Hardware Metals and Finishes: Brass, Steel and Black

Salt-laden air attacks plated finishes from any weak point in the coating. In Phuket, Samui and Pattaya we see cheap plated handles pit within a couple of years, while solid or properly PVD-coated hardware is still perfect.

Unlacquered brass develops a living patina, darkening where hands touch it. Lacquered brass holds its colour but the lacquer eventually wears through at the contact points, which looks worse than honest patina. Decide which you want before ordering.

Solid stainless is the safest choice for durability. PVD coatings, used for black, gunmetal and brushed gold, are far tougher than electroplating and are what we specify when a colour other than steel is wanted.

Matt black looks superb and shows fingerprints, hard-water marks and wear at the grip point more than any other finish. It works best in handleless designs where the metal is a tap or a grip rail rather than a handle in constant use.