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Plumbing Design Dilemma Bathrooms

Signature Hardware Polished and Lacquered Brass Finish

Agatha Jane Interior Design

5 years ago

Has anyone purchased a Signature Hardware item in Polished and Lacquered Brass? They do not have metal samples or any showrooms nearby. I'd like to see the finish closer up. Also, I'm wondering if it darkens over time?

Any pictures or input would be appreciated.

I'm looking for an affordable brass sink console for a client.

Featured Answer

PRO

StarCraft Custom Builders

5 years ago

Polished and lacquered brass is bright and shiny only as long as the lacquer coating remains intact. Once it is worn off or damaged the brass will oxidize as brass normally does. It is not considered a robust finish. If the lacquer coating is damaged or worn, the only fix is to strip the lacquer, repolish and recoat. Not usually something you can do at home. I doubt SH give any sort of long-term warranty on this finish.

If you want durability you need a PVD brass, which is not actually brass but zirconium or some other non-reactive metal halide that does not tarnish. It looks like shiny brass but acts like chrome, except it is about 20 times harder.

Newport Brass/Ginger has a console in PVD brass called "Forever Brass". No idea of the price, but probably more costly than SH.

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Comments (6)

User
5 years ago
SH is cheepchinesecrapola. Avoid them.
Agatha Jane Interior Design thanked User
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PRO
Agatha Jane Interior Design
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you so much for your responses StarCraft and Sophie! We are going with either Kingston Brass or Restoration Hardware. My client doesn't want to spend more than $1200 on a vanity console for her Powder Room. Appreciate the input
Helen
5 years ago
There is a thread started today regarding a Kingston Brass antique copper kitchen faucet that is causing finish issues one month after installation.
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
5 years ago
That shiny lacquered brass is very 1980s, and everyone is replacing it. Polished nickel, chrome and brushed brass are more au courant.
PRO
StarCraft Custom Builders
5 years ago
@ Agatha Jane Interior Design

You should be OK with an SH console sink. There are not that many ways to screw up a sink. Lacquer brass on console legs or p-traps is usually not going to get damaged I would look for a PVD drain, though. These seem to wear out fairly quickly and lacquered brass is not robust.

Faucets are another matter. If your client can spare another $200.00, I suggest a Delta PVD brass faucet. Delta has several models that should fit the decor, abour$450 street price. Get a DST technology cartridge is one is available on the model you choose.

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