As with any product, the quality will be specific to the manufacturer. But as a general rule, brushed nickel is an excellent choice for cabinet hardware and fixtures and conceals fingerprints and water spots better than many other finishes.
The main disadvantage of brushed nickel is that it is difficult to match to other fixtures. Because the process of making brushed nickel involves etching it with a wire brush, you may not be able to find the exact same finish in all of your finishing touches for your bathroom.
Brushed nickel hides water marks and fingerprints better than chrome. Fingerprints are the bane of kitchen and bathroom fixtures. So are those small white marks that show up when water dries on metal surfaces. Fortunately, the textured nature of a brushed finish can hide these spots, smudges, and splotches quite well.
It's tough to scratch, and the brushed finish makes it difficult to see any blemishes even if it happens. This has to do with the way light reflects off a matte finish compared to a shiny one.
In a test of durability, stainless steel will always come out on top. This is because stainless steel kitchen hardware is composed of solid metal, as opposed to chrome and brushed nickel plating.
You only need a soft cloth to clean brushed nickel. It's easier to keep clean because you can't see smudges and fingerprints as brushed nickel hides smudges.
Brushed nickel is one of the durable finishes available, and it can keep its look for longer than chrome. The finish is incised with a metal brush to make the matte sheen, and then it is coated with a lacquer to shield it from wear. Due to incorrect cleaning over time, it wears.
Does this mean brushed nickel and oil rubbed bronze are out of style? Nope. And in even better news, there's no need to replace all the metals in your kitchen all at once anymore. Because mixed metals in the kitchen create a curated look in the kitchen that is so 2023.
While brushed nickel may not be one of the top finishes for 2023, it is certainly a safe option that will not require updating any time soon. Get more home decor tips here.
Is brushed nickel rustproof? Brushed nickel hardware resists rust, but it's not 100% rust proof forever. The plating will wear off at some point, and that depends on how often it's handled and cleaned. Don't worry, the hardware can still last for years without rust.
Neutral color schemes, such as ivory, light brown, beige or slate, blend well with brushed nickel fixtures and create a soft yet contemporary effect.
Although brushed nickel is relatively affordable, it's still a bit more expensive on average than polished chrome. So it might not be a perfect fit for customers with extremely tight budgets.
Brushed nickel is more resistant to fingerprints and smudges, while polished nickel is more likely to show fingerprints and smudges.
Brushed nickel gets its slightly matte appearance from being treated with a wire brush. We're seeing more and more clients navigate towards a brushed nickel finish, and for good reason. This finish has a luxurious, almost hand-crafted aesthetic that hides water spots and fingerprints well.
One of the primary disadvantages of nickel alloy is that it can increase the risk of allergic reactions in some people. Nickel is a known allergen, and exposure to nickel alloy can cause skin irritation, rashes, and swelling.
Brushed nickel fixture coating is semi-satin, so it isn't very shiny or matte. It has a non-reflective texture and dull appearance. Brushed nickel finish is a classic finish that is often used on metal products, such as appliance pulls and door handles.
Gold and Brass
Gold is getting an added boost thanks to this year's trend of black and gold, which is especially popular in this year's resurgence of Art Deco. The warm look of gold and brass creates an inviting atmosphere that is also timeless and luxurious.
Brushed nickel, also called satin nickel, has a more subdued, matte finish, lending itself to a more traditional look. Brushed or satin nickel also works well in both light and dark spaces and with just about any color scheme.
However, it's worth bearing in mind that one of the reasons chrome is the best selling finish is that many manufacturers only produce chrome kitchen taps and don't offer any other options, such as nickel. Brushed nickel is more of a subtle, softer looking finish.
Topping the list of kitchen design trends in 2023 are faucet finishes such as nickel, chrome, black, and brass and options like brushed, matte, polished, satin, and dual-tone finishes. GRAFF's faucet finishes do more than reflect and set trends.
Matte Black & Gold Cabinet Hardware
Whether separate or together these colours are dominating the 2023 kitchen trends.
Matte Black Continues
Matte black hardware will continue its dominance in 2023, and we can't get enough! This trend is ideal when used as part of a monochrome decor scheme or as a statement piece against bright colors.
Both finishes have positive and negative aspects, so it isn't always easy to choose which will serve your home and family best over the long term. Brushed nickel is extremely durable and tends to keep its finish longer than chrome. It doesn't show fingerprints or water spots and is easy to clean.
Avoid bleach. Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol or ammonia to clean brushed nickel. Abrasives should never be used as they may affect the finish. Acidic substances left on the nickel finish for extended periods of time may leave a slight dark mark, but this is easily removed with a chrome polish.
TIP: Once a month, spread a layer of paste wax onto the surface using a soft, dry cloth. Apply in small, circular motions. After you've covered the entire surface, buff it out with a new cloth. Paste wax is generally made from mineral spirits, which makes it gentle on brushed nickel finishes.