How To Take Care of Unlacquered Brushed Satin Brass Hardware
Let's celebrate Unlacquered Brushed Satin Brass, the subtle yet luxurious finish that instantly adds contrast to spaces. It is stylish, sleek, and compliments just about any colour you can imagine. Keeping things simple, brass is an alloy consisting of zinc and copper. Its resilience makes it the perfect material for frequently used household touch points.Have you ever considered how to give tarnished hardware some TLC?Maybe you have noticed a few stains, or perhaps this is your first time cleaning an item that has gathered years' worth of patination. It can be a daunting thought but our how-to guide will have your brass hardware shining in no time!
Image Credit @samanthajoyhome
What is the difference between Lacquered and Unlacquered Brass?
Brass will naturally tarnish over time, a process which is accelerated by the oils in your skin, weather conditions if left outdoors or if cleaned excessively with corrosive products.
Here at Yester Home we have two different types of coating available, the information below will help you to decide on which finish is the best choice for you.
Lacquered brass
This option has a clear lacquered coating which helps protect the hardware and prevent patination over time. The shiny appearance is maintained achieving a consistently polished, clean and modern look. The upside to lacquered brass is that it doesn't require any cleaning and is low maintenance. The downside to lacquered brass is that many many years down the line the lacquer could eventually start to peel.
(Note: any of our Brushed Satin Brass products which are lacquered will be visible in the product title, for example - Classic Brushed Satin Brass Cupboard Handles | Lacquered)
Un-lacquered brass
Un-coated, bare brass is becoming increasingly popular and is the perfect choice for older properties where original features are sought after. Unlacquered brass will age over time, each piece developing a golden patina as its exposed to oxygen (just remember, this process is perfectly normal and adds beautiful character to your hardware).
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What does Un-lacquered Brushed Satin Brass look like over time?
Cleaning No Go's
To help your brass hardware look its best, there are some mistakes we would recommend avoiding to prevent any damage or make it more challenging to clean. Give these pointers some thought before rolling up your sleeves.
- Avoid using Brasso
- Avoid using abrasive cleaning products including cleaning sprays, sanitisers, bleach etc
- Avoid using Steel Wool or Wire Brushes
- Avoid using water which can lead to further marks
- Don't neglect regular maintenance
How To Clean Unlacquered Brass Hardware
Pro Tip: Before cleaning remove rings and any other jewellery that could scratch the metal.
What you will need:
- Gloves
- A soft cloth
- A kitchen sponge
How to
1. Firstly, ensure that there is no dirt or debris present on the hardware. Wipe the handle with a soft cloth to remove any stray particles.
2. Using the rough side of a washing up sponge, gently buff the hardware in one direction.
Watch our short video which shows you how just here:
And that's how you can give your brass hardware new life and ensure it remains as regal and radiant as the day it graced your home.
Before and after photos will give you an ultimate boost from a job well done, don't forget to tag us on socials so we can see your as-good-as-new hardware ourselves! @yesterhome
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