Care Guide

Why our hardware is unlacquered

Lacquer is a thin coating of a varnish type product which is used to protect the Brass from oxidising to avoid it tarnishing (dulling down). We believe that the tarnishing process creates a much more authentic finish, ideal for traditional brassware.

Lacquer typically starts to wear off after just a couple of years. Once it begins to flake, cleaning becomes challenging, as the lacquered areas will stay shiny and may appear slightly more yellow. At this stage, the product can look unappealing due to the uneven finish.

We prefer for a fuming process to age our brassware, which accelerates the development of a natural patina. The duration of fuming directly influences the intensity of the final patina appearance. This technique results in what is referred to as a living finish; regardless of whether you choose a light, traditional, or polished finish, your hardware will continue to age gracefully over time. We believe this approach provides the most authentic look for period furniture hardware.

Suitability

Ideal for both interior and exterior use, solid brass pieces will not rust or corrode. However, since the finish is unlacquered, the fittings will naturally age and tarnish over time, with this process accelerating when used outdoors. The environment can impact all finishes regardless, so it’s advisable to keep your items clean to prevent this. In most cases, a quick clean every couple of months is sufficient.

Maintenance

To maintain the shine of your brass, we recommend polishing it monthly or whenever you see signs of tarnishing. Use a metal polish, suitable for brass or bronze and a soft, clean cloth to buff away any tarnish.

If you prefer a well-maintained yet authentically ‘aged’ look, polish less frequently and apply a gentle touch. Use a small amount of polish, focusing on the raised surfaces, which allows the crevices to darken over time for a more defined, well-worn appearance.

For those who prefer a Traditional antique finish, you can allow your brass to develop a natural patina over time. Simply clean it with a soft, damp cloth to remove any loose dust and debris. The wonderful thing about brass is that even after years of aging, a little polish can bring back its original shine.