Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Course on Polishing and Finishing Metal Surfaces
This course provides you with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to transform raw metals into flawless pieces. Learn the most effective techniques for removing imperfections, achieving mirror finishes, and…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course on Polishing and Finishing Metal Surfaces?
The Polishing and Finishing of Metal Surfaces
This course provides you with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to transform raw metals into flawless pieces. Learn the most effective techniques for removing imperfections, achieving mirror finishes, and protecting your work against corrosion. This program is ideal for both beginners and professionals looking to refine their skills.
Differential Advantages
- Mastery of Abrasives: Selection and correct use of sandpaper, compounds, and polishing wheels.
- Advanced Techniques: Hand polishing, machine polishing, and specialized techniques for different metals.
- Safety and Prevention: Safe handling of tools and chemicals, personal protective equipment.
- Professional Finishes: Achieve consistent, high-quality results on every project.
- Practical Applications: Work on real-world projects and apply what you've learned in real-life situations.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Master the art of polishing: Learn professional techniques to achieve mirror finishes and flawless surfaces.
- Expand your skills: Discover how to remove imperfections, prepare surfaces for coatings, and restore metal parts.
- Work with diverse tools: Familiarize yourself with polishers, sanders, brushes, and abrasives, and learn how to select the right ones for each task.
- Increase your professional value: Boost your career in the metalworking, automotive, jewelry, or construction industries.
- Guaranteed results: Intensive practice with real materials to ensure the effective application of your acquired knowledge.
- Enroll now and transform your metal surfaces into works of art.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of metallic surfaces, previous preparation and professional finishing criteria
- Metal polishing concept and differences between cleaning, roughing, sanding, polishing, satin and mirror finish
- Types of metals: stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper, bronze, carbon steel and alloys for technical use
- Frequent defects: streaks, oxidation, spots, bites, tool marks, visible welds and loss of brightness
- Relationship between metal type, initial state, end use, abrasive, tool and expected finish level
- Risks of a bad process: overheating, deformation, cross-contamination, loss of material and irregular finish
02
Tools, abrasives, pastes, machines and materials for metal polishing
- Sandpaper, abrasive discs, fibre wheels, brushes, felts, mops, sponges, bands and polishing supports
- Polishing pastes, abrasive compounds, cleaners, degreasers, protectors and anti-corrosive products
- Hand tools, drills, polishers, orbital sanders, grinders, grinders and bench machines
- Selection of granulometry, speed, pressure, temperature, direction of work and compatibility with each metal
- Personal protective equipment, ventilation, dust control, sparks, noise, projections and safe handling
03
Techniques for sanding, roughing, defect removal and finishing preparation
- Surface state diagnosis and definition of the abrasive sequence according to the depth of the defect
- Progressive sanding, grain changes, steering control, uniform pressure and removal of previous marks
- Roughing of welds, burrs, edges, deep scratches, surface oxidation and machining marks
- Preparation of flat parts, curves, tubes, railings, hardware, profiles, plates and decorative components
- Prevention of overheating, ripples, iron contamination, loss of edges and excessive wear
04
Polishing, polishing, satin and special finishes in metals
- Techniques of initial polishing, intermediate polishing, final polishing and removal of microscratches
- Satin finish, brushed, directional, circular, matte, semi-gloss, high gloss and mirror finish
- Polishing of stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper and parts with complex geometries
- Use of mops, felts, pastes, soft discs, hard disks and combinations according to level of brightness required
- Final cleaning, removal of pasta residues, reflection control, uniformity, touch and visual appearance
05
Applied project of polishing and finishing of metallic surfaces
- Case definition: nautical part, railing, hardware, plate, industrial component, decorative element or restored surface
- Metal diagnosis, defects, required finish, tools available, risks and intervention restrictions
- Design of the work sequence with cleaning, roughing, progressive sanding, polishing, polishing and final protection
- Execution of the finish with pressure control, speed, temperature, direction, waste and visual uniformity
- Preparation of the maintenance plan, anticorrosive protection, recommended cleaning and prevention of new defects
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Production operators looking to perfect polishing, buffing, and satin finishing techniques on various metals.Industrial maintenance technicians who need to master the repair and reconditioning of damaged metal surfaces.Craftspeople and jewelers who want to achieve flawless finishes on their creations, from initial roughing to final polishing.Automotive and marine professionals interested in
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Apply polishing techniques to obtain metallic surfaces with mirror finishes and precise tolerances
- 02Select and use appropriate abrasives and tools to achieve the desired surface finish on different metals
- 03Evaluate and correct surface imperfections in metals through polishing and finishing processes
- 04Interpreting drawings and technical specifications to ensure compliance with surface finish requirements on metal components
- 05Implement industrial safety and hygiene measures during the polishing and finishing process of metal surfaces
- 06Control the quality of the surface finish
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Metal Polisher: Working in workshops or factories, polishing and buffing metal surfaces to improve their appearance and quality.
02Metal Surface Finisher: Applying protective treatments and coatings to metal parts to prevent corrosion and improve their durability.
03Polishing Machine Operator: Operating and maintaining automated polishing and finishing machines, ensuring their proper functioning and the quality of the final product.
04Quality Inspector: Verifying that metal surfaces meet the required quality standards, identifying and correcting defects.
05Metal Restorer: Working on the restoration of antique or damaged metal objects, using polishing and finishing techniques to return them to their original appearance.
06Automotive Industry Worker: Polish and finish metal components for vehicles, such as car bodies, rims, and engine parts.
07Aerospace Worker: Perform high-precision polishing on metal components for aircraft and spacecraft, meeting rigorous quality standards.
08Jewelry Manufacturing Worker: Polish and buff precious metals to create high-quality jewelry pieces.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Improve the appearance, smoothness and/or dimensional accuracy of the surface.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Polished.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Vocational training in mechanical manufacturing, metallurgy, or similar; or demonstrable professional experience in metal polishing and finishing.Technical Competence:Knowledge of different polishing techniques (manual, mechanical), abrasive materials, and equipment used. Ability to interpret plans and technical specifications.Documentation:Updated CV, certificates of related courses (if any), ID/Passport.Safety Requirements:Knowledge of and compliance with occupational health and safety regulations, including the correct use of personal pr
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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