STORIES
What is a tumbled finish?
Tumbled brass and tumbled bronze start as polished brass, just like all our finishes. But then they go through an aging process. Where polished brass arrives shiny and spotless, taking weeks or months to gain its warm character, with a tumbled finish there's no wait. From day one, it looks and feels like it belongs.
How we make our tumbled finishes
Tumbling is a process borrowed from jewellery-making and geology. We put our brass components in a vibratory bowl with small abrasive ceramics and water. Then the bowl shakes at up to 3000 pulses per minute. Ceramic pieces leave marks as it rubs against the metal. We judge it by eye. And when we’ve decided the pieces have tumbled enough, it stops. The process is random, which is the aim.
Tumbled Brass and Tumbled Bronze
Our two tumbled finish options. Both made using the water and ceramic pieces, but Tumbled Bronze goes through a two-stage process. Before it tumbles, we chemically treat the surface so it darkens. Hand-dipped in a solution of liver of sulphur to achieve its brown tone. Then, after it's tumbled, the darkness is slightly softened. Highlights are visible from beneath. It’s darker than Tumbled Brass.
Tumbled Bronze, left unlacquered, keeps on evolving. Or we can seal it under a matt lacquer, and its look freezes in time. We always leave tumbled brass unlacquered. It’s a living finish, and will continue to change with time and touch.
Caring for a tumbled finish
It’s straightforward. And harsh cleaning isn’t necessary. All you need is a soft cloth and some pH-neutral soap. Use this to wipe the brass regularly, preventing buildup. Dry after. A metal polish isn’t needed with an unlacquered tumbled finish; it takes away the texture.
Where to specify a tumbled finish
Tumbled Brass and Tumbled Bronze are finishes that are instantly characterful. Expressive. Surfaces are slightly irregular, subtle variations, and light catches it differently depending on the angle. It’s why we like them. It’s for those who appreciate aged fittings.
A tumbled finish works in all kinds of projects. In period buildings, it suits original features. Especially when paired with other natural materials that age well. Tumbled finishes also work for busy bathrooms and kitchens. It’s forgiving. Marks are hidden, it's a finish with minimal upkeep.
