How to Polish Cast Iron

Polishing is a very simple and effective means of giving a beautiful shine to you fireplace whether it's new or old.

When you buy a new cast iron insert or combination fireplace it may have a dull finish to the polished areas. This is because the cast iron has had a treatment applied to the polished areas to prevent it from rusting.

One thing you must never do is use water! The polished areas of the cast iron are exposed metal so water will eventually cause the polished areas to rust. The rust is removable but will make more work for you.

What to use

Before you start it is a good idea to prepare everything you need.

• Metal Polish (you can also use WD40 or 3 in 1)
• 0000 Grade Wire Wool
• Hoover
• Lint Free Duster
• Gloves

Step 1

Once you have your equipment you are ready to bring your cast iron to a beautiful shine.

Firstly you need to ensure you wear gloves when using the wire wool and polish. Take your metal polish and apply a small amount to the your wire wool. With this start to rub the polish into the metal using a firm hand covering a good sized area. Repeat until you have covered all polished areas.

If you have an old cast iron there may be rust on the polished areas, if you do the rust will take some extra elbow grease but the majority if not all should come off.

Step 2

When you have completely polished the cast iron using the wire wool and polish, take another piece of wire wool and work the surface of the polished area to achieve a good level of shine you are happy with.

Step 3

Using a small amount of metal polish on a new piece of wire wool, work the polish in again to build a protective coating onto the polished areas to keep the shine looking new.

Step 4

Admire your handy work!