Introduction to Finishing

Duration: 2 Days
Location: Upton Hall

Refine your skills with our Horological Finishing Techniques course—perfect for beginners eager to explore the art of traditional clock and watch finishing. No prior experience is required, as this hands-on course introduces you to essential finishing methods used throughout horology.

Through guided practical work, you’ll learn to apply a variety of polishing and finishing techniques using papers and liquid polishes. You’ll explore how to achieve different finishes—polished, straight-grained, silvered, blued, and lacquered—on materials such as brass and steel. Learn how to maintain sharp, traditional edges without rounding, and understand how to bring out the best in every component you work on.

This course combines structured instruction with hands-on experience, focusing on perfecting finishes on a range of sample pieces. You’ll gain insight into common pitfalls and how to avoid them, developing both the technical skill and understanding to apply these techniques to your own horological projects.

Whether you’re starting a restoration hobby or pursuing professional development, this course offers a solid foundation in horological finishing—bringing precision, beauty, and craftsmanship to every piece you polish.

What You’ll Learn

Horological Finishing Fundamentals
Understand the essential finishing techniques used across horology and their practical applications.

Polishing Tools & Materials
Learn how to use polishing papers and liquid polishes effectively for a variety of finishes.

Material-Specific Techniques
Develop polishing methods suited to different materials, including steel and brass.

Surface Finishes
Achieve professional results with finishes such as high polish and straight grain.

Traditional Finishing Methods
Apply time-honoured techniques including silvering, bluing, and lacquering.

Edge Preservation
Learn how to preserve sharp, traditional edges during the polishing process.

Hands-On Practice
Gain confidence through practical polishing of sample components under expert guidance.

Problem-Solving & Adaptation
Recognise and avoid common mistakes while adapting techniques to suit different horological tasks.

Take Home

Practical skills in traditional horological finishing, a deeper understanding of surface treatment methods, and the confidence to apply professional-quality finishes to clock and watch components.