Garage metal polishing for wheels and vintage parts

Car and motorcycle enthusiasts, vintage and antique owners, boat owners, small restoration shops and local decorators or renovators.

Fixed price per item (for example per wheel or per fitting) or a quote for bigger jobs, with extra charges for heavy oxidation or repair work before polishing.

• Steady hands and patience
• Knowing different metals and how they react to polishing
• Quoting jobs and managing customer expectations

• Check your municipality's rules on home-based businesses, noise and zoning, and whether you need a home-based business licence
• Fine metal dust, especially from aluminum and magnesium, can be a fire and explosion risk; check fire code advice and use proper dust collection
• Check that your home insurance covers business use, and consider commercial general liability insurance plus cover for customers' items in your care
• Buffing wheels can grab and throw items, so learn safe technique and wear protective gear
• Check how to dispose of used compounds and metal waste in your area

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your equipment, dust collection and protective gear. Check that your home insurance covers business use and consider commercial general liability cover.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many jobs you take on and the type of work. Quoting carefully and managing customer expectations will matter as you grow.

Check your municipality's rules on home-based businesses, noise and zoning, and any licence needed. Fine aluminum and magnesium dust can be a fire and explosion risk, so check fire code advice, and check how to dispose of used compounds and metal waste.