STORIES
How long does brass take to patinate?
Unlacquered brass evolves over time. Its surface will change with time and touch. A living finish. This is patination. It's what we like most about an unlacquered brass fitting. It adds character to kitchens and bathrooms. Offering a look that feels lived in. The rate at which the patina develops is something we can't control. It all depends on your home, and your home only. All you need is patience. We promise your patina will come.
Every aspect of where you live plays a part in the ageing process of unlacquered brass. Atmospheric conditions, water, use, touch. It will patinate faster in a house near the sea. Slower in the mountains. We have no say. It's entirely down to the local environment. If your taps are used often, you'll start to see a patina in as little as a matter of weeks. It won't take long. And no two pieces will end up looking the same. That's the beauty of raw brass. It'll look very different in a year's time to how it looks now.
When brass patinates, it darkens, it lightens, it varies. It's unpredictable. Usually, the brass shines through on the parts touched the most. And the tone can deepen where water flows. But we like this natural look. If you'd rather keep your polished brass or polished nickel closer to its original state, a soft cloth and good quality metal polish will bring it back. Every now and then perhaps.
Living or lacquered: we do both
Living finishes aren't for everyone. It's a personal choice. We love the look of both. Lacquered pieces have the same finish, sealed under a hand-applied matt or gloss. This freezes the surface in time. It won't change, wherever the project lives.
