STORIES
Why we don't sell chrome (and what we do instead)
We don’t sell chrome. It was invented to make cheaper metals seem like something better than they are. Usually, it’s just a microscopically thin layer of chromium, less than half a micron, deposited over who knows what. It can look harsh, like a blue-white mirror. And it’s identical from brand to brand.
Over time, chrome can blister and flake. Moisture can eventually get through the thin layer. And there really isn’t much to see underneath. It’s why we work with more honest materials. So that we can be honest with you. Everything we make is solid brass. Which we think speaks for itself when it comes to look and longevity.
Our alternative: nickel
Nickel is our forever alternative to chrome. It still offers that reflective look, but it’s softer. Looks and feels warmer. More forgiving. It’s still solid brass, all the way through. We make it by lowering pieces into a warm chemical bath, where a current draws copper ions from the solution and onto the metal’s surface. A copper foundation forms, invisible in the finished piece, but core to its quality. Then we dip again, but with nickel. It’s like a second skin. The surface is chemically transformed.
Polished & brushed nickel
We make both. And we love both. All of our products are available in these finishes. Polished nickel is buffed to a gentle shine after plating. Brushed nickel is given a fine directional grain. It’s the same texture as our brushed brass finish. But hand-applied over the new nickel layer. It’s satin-like. Both, left unlacquered, are living finishes. And both age slightly differently from our other living finishes.
How does nickel age?
It’s a natural process. Nickel takes its time when it ages. It won’t develop a patina as quickly or as boldly as unlacquered polished brass. Over time, it gains a quiet warmth. Subtle, but still real. It happens as the surface reacts to air and moisture. It oxidises. This can cause the colour to shift slightly, becoming more muted. It adds a depth and lived-in look that simply can’t be achieved with chrome. Nickel only improves with age. Looking better with time and touch.
Caring for nickel
Similar to all our other living finishes, with a soft cloth, warm water, and a pH-neutral soap. Every so often, to prevent any buildup. For polished nickel only, you can use a quality metal polish if you ever want to bring back its original shine. Taking it back to day one. We enjoy embracing the ageing process. A sign of honesty. Revealing the story of your home. Solid brass fittings with a nickel finish are an investment in quality.
