Stovax graphite grate polish (like black)

We have a victorian cast iron grate and over mantle which was showing rust in a number of places. The shelf has seen many years of various objects placed upon it and of course the usual cleaning and dusting. It really need some TLC. We used the product very sparingly and the effect was amazing to say the least. I was very impressed with its ability to cover the rust and give the final finish. It has to be said that this product will give a graphite finish. In other words a silver black look, but as this was the original finish this was what I expected. If you need a black finish this is not the product to buy as when it is polished it becomes the shiny graphite silver look. I have enough left over to repeat the procedure at least another 4 or 5 times. It does go a long way. I applied it with a soft brush and then polished with a cloth. In all I am very satisfied withe product and have no reservations in recommending it.

If like me, you miss that Zebrite polish for your Victorian cast iron fireplace, and that lovely leaden silky sheen it used to give, then this is the next best thing. Zebrite contained lead and was taken off the market by the 'elf n safety people. lead is seriously toxic, so I should not be critical, however, Zebrite gave the best looking finish on cast iron. I tried a number of different "grate polishes" after Zebrite disappeared, and to be honest, most didn't seem any better than black shoe polish.Then I found this Stovax product which contains graphite. This gives a very similar leaden sheen to the metal work as Zebrite and my fireplace looks the best its been for 10 years! You need apply only a very small amount with a soft cloth or brush. Leave it to dry for a bit, and then polish off. The finished effect is perhaps slightly lighter in colour than the old Zebrite, but to my eye that is a bonus.

I was intending to paint an old fire surround that had previously been painted in black, I was concerned that yet another layer of paint would mean too much build up so thought I would give this ago. Dubious when a small tube turned up, but don't be fooled a little goes a long way. I used a paint brush to get into all the nooks a crannies, a toothbrush would work also. Quite time consuming and be careful not to let it get on any surrounding surfaces. Lovely finish with a metallic sheen, more subtle than black paint, and it enhanced the detail. Not sure how long it will last.

I bought this product to revovate my second hand Morso Squirrel that had been painted with matt black paint, a look that I wasn't too keen on.It went on easily and buffed up beautifully leaving the stove and flue with gleaming gun metal shine. The squirrel castings on the size are now visible and look lovely.Wearing rubber gloves I applied it with a microfibre cloth rubbing it well in, buffed it up with an old shoe polish brush and finally burnished it with a clean soft cloth. An old toothbrush was perfect for getting into tight areas. The process from start to finish took about 40 minutes.I can't understand those people that say that it is too sloppy, I would say that it is the same consistency as toothpaste and certainly not runny.I would highly recommend this product.

This is an excellent product for highlighting areas on a stove or fire surround. Gives it a graphite/dark metallic shine. I only applied to areas which were naturally highlighted by light. It would be easy to go over board so start light and fine. I applied and buffed with a soft cloth and applied again. Hardly used any of the tube. I had previously painted the area, after twenty years, with black matt stove paint for high temperatures so this brought back some shine to specific parts. Wish I'd taken an image before.

The clue is in the title. But read all of it. And ignore the word 'black'. This will make your black metal grey/silver in colour, similar to a graphite pencil. That's fine if that's what you want. Note: the Zip product also contains graphite but presumably less as black metal will appear less grey/silver. If you want complete black then use the Gallery product. Happy polishing!

Applied to a newly shot blasted (stripped) cast iron fireplace. Easy to apply, I used a medium sized artists paintbrush and the nylon side of a pan scrubber. I would recommend gloves and if thin to double glove your dominant hand, prevents staining of skin and especially nails !After drying I have buffed to a soft sheen, and the result is beautiful. A little transference noted, I've now left alone for a few days and will re buff.Worth the effort and I've got the result I expected / wanted from the product.

I moved house and inherited a small wood burner that looked a little jaded. I applied this Stovax stuff and left it for a couple of days before gently polishing with a cotton cloth. Wonderful - looks like new! When I opened the tube I was expecting thickish texture - but no, fluid flowed out at first (fortunately I had protected the hearth with an old curtain). So I'd recommend to massage the tube before opening it, or just prepare to discard the initial squeeze until it emerges as non-liquid.