Unlacquered brass: Unlacquered hardware has no protective coating (either it was produced without the clear coat of lacquer, or has had this coating stripped off). This results in a living finish that starts shiny and bright, but changes over time. As the brass ages, it develops a natural warm “antique” patina.
A living finish is often a much sought-after look when buying a copper, brass, bronze or nickel silver sink. Without an added protective coating, these materials are allowed to age gracefully in their natural state in what is referred to as the living finish.
When brass returned to the forefront of the design world, it was clear that it was not a finish that would go out of style. So, whether you want to update your current hardware or work brass accents into your home, beautiful brass is here to stay.
in short, Polished brass turns black over time due to tarnishing, which is caused by reactions with oxygen, sulfur, moisture, and handling contaminants in the environment.
That bright shiny brass is staying in the 90s. What's here to stay is the gold tone itself, found in unlacquered brass, satin brass, and French gold finishes. Brass has that underlying warm tone that we've seen in design more and more. We want our homes to feel cozy and inviting.
It's Timeless!
Polished Brass' timeless features can add to an antique style or propose a modern flair. Incorporated into any bathroom design through shower drains, faucet fixtures, cabinet hardware or more, the golden-hued color is a combination of classic and vintage elements.
Here are some of the most popular finishes for the coming year: Antique Brass: Brass continues to dominate due to its warmth and vintage appeal. In 2024, antique brass with a matte sheen will be popular, pairing well with modern and traditional interiors.
Simply clean and polish your brass to the desired finish then coat with Everbrite™ UV Protective Coating, ProtectaClear® Universal Clear Coat or CrobialCoat™. To protect and lock in shine on your fittings and hardware our coatings dry clear and will never yellow, crack or peel like lacquers.
Over time the brass will darken and patina and show wear. This living finish may not appeal to everyone, but similar to honed marble, it's great for folks who like to watch things patina and age gracefully over time.
Should antique brass be polished? This really comes down to personal preference, with many preferring the highly polished finish to their brass, regardless of age.
Cool Metals
Bright and reflective, metals are sure to make a statement in your home. Moving away from gold and warm-toned metals, cool-toned metals like silver, chrome, steel, and aluminum are going to have their moment in 2024.
Brass hardware may have gone out of style in the past, but now classic brass door knobs are back and better than before. There are a few different brass tones to choose from, such as: Bright Brass. Antique Brass.
Brushed brass was a staple of 80's interior design, famed for its luxurious and opulent appearance. And, in 2024, we're seeing a resurgence as interior designers show just how versatile this metal can be.
PVD Lifetime- Looks like polished brass but achieved by plating the underlying brass part with nickel, chrome and titanium resulting in a highly durable and corrosion resistant surface. Slight reddish tint compared to real polished brass.
How Often to Clean Brass. Brass that is handled often is going to tarnish more quickly. To keep brass hardware on doors, cabinets, and sink fixtures shiny, clean and polish them monthly. Decorative objects should be cleaned at least yearly or as tarnish appears.
For those dreaming of a timeless kitchen, queue polished brass. In your metallic fixtures, the right finish affects the overall feel of your space, and polished brass catches the light with an understated elegance that will never go out of style.
Polished brass will patina over time, a naturally occurring chemical process where oxidation occurs due to carbon dioxide and/or water exposure. Some customers want the patina to develop over time, but we offer a clearcoat finish as a special order option for those who prefer the polished shine to remain.
You can also use vinegar and salt to get that old darkened brass look. We like the technique described by Caro Davies, a UK-based social media expert who used to be an art director. Caro recommends mixing a pinch of salt into a container that has a lid with vinegar until the salt dissolves.
We like to use WD-40. It is not only very easy to use, but is also quick and very effective. All you need to do is coat the gold and brass lamp with a layer of WD-40, which is a great to clean brass and let it sit for about 15-30 minutes. Take a clean cloth and rub the lamp in circular motions drying and buffing it up.
Additionally, too much polish may discolor the surface. Only a trace amount creating a thin film should be applied.
“Although brass was once considered dated and passé, it's now making its way into all aspects of design as warmer metallic tones take precedence over cool steel, silver, and chrome,” says Michelle Boudreau of Michelle Boudreau Design. And Kellie Sirna, founder and principal of Studio 11 Design, shares similar insights.
Like gold, brass has a distinctly timeless feel. It can give even the oldest bathroom an antiqued classic look.
Faux-brick paneling may be a great shiplap alternative for you. It is better for renters as it is easy to install (just peel and stick) and easy to take down without damaging the wall underneath. Faux-brick paneling can be an easy DIY, saving you the costs of installation.
Black faucets are the current leading finish with nickel and pewter close behind. Matte and brushed finishes are also popular as they can show fewer water marks and can be easier to clean.