The difference between brushed and polished is simply that a product with a polished finish isn't treated to have a texture, the way brushed materials are. Polished nickel looks very similar to chrome, but when you place them side by side, you'll notice that polished nickel has a warmer tone than chrome.
Brushed nickel is more resistant to fingerprints and smudges, while polished nickel is more likely to show fingerprints and smudges. Brushed nickel is more affordable than polished nickel. Polished nickel is more formal looking than brushed nickel.
Polished Nickel and Brushed Nickel differ in that Brushed Nickel has more of a textured, brushed over appearance whereas Polished Nickel has a smooth, high shine appearance. Delta's Polished Nickel also has warm undertones of pale gold, whereas Brushed Nickel has cooler silver tones throughout.
Although polished nickel is extremely durable and doesn't show fingerprints or smudges easily, it requires a fair amount of TLC to look its best at all times. Mineral deposits on showerheads and sink faucets are more likely to occur on this type of finish.
Polished Nickel (top lever) has a warmer, yellowy tone, often likened to traditional sterling silver, whilst Polished Chrome (bottom lever) has a cooler, blueish shine. Therefore, Polished Nickel tends to work best in classic, period properties and Polished Chrome looks great in more contemporary settings.
Polished nickel looks very similar to chrome, but when you place them side by side, you'll notice that polished nickel has a warmer tone than chrome.
Very common once upon a time, nickel is now coming back into fashion for its vintage appearance. It is appropriate to classic, luxury styles, but is equally suitable for industrial style products, where it can add a touch of elegance and whimsy.
Shiny chrome is the most popular bath finish and comes with an affordable price tag. Nickel has a warmer tone and a more exclusive pedigree. Stainless steel, still the leading metal in the kitchen, looks indulgent in the bath, too.
And, like polished chrome, polished nickel can show fingerprints and water spots. Unless lacquer coated, polished nickel fixtures will naturally tarnish over time, particularly in humid environments, such as bathrooms.
As styles have changed over time, the importance of durability has remained important. The best materials for bathroom faucets include chrome, nickel, brass, and bronze. Keep in mind that finishes can be applied to many kinds of materials.
It's an easy to clean and durable finish that's marginally less susceptible to fingerprints than Chrome – a lint-free cloth is all you'll need to maintain its shine.
Vinegar can damage the finish if you allow it to soak on the metal, so wipe it clean right away. Avoid using any harsh cleaners or abrasive pads that can scratch the finish of your polished nickel.
Brushed nickel is darker and does not have a polished feel; it contains tiny lines for a velvety appearance. Satin nickel is a lighter version of brushed nickel with a low luster glow and soft sheen that offers more intricate details than a matte finish.
The only thing that we don't recommend – mixing 2 finishes in the same color. For example, don't mix polished nickel and brushed nickel – it will look like you tried to make them all match, but missed.
#2 Tends to tarnish faster than polished chrome
It is important to note that brushed nickel does not tarnish easily. However, when it does, brushed nickel tarnishes faster when compared to polished chrome, especially when the fixtures are not maintained.
Metals can be antiqued, matte, satin, brushed, or polished, and incorporating a variety of sheens can make the mix even more interesting. "If you want to use nickel and brass together, go with polished nickel and satin brass," McLeod suggests. Contrasting soft with shiny adds more distinction and depth.
Be sure to avoid using acid, alcohol, or solvent-based cleaners. These types of cleaners can ruin or discolor the more delicate surface of the brushed nickel finish. Vinegar is a popular faucet cleaning solution, but should be avoided on brushed nickel.
Bleach-based cleaners or other products that claim to "remove rust or tarnish" can be detrimental to the surface of the nickel, as they likely contain hydrofluoric, hydrochloric and/or phosphoric acids.
Never use abrasive cloths or chemical based cleaning products on Nickel.
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.
TIMELESS KITCHEN FINISHES
When it comes to faucet finishes, look to Arctic® Stainless or Polished Nickel.
Solid-brass bodies last longest and require the least care, especially with hard water, which corrodes lesser metals. At $150 or so to start, these faucets also cost the most. If you aren't sure whether a fitting is solid brass, pick it up.
Although Polished Nickel fixtures are very nice, they are really not similar at all to what you might think of as stainless steel color. If you are trying to exactly match other stainless steel finish fixtures in your bathroom, Polished Nickel products will probably not going to be what you want.
However, polished nickel is more expensive than other finishes. Brushed nickel, on the other hand, has a more subtle texture and a matte finish. It is also durable and resistant to tarnishing and corrosion. Brushed nickel is a great option for those looking for a modern and stylish look in their bathroom.
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.