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Plumbing Remodeling Bathrooms

Thoughts on the upkeep of black vs. brushed nickel plumbing fixtures

3 years ago

I am considering black plumbing fixtures for my shower, tub and sink in a remodeled bathroom vs. brushed nickel but am worried about cleaning in a hard water area. Any thoughts and opinions?

Featured Answer

User

3 years ago

I think black will show way more staining /mineral deposits and also is a trend that you may tire of.. Brushed is 1000% more timeless. Think of a silver car vs black car in level of difficulty in keeping it clean..

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Comments (7)

biddy315
Original Author
3 years ago
thanks
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PRO
Lisa Caudill Designs
3 years ago
what is the overall look you are going for in the bathroom? Style, colors etc?
Jake The Wonderdog
3 years ago
Black will show every bit of mineral deposits.

In 5 years or less the black fixtures will look really dated style wise.
PRO
StarCraft Custom Builders
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Be careful with black. It may be a very delicate finish.

Black finishes are of three types: painted, powder coated, and physical vapor deposition (PVD).

Painted and powder coated finishes are considered at best semi-durable - about the same durability as the finish on your car. They can chip and scratch easily.

PVD, by conrast, is very durable. By some estimates it is 10-20 times more scratch-resistant than chrome.

If you are going black, make sure it is a PVD black.
gustaviatex
3 years ago
I have black Moen fixtures in my bathroom. Being OCD I wiped them down EVERY time and they look brand-new after one year. My plumber told me he sees a lot of black fixtures coated with white mineral deposits after six months of use. Just sayin....
yardbones
3 years ago
I have a brushed nickel Kohler faucet that shows every water drop and is impossible to keep clean. It’s a super cute faucet but it always looks messy.

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