The
faucet finish is a matter of personal choice. The two most popular
finishes are polished chrome and polished brass. But in recent
years other finishes have become more popular such as stainless
steel and satin or brushed nickel.
The
finish is a crucial choice that determines not only how a faucet
looks but also how easy it is to maintain. To
avoid frequent cleanings, opt for proprietary lifetime finishes
that block out oxidation e.g. Delta Brilliance, Moen LifeShine
and Jado Diamond.
Pewter,
nickel
and satin finishes are also easy to maintain. Their
muted tones hide water spots, scratches and fingerprints.
They also match door and cabinet handles more easily than
brass.
Chrome
and combination chrome-and-brass finishes are popular
for baths but require frequent cleaning to maintain their
shine. Chrome is interestingly, the most durable and affordable.
Painted
or enamel finishes may be the easiest way to individualize
a faucet and coordinate it with the rest of the bath but
these finishes aren't bonded to the metal like plating,
they chip and scratch relatively easily.
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Brass
has been a common finish since the nineteenth century. It 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. The
Supercoat finish is good for those who appreciate the look of
brass but wish to avoid the necessity of polishing.
Nickel
has experienced a resurgence in recent years. 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 that hides scratches, fingerprints, and water spots.

Stainless
steel has quickly gained popularity. Weathered and antiqued
finishes such as weathered copper, antique copper, antique brass
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.
Maintenance
for fixture finishes:
Feather
dust or wipe with a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners
on any of the finishes as it will cause surface scratches.
| BRASS
Use non-abrasives when removing any substance from the
surface of brass. Scratches in brass require a great deal
of abrasive work to remove and blend. Never use an object
harder than the brass itself to remove old lacquer, paint,
wax, etc. Solid brass can be polished by hand repeatedly
for years without showing signs of wear. |
Polished
Brass |
Polished
Brass: This is solid brass fixtures that are polished
and buffed to a high sheen. A coat of lacquer is then applied
at the factory to give the surface a coating that will restrict
tarnishing. This finish should be cleaned with a soft cloth
only. Plumbers putty should not be used on these fixtures
as it will affect the finish. |
Antique
Brass |
Antique
Brass: Solid brass that has an antique appearance. This
finish matches most home décor well. |
Satin
Brass |
Satin
Brass:
The look of satin brass is achieved
by hand sateening the finish after polishing. As with unlacquered
polished brass, this is a natural finish protected by a
wax coating. It can be regularly polished to retain it's
sheen or left to age gracefullly as the brass oxidizes. |
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CHROME
Chrome finishes are classic and are very durable. To clean
chrome fixtures, wipe the fixture with vinegar, rinse
it off with water and dry. Rub chrome with baby oil and
a soft cloth to give it a brilliant shine. |

Polished Chrome |
Polished
Chrome:
Polished Chrome is a classic finish that fits beautifully
with a wide variety of fixture styles and décor.
It works well with a nostalgic look or contemporary style. |

Satin Chrome |
Satin
Chrome:
This finish is buffed with fine abrasives to create
a satin silver-like finish. Matches well with stainless
steel appliances and natural pewter. |
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GOLD
Gold fixtures can provide a dramatic constrast to bright
white fixtures. A gold finish goes well with period styles
and adds a luxurious and warm accent to your bathroom. |

Polished Gold |
Polished
Gold
Polished
Gold is a classic finish that fits beautifully with a wide
variety of fixture styles and décor. |

Satin Gold |
Satin
Gold
This finish is buffed with fine abrasives to create a satin
gold-like finish. Matches well with stainless steel appliances
and natural pewter. |
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COPPER
A striking, rich-looking finish. Copper gives a beautiful,
warm vintage look and is often used in traditional, Italian-style
or country homes. todays homeowners are turning copper
into a mainstream accent for kitchens, baths and bars. Copper
is known to keep bacteria at bay, providing a healthier
environment. |

Antique Copper |
Antique
Copper
Antique
Copper has a satin-like finish and is treated to look like
old copper. |
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BRONZE
This finish is very dark and varies from a deep chocolate
brown to a dark gray. Will fit a variety of home décor,
from vintage to contemporary. This finish hides water spots
and requires minimal care. Clean with soap and water when
needed. Oil rubbed bronze is a a popular choice for faucets,
showers, and door hardware. |

Oil Rubbed Bronze |
Oil
Rubbed Bronze
Oil Rubbed Bronze also has a satin-like finish. Will not
show marks easily. |
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| NICKEL |

Polished Nickel |
Polished
Nickel:
The traditional finish. Polished nickel have a slightly
warmer tone than chrome. The finish is also quite durable. |

Satin Nickel |
Satin
Nickel:
Similar to matte nickel, satin nickel has a brushed appearance.
This finish is similar to mat chrome but with very slight
soft gold tone, so subtle that you will not notice unless
you put it next to a "whiter" metal. Color also
matches some stainless steel, as some stainless is not as
"white" as others. Satin Nickel is sometimes referred
to as brushed nickel. |
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PEWTER
Modern pewter is non-toxic alloy of tin combined with small
amounts of copper and antimony. Pewter can be washed with
warm soapy water and dried immediately with a soft cloth
afterwards. Pewter will maintain its luster for a lifetime
and more, with little or no maintenance. Pewter is also
unmistakably elegant and will easily fit most décor. |

Antique Pewter |
Antique
Pewter
Pewters'
muted tones hide water spots, scratches and fingerprints.
They also match door and cabinet handles more easily than
brass. |


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