Stovax graphite grate polish (like black)

I bought this to use on our black cast iron fireplace which was in desperate need of a bit of TLC which had been the victim of some not so accurate wall painting. As other users have posted the mixture is quite sloppy and is easily splattered on surrounding areas (which we did need to repaint) but that aside the fireplace came up looking amazing and just like new with a beutiful finish. Would recommend this product. My only slight critisim would be that it took over a week to arrive once I had received confirmation that it had been dispatched, may have been the post office's fault mind you!

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.

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.

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.

I think in old days, was called Zebo, then Zeebrite ... However, whatever was called, this grate polish works a treat. We don't actually use for grates. But made wooden item, metal items and where suited, other items look like shiney cast iron. Cast iron picture frame, ceiling light etc. (smiles) Only suggest caution when brushing it up to the lovely iron shine. If possible do out doors or wear a mask and cover expensive carpet area, as the ultra fine dust gets everywhere. However, once done, it never needs touching again and can be handled and dusted without any black coming off. Used to use way back in 50's to keep our Army barracks stove clean for inspections ... every day used.

It is unfair to make down this product because it does state 'graphite' on box. However I was sold on the 'Black Grate' part of description and as such wrongly presumed that this polish would be just that...Black! It is not so surely there is room for human error and maybe the seller should make it a little clearer to those of us who are unfamiliar with product.

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.

Applied it to my rusty fire surround with a cloth and it's buffed up a treat. I wish I'd taken a before and after picture - the fireplace has been transformed. Be careful if you're applying it near marble, as I was, and which I managed to get two black streaks on. To my surprise I was able to just rub it off with little effort. In thirty minutes the fireplace was transformed and it was so easy to do - there's almost no effort required. The final finish is a glossy grey colour which is exactly the one it arrived with 30 years ago. If only all DIY went so well.....