Brass Finishes Care and Maintenance

Whether you prefer satin nickel to aged brass, or matt black to dark bronze, we explore the best ways to clean and care for your brass products to ensure they look beautiful for years to come.

Brass is an incredibly versatile material that allows us to explore a change in appearance by applying a finish. From living and lacquered finishes to plated, each presents different characteristics that, in turn, need slightly different care to maintain the appearance of the brass.

When choosing your brass cabinet hardware finish, there is no doubt that your chosen aesthetic will be at the forefront of your decision-making; however, it is equally as important to consider the upkeep of the products, especially if the pieces will be installed in a high-traffic space like a kitchen or bathroom.

Features our Victoria  collection in our dark aged brass (DAB) finish.

A living brass finish (also known as unlacquered brass) refers to when a solid brass product develops a patina over time. This happens as the brass oxidises with the air and is exposed to moisture.

If you’re seeking a more organic visual appeal, opt for brass living finishes to adorn your interior cabinet hardware and accessories. The brass will naturally darken over time through use, creating a beautiful and unique patina.

It is important to note that no two pieces of living brass will age in the exact same way, as it is dependent on the environment the products are installed in and the frequency of use. The ageing of living finishes makes them a desirable choice to match with other brass fixtures, such as tapware and lighting.

Project by Brooke Wagner Design | Photography by Joshua Caldwell | Features our Barwick collection in our polished brass unlacquered (PBUL) finish.

To maintain brass living finishes, abrasive cleaners should be avoided as they may cause damage to the surface of the hardware. Instead, the products should be wiped gently with a lint-free cloth to keep them clean. The occasional use of a damp cloth and mild detergent is also recommended, however, it is important to keep the hardware dry where possible to avoid discolouration.

We have recently extended our offering of living finishes by introducing a dedicated range of aged finishes. These include our best-selling aged brass (BEL), aged copper (AGC), and dark aged brass (DAB).

A lacquered finish refers to when solid brass has been coated with a clear lacquer to protect the surface from oxidising with the air. The extra layer of protection provided by lacquered finishes makes them a suitable option for those seeking a brass finish that will maintain its colour for an extended period.

Project by Holly Oak House and Roseywood Interiors | Photography by Joey Kendal Brown | Features our Grove collection in our satin antique satin lacquered (SAS) finish.

To maintain a lacquered finish, we advise the occasional use of a damp cloth and mild detergent to preserve the finish, however, the hardware must be thoroughly dried to prevent any potential staining.

Our offering of lacquered finishes includes polished brass lacquered (PBL), satin brass lacquered (SBL), satin brass satin lacquered (SBSL) and Matt black lacquered (MBL).

A brass plated brass finish is created by applying a thin layer of metal, such as chrome or nickel, over the solid brass material through electroplating. This process creates a consistent and durable surface that does not tarnish in the same way as living brass finishes due to the plating preventing the brass from oxidising with the air or being exposed to moisture.

Plated nickel finishes showcase a warm silver hue, whilst plated chrome finishes present a cooler tone that is more blue. Each is frequently chosen to achieve contemporary appeal within an interior.

Plated finishes are often chosen for high-usage environments where minimal maintenance is required, such as utility rooms and bathrooms.

Project by Ashley Montgomery Design | Photography by Lauren Miller | Features our Queslett collection in our polished nickel plate (PNP) finish.

To maintain a plated finish, the hardware should be cleaned gently with a lint-free cloth. The occasional use of quality metal polish or a damp cloth and mild detergent can be used to preserve the finish, however, it is important to dry the hardware thoroughly to prevent any staining.

We offer six plated finishes, which include a variety of polished, satin and hand burnished nickel options. These include polished nickel plate (PNP), polished chrome plate (PCP), hand burnished nickel (HBN), satin nickel plate (SNP), satin chrome plate (SCP), and aged nickel (NBP).

Catering to all styles of decor and transforming the appearance of each cabinet hardware and accessory, from hand burnished brass to satin antique satin lacquered, discover our suite of exquisite brass finishes.

To help you find the perfect finish, you can purchase samples of all of our unique brass finishes to help make your final design decision. Showcasing the look and feel of our solid brass hardware and accessories, the chips are available for delivery in a matter of days. Discover now.