Cage Scrubbing!

[trailrat]

OK, I'm scrubbing this cage that is going to be Lucy's home. It needs serious scrubbing and I'm using scouring pads, wire brushes and steel wool. The thing is the goldy looking finish is coming away to expose the base metal. I also know that the cage is made by ferplast, a reputable maker. So I'm assuming they wouldn't make a cage where the base metal is going to be harmful.

Am I being naive that once I have got this cage to silvery finish it'll be safe and worth the effort or should I go hunting for a better trade off?