Unlacquered Brass

The kitchen in one of our recently completed projects with a Quooker tap and Perrin & Rowe filter water tap.

Unlacquered brass isn't a finish for everyone. If you prefer a shiny, polished look then this probably isn't the one for you — but hear us out. The beauty of unlacquered brass lies in the way it ages gracefully and naturally. It is an unsealed finish, which means the raw brass is left exposed to the elements of everyday life — air, moisture, the oils from your skin — all of which cause it to darken and develop warmer tones over time: deeper amber, brown, and even greenish hues in some areas.

We adore the way it takes on its own unique, natural patina, making a finish that has been in place for only a couple of months feel as though it has been there for years.

A beautiful Samuel & Sons shower mixer in a past project we worked on.

There are several options when it comes to maintaining unlacquered brass. It can be left entirely alone to patina in its own natural way, or regularly polished and buffed to retain its original brassy sheen. If at any point it looks too tarnished for your taste, a brass polish can reverse the ageing process and bring back the shine. Applying a beeswax occasionally will also help slow things down. So whatever your preference, there is an option to suit you.

This shows the different patinas over time from new to about 8 months.

Our favourite uses for this finish are taps, light switches, sockets and door handles. An unlacquered brass door handle can age so beautifully over time — the patina appearing exactly where the handle is held most, which tells a lovely story. Unlacquered brass also makes for stunning light fittings, thanks to the way it gently reflects light.

We find that clients need a clear understanding of this finish before it is specified and installed, as many people do prefer something that stays looking pristine. But if you're after a finish that tells a story, give unlacquered brass a try — we're sure you won't be disappointed.