Polishing is the process of refining a metal surface by use of a polishing wheel attached to a long-spindled motorized arbor which runs at high speed. Various finishes may be obtained with a wide variety of abrasive compounds applied to the polishing wheels such as rouge - this compound imparts the brightest finish. Other compounds will produce matte finishes.

Plating is the general name of surface-covering techniques in which a metal is coated onto a solid surface. Plating is indispensable for the manufacture of computers, mobile phones, and electronic devices as well as for surface treatment techniques. Moreover, it is a key technology for the development of new machines. It is also used for decorative purposes, typically to provide a silver or gold exterior.