Journal
The beauty of brass finishes
Armac Martin – solid brass hardware and accessories manufacturer
June. 2025
Here Richard McGrail, CEO of solid brass hardware and accessories manufacturer, Armac Martin, shares insight into the different types of brass finishes and how to care for them.
An enduring choice
Solid brass has been a popular choice for cabinet hardware and interior accessories for decades due to its durability, beauty, and adaptability for various finishes.
Thanks to the versatility of solid brass, there are many finishes to choose from, including living, lacquered and plated, each of which have different characteristics and ways of being maintained.
Whilst achieving your chosen aesthetic will be the priority, it is important to consider the maintenance of the products, particularly if they are being installed in high-usage areas such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Living brass finishes
If choosing a living brass finish, which is also known as un-lacquered brass, the product will develop a patina over time as the brass oxidises with the air and is exposed to moisture.
Living finishes are a popular choice for those looking to achieve a more organic visual appeal as the hardware will darken over time and through use, creating a beautiful patina that is entirely unique. 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.
Due to the aging of living finishes, they are a popular choice to match the finishes of other interior products, such as tap-ware, and suit both contemporary and modern schemes alike.
To maintain living finishes, abrasive cleaners should be avoided as they can damage the surface of the hardware. The products can be wiped gently with a lint-free cloth to keep them clean and the occasional use of a damp cloth and mild detergent is recommended, however, it was important to keep the hardware dry where possible to avoid discolouration.
Armac Martin has recently extended its offering of living finishes by introducing a dedicated range of aged finishes. This includes its best-selling Aged bass (BEL) finish, Aged copper (AGC), and Dark aged brass (DAB). Its living finishes also include Satin brass un-lacquered (SBUL) and Polished brass un-lacquered (PBUL), all of which develop a beautiful patina as they age.
Plated brass finishes
Plated brass finishes involve applying a thin layer of metal such as chrome or nickel over the solid brass material through electroplating. This creates a consistent and durable surface that does not tarnish in the same way as living brass finishes as the plating prevents the brass from oxidising with the air or being exposed to moisture.
Plated nickel finishes have a warm silver hue, whilst plated chrome finishes have a cooler hue that is more blue in tone, both of which are a common choice for more contemporary, interior schemes.
Plated finishes are often chosen for high-usage environments where minimal maintenance is required, such as bathrooms. To maintain the hardware it should be cleaned gently with a lint-free cloth, and the occasional use of quality metal polish or a damp cloth and mild detergent can be used to preserve the finish. It is important to dry the hardware thoroughly to prevent any staining.
Armac Martin offers six plated finishes, which include a variety of polished, satin and hand burnished nickel and satin 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).
Lacquered brass finishes
For lacquered finishes, the 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 make them a popular choice for those looking for a brass finish that will maintain its colour for an extended period.
To maintain a lacquered finish, the occasional use of a damp cloth and mild detergent can be used to preserve the finish, but the hardware must be thoroughly dried to prevent any potential staining.
Armac Martin’s offering of lacquered finishes includes Polished brass lacquered (PBL), Satin brass lacquered (SBL), Satin brass satin lacquered (SBSL), Satin antique satin lacquered (SAS), and Matt black lacquered (MBL).
When choosing a finish for your upcoming project, it is important to consider where the hardware will be installed, how often it will be used and therefore need maintaining, and the overall aesthetic you are looking to achieve.
Having manufactured from the finest solid brass in the heart of England since 1929, Armac Martin’s team of experts polishes and finishes its offering of cabinet hardware and accessories by hand, offering the highest standards of quality, functionality and beauty.
To discover its extensive portfolio of products and finishes, visit armacmartin.co.uk.
