

Unlacquered brass is a living finish, meaning it changes or patinas over time. I loved the shape and style of hexagonal bin pullhardware in our last home so much, that I ended up ordering the same hardware in unlacquered brass for our new kitchen ( our pulls are the 4 inch size). Plus, hardware is easy to swap out for a new buyer if they decide to go in a different direction. I know brass isn’t for everyone, but I truly believe in designing your home for your needs and tastes. I loved our polished chrome hardware in our previous home, but I thought brass would better complement our warmer white oak floors and had always wanted to do brass in a future kitchen. When our home was under construction, I knew I’d do brass hardware in our kitchen. From lighting to hardware, to mirrors and framed art – I think it adds such beauty and warmth to any space. We hope this guide is helpful in helping you understand whether your item will acquire a patina.I love brass accents in a home.
Unlacquered brass patina series#
Lew's Hardware 31-115 Bar Series Round Bar Handle The following items, for example, are all lacquered You may also be able to tell from the price as items in unlacquered brass tend to have a higher price tag, even as compared to the same item being offered in other finishes. Generally, items that are unlacquered will specifically say so. If you are one of those who is looking for unlacuqered brass, then you need to find items that are listed as such. Any time you see an item listed in those finishes it will most likely be lacquered and the color won't change. All of those finishes require a lacquer in order to remain the same tone over time. Most items listed as polished brass, satin brass or brushed brass will generally be lacquered.

Unlacquered brass patina how to#
How to tell if the item is lacquered or unlacquered? The truth is that most clients nowadays like the modern brass and satin brass finishes, which will be lost if the item is not protected with a lacquer. This lacquer top coat is meant to preserve the finish as it exists the moment you purchase your hardware.

Most modern hardware, including 99% of the hardware we sell here at Forge Hardware Studio will not patina because the hardware has a clear lacquer top coat. When many years pass, the brass or copper itself will become covered in the green patina hue, like the Statue of Liberty(which one had a copper hue in the late 19th century)!īut she is now green and covered in patina.īrass hardware goes through a similar process if the brass is unlaquered and the brass metal itself is exposed to the elements. Before the surface turns green, however, which can take a while, unlacquered brass items develop a beautiful toned-down brass tone like the one in this beautiful door knob below. 'Patina' is a term that refers to the blue-green layer of corrosion that develops on the surface of copper and brass when it is exposed to sulfur and oxide compounds. What is patina?Ī word that often comes up in the context of design is patina so we thought it would be a great idea to start with the basics. The short answer: most modern items will not change color or acquire a patina. While some might prefer the shiny, warm finish of new brass, many love the patina finish of older brass.

We get this questions because our clients would like to know whether the item's color will change or in other words whether it will acquire a patina over time. A very common question we get from our clients is whether a particular brass item, such as a brass cabinet knob or brass drawer handle, is lacquered or unlacquered.
