and polishing backing pads
- 2.2. Polishing pastes, abrasive compounds, cleaners, degreasers, protective products and anti-corrosion treatments
- 2.3. Hand tools, drills, polishers, orbital sanders, angle grinders, bench grinders and bench machines
- 2.4. Choosing grit sizes, speed, pressure, temperature, working direction and compatibility with each metal
- 2.5. Personal protective equipment, ventilation and the control of dust, sparks, noise, projections and safe handling
Sanding, grinding, defect removal and preparation of the finish
- 3.1. Diagnosing the condition of the surface and defining the abrasive sequence according to the depth of the defect
- 3.2. Progressive sanding, grit changes, control of direction, even pressure and removal of earlier marks
- 3.3. Grinding of welds, burrs, edges, deep scratches, surface rust and machining marks
- 3.4. Preparation of flat and curved parts, tubes, railings, fittings, profiles, plates and decorative components
- 3.5. Preventing overheating, waviness, iron contamination, loss of edges and excessive wear
Polishing, buffing, satin finishing and special finishes on metals
- 4.1. Initial polishing, intermediate polishing, final buffing and removal of micro-scratches
- 4.2. Satin, brushed, directional, circular, matt, semi-gloss, high-gloss and mirror finishes
- 4.3. Polishing stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper and parts with complex geometries
- 4.4. Using mops, felts, compounds and soft and hard discs in combination according to the gloss required
- 4.5. Final cleaning, removal of compound residue and checking of reflection, uniformity, feel and visual appearance
Applied project in metal surface polishing and finishing
- 5.1. Definition of the case: nautical part, railing, fitting, plate, industrial component, decorative element or restored surface
- 5.2. Diagnosis of the metal, defects, required finish, available tools, risks and constraints of the work
- 5.3. Design of the work sequence with cleaning, grinding, progressive sanding, polishing, buffing and final protection
- 5.4. Execution of the finish with control of pressure, speed, temperature, direction, residues and visual uniformity
- 5.5. Preparation of the maintenance plan, anti-corrosion protection, recommended cleaning and prevention of new defects
Duration and format of the Metal Surface Polishing and Finishing Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Metal Surface Polishing and Finishing Course
Career opportunities after the Metal Surface Polishing and Finishing Course
Questions about the Metal Surface Polishing and Finishing Course
To improve its appearance and smoothness and, where needed, its dimensional precision, while preparing it to resist corrosion and wear.
Stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, bronze, carbon steel and technical alloys, with the specific behavior and risks of each one.
Yes. The course starts with the basic concepts and tools and builds up to special finishes, so beginners can follow it while experienced professionals refine their technique.
Yes. Railings, cleats, hinges, plates and other deck hardware are among the parts used in the examples and can be chosen for the applied project.
Through visual inspection for scratches and irregularities and with instruments such as roughness meters and gloss meters, compared against the specification.
You choose a real part, diagnose its metal and defects, design the full sequence from cleaning to final protection and prepare a maintenance plan to keep the finish.
The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied project. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.
More programs in Shipyard and finishes
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at production operators who want to perfect polishing, buffing and satin finishing on different metals, industrial maintenance technicians who repair and recondition damaged metal surfaces, craftspeople and jewellers, automotive and nautical professionals responsible for the appearance and protection of metal components, and vocational students in metalwork and manufacturing; training or experience in mechanical manufacturing, metalwork or metal finishing, the ability to read basic drawings and familiarity with workshop safety rules are helpful.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and software to view PDF documents; access to basic polishing tools and protective equipment is useful for practicing the techniques.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.