|
Finish
is second only to faucet style to most people when
choosing faucets, tub fillers and shower sprays.
Aesthetics and ease of maintenance are key criterion for selecting the appropriate finish for your
bathroom.
There
are a wide assortment of finishes to choose from, including brass, chrome, nickel, copper, pewter, and oil-rubbed bronze.
Brass / Gold
True brass has been a common finish since the nineteenth century.
Real brass is a warm but relatively high maintenance finish, requiring frequent
polishing to keep it shiny. Even with constant polishing, unprotected brass will tarnish (brown spots) in time. For some, the tarnish is desirable.
Most modern finishes in the gold or brass color
are super coated with a two-part epoxy that is applied electrostatically and baked on to insure
a lasting shine. This is just one technique
manufacturers use to protect brass and relieve maintenance
responsibilities for those who appreciate the look of brass but wish to avoid the necessity of polishing. Physical Vapor Deposition
(PVD) is another technique for protecting brass.
It is a tarnish-resistant, scratch-resistant, and corrosion-resistant finish.
Chrome
Chrome or what is known as Chromium plating became popular in the 1930’s and
continues to be one of our most popular finishes
you will find. It is versatile, traditional and
contemporary and economical. Chrome is a sophisticated tarnish-resistant finish. Solid brass
fixtures are electroplated with chrome to provide a finish that lasts. Like brass, however, chrome requires frequent cleanings to maintain its shine.
Nickel
 Believe
it or not the popularity of nickel is not new, and
nickel is actually enjoying its second round of
popularity. Back in the 1880s nickel was the
preferred finish, right up to the 1930s, when
chrome came on the scene and became all the rage.
Nickels popularity waned as chrome became the
favorite alternative to brass. Nickel finishes range from the
more chrome-like polished nickel finish to the more stainless
steel-like matte nickel finish. Polished nickel
has a smooth lustrous finish. It is sometimes brushed to create matte or satin nickel finishes. The brushing highlights the beauty of the nickel and creates a low maintenance finish which hides scratches, fingerprints, and water spots.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a combination of steel alloys and chromium (chrome). It shines like silver when new but its appearance can dull over time. With proper care and maintenance, though, this corrosion and rust resistant finish can last a lifetime.
Distressed Finishes
Distressed finishes are the result of a renewed interest in vintage hardware and plumbing. Antiques can be expensive and difficult to find. Shop 4 Classics carries high quality antique reproductions that are economical, easier to install than the originals, conform to modern codes, and are available to order today.
Antique Copper
Weathered and antiqued finishes such as weathered copper, antique copper, antique brass, antique
bronze, old bronze and antique pewter are chemically treated to age them. The result is a piece that looks as though it has
been installed and in use for many, many years.
Oil Rubbed Bronze
 Oil rubbed bronze is a handsome charcoal-colored
finish that is a remarkable flat finish that is sure to draw attention. It is no
wonder why this finish is a popular choice for faucets, showers, and
door hardware. Plumbing items finished in oil rubbed bronze often are protected but door hardware, copper basins, and
other items are typically left unprotected to allow the item to gracefully wear with repeated handling.
Back
to | Bathroom
Remodeling Information and Advice |
|
