The cause is usually improper cleaning — either too much (by using harsh chemicals or abrasives) or too little (by leaving spatters of acids or other harmful ingredients on the metal until all the moisture evaporates).
Directions for Cleaning Brushed Nickel Faucets:
Add 1 oz. of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner to 1 cup of water in an empty spray bottle. Apply. Spray the solution onto the brushed nickel surface and let it sit for a minute or so.
Q: My parts are turning black when plating. What's wrong? A: Commonly this is from zinc or cadmium contamination.
Whilst we do not refer to it as a live finish, without cleaning, Nickel will darken very gently in time as it oxidises with the air. Any chemical left to sit on its surface for an extended period will help to accelerate this process.
Directions for Cleaning Brushed Nickel Fixtures:
Spray Simple Green Pro HD Heavy-Duty Cleaner onto the surface. Scrub. Use a wet, soft toothbrush to scrub, paying close attention to crevices. Rinse.
Tarnishes Faster Than Chrome
One of the key differences between brushed nickel and polished chrome is that brushed nickel will tarnish faster.
When silver tarnishes it turns black, and when nickel tarnishes it turns yellow-green. They look quite different. (The nickel mounted frog shown above has no heel plate.)
When it comes to cleaning products, harsh chemicals are not friends with brushed nickel. Bleach and ammonia-based cleaners can strip away the finish, leaving your tapware looking dull and lifeless. Instead, opt for gentle, pH-neutral cleaners that safely cleanse without harming the surface.
The black color was attributed to the coordination of nickel ions by two complexing agents: phytic acid and ammonia (used for pH adjustment). The absence of either compound failed to produce black nickel deposits.
If a nickel plating bath has zinc, copper, lead or iron present in appreciable concentrations these kinds of spots will appear.
Black nickel is nickel with a black tint, the result is a reflective, mirrored finish. When looking at it in light, it can often look like a polished chrome finish which is where the confusion between the two metal finishes comes in.
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. Also, do not use abrasive cleaners, such as bleach powder or tools like scrubbing brushes.
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.
According to Logan, you should not use Clorox wipes on brushed nickel. 'You should not use products that contain alcohol or ammonia to clean brushed nickel faucets,' says Logan. 'If you do, you may affect the finish and shine of the nickel.
Apply a metal cleaner on discolorations.
Find a non-abrasive metal cleaner at the store. Chrome cleaner works well on nickel plating. Apply the cleaner directly to the stained areas, particularly the green discolorations that build up on nickel with ease. Let it sit for a minute.
The corrosion products that form on nickel during at least the first several weeks of exposure to the atmosphere are initially whitish in visual appearance. They are com monly dendritic in form, the dendrites being composed largely of nickel, oxygen, and sulfur.
Brushed nickel finishes, which are rubbed with an abrasive while still at the factory to create their special look, are especially susceptible to damage from bathroom and kitchen cleaners that contain low-concentration phosphoric acid. If not rinsed promptly, these can damage or even remove a brushed nickel finish.
In 2024, antique brass with a matte sheen will be popular, pairing well with modern and traditional interiors. Brushed Nickel: Known for its subtle shine, brushed nickel adds a neutral yet contemporary look. It's versatile, making it a favorite for bathrooms and kitchens.
Choosing The Right Finish
For most projects, Bratton defers to satin nickel in modern and traditional style homes for its timeless and versatile finish. For homes that lean decidedly more rustic, or for folks that don't want shine in their finishes, brushed nickel is the better choice.
#2 – Try a simple soap (dish-soap), a clean rag (not from the work-shop please) and water. These are usually soft enough to remove finger-smudge marks, which Brushed Nickel is most prone to. Avoid using scented hand-soaps as these might leave additives or have things like scrubbing-grit.
Is the CLR product nickel safe? We do not recommend that CLR products be used on any metals except for chrome or stainless steel. Any 'polished' finish usually has a coating and most nickel materials are combination metals (containing zinc) and CLR products could compromise the finish.