STORIES
Living finishes: the advantages of unlacquered metals
The choice between lacquered or unlacquered finishes may seem like a simple matter of aesthetics. Lacquered applications preserve their colour and shine thanks to their protective coating, while unlacquered finishes are intended to oxidise over time, developing a patina that’s unique to every project. Yet there are misconceptions about unlacquered - or “living” - finishes: for example, that they are more difficult to maintain and thus only suitable for low-use areas. In fact, the opposite can be true.
When to use living finishes
Unlacquered finishes create a very different effect to their lacquered counterparts; you might say that the latter, which keep their clean look over time, are better suited to polished or contemporary interiors. The former, on the other hand, suit spaces where imperfection is appreciated: rustic or historic buildings, industrial-style homes, and any setting – traditional or modern - that celebrates the handmade and organic.
Why choose living finishes
Because unlacquered finishes undergo a natural ageing process, evolving to acquire a characterful patina, they appeal to users who embrace finishes that show the marks of time and use. Moreover, because there’s no protective coating that erodes, they always look intentional rather than getting “worn out”: they have integrity from the off. The humid environment of a bathroom or kitchen accelerates the oxidisation of unlacquered metals, so they will usually acquire a fine patina after eight weeks.
Low maintenance, low impact
Unlike lacquered finishes, which should receive regular polishing to maintain their shine, unlacquered metals require only minimal upkeep, simply removing any dirt and residue with mild soap and water. It’s a myth that they are less durable: in fact, the patina they develop acts as a protective layer, preventing tarnishing and corrosion. Living finishes are also sustainable, with the need for chemical treatments and coatings greatly reduced.
Versatility
While it’s true that all unlacquered finishes share an organic look, there’s a variety of options to suit diverse styles of space. Unlacquered brass is one of the most practical, its resistance to corrosion making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. As well as the classic polished finish, it can be brushed for a more handmade, industrial look, which complements understated or functional spaces. It can also be specified with an aged finish, so it has a lived-in look from day one.
The warmth of unlacquered finishes
Brass is often chosen for its ability to add warmth, but this is a quality shared by all unlacquered applications, even those that are cooler in tone. Polished nickel, for instance, has a warm undertone that sets it apart from stainless steel, which can feel cold in certain interiors. Unlacquered bronze reveals golden undertones as it ages - for a rawer, more organic look, it can also be specified pre-weathered, and this metal adds depth to both traditional and modern spaces. Lastly, aged iron’s anthracite finish has a bold industrial look and is robust enough for high-use areas, but patinates with mellow brass undertones.
In conclusion
Reacting to human touch and improving with use, living finishes offer the best of both worlds, ageing gracefully while needing minimal maintenance. While they may not suit those who prize an immaculate interior, they are ideal for any project that focuses on natural materials and organic or handmade style.
