Hot water works on nitrocellulose lacquer (which hasn't been used in years). You're probably going to need some kind of paint stripper and it's going to smell. Zip-strip, Citristrip, Krylon Off, etc.

I'd try to take off the cute little white hot and cold buttons before trying it, though. And take it off the sink first too, if it's already installed. In fact, take it outside. :)

Are you sure it has lacquer or any other finish on it? Maybe it's just a bright brass plating...

If it's Kingston, it ought to be solid brass. I'd just learn to like it as it is, but that's just me.

Lol, we just sold our 12 yr old home. We had a polished nickel bridge faucet in the powder room from this company. I read so many bad things about this company, imagine my surprise when my faucet was pristine after 12 yrs.

if you hate the shiny finish, sell it on eBay and try a different brand.

Was the faucet expensive?

I would get the chrome.

Try anything as toxic as aircraft paint remover? =D

Chrome is always correct, especially in a retro bath.

I guess it doesn't matter how powerful the chemical remover is if there's nothing to remove... ;-)

Wouldn't it be funny if you'd already removed the lacquer and didn't know it becuae it was still shiny?

Fori-

Now that's an angle I hadn't contemplated... :-)

That is quite the testament to KB finishes though.

I bought a chrome one from them and was surprised at the heft, quality, and operation of a brand i had never heard of. I think they are a really under-sung brand in the faucet world.

EZ-Off oven cleaner. Or, sand it. Being brass plated wouldn't make it more tarnish resistant, and it is impossible to "plate in" a shine.. Anything meant to age or darken brass won't work if it is coated, and also will not remove any coating.

It is made of brass, so the brass color won't come off. If it does, the product has been misrepresented. A green scotch brite sponge would also probably knock the shine down a little.

If it doesn't turn out well, get the chrome and mix your metals!

ILoveRed - Yep, that's the plan! I figured it was worth trying the paint since the brass darkener actually made a little spot on one of the pieces (I was seriously surprised it penetrated it at all) and made it un-sellable.

I'd like pictures of the process too. Success or not ;)

Me, too! And, I should've said earlier, it's a very cool faucet. Good luck!

Try a can of Rustoleum metallic oil-rubbed bronze paint if you want a dark bronze look.

I'm actually going for matte black and have used the Rustoleum matte black paint. It's starting to look like this but isn't going to cost me $870. I'm actually kind of excited the brass didn't work out. :)

In progress...I had just sprayed so it looks shiny in spots but it's not.

thank you for this post, having the same problem and running out to buy this spray paint now!

Just don't count on a painted surface on a faucet to last in the bathroom.

Kuszu9 it’s been about 3 years and it’s still perfect! I’m sure it helps that it’s a guest 1/2 bath and isn’t being used daily

I know this is an old post, but I just have to thank you for sharing — I was seriously contemplating trying the same thing as you because the faucets I want in unlacquered brass are so expensive. Good to know it likely wouldn’t work!!

4 years later the matte black spray paint I used has held up fabulously! (Hall bath not used a ton probably helps!)