Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions are listed below, browse all and if you can't find the answer, don't hesitate to contact us.
General information
How can I contact Studio Ore?
Our global teams are ready to support you. For the fastest response, please complete our contact form here. Alternatively you can email us at info@studio-ore.com.
For technical support, warranty enquiries, or return requests, please complete our contact form here. Alternatively you can email us at customer@studio-ore.com.
How do I place an order?
We work with both trade professionals and homeowners. Add products to your project list on our website - our team will review your order and contact you to confirm lead times, pricing, and delivery costs before any payment is taken.
For trade professionals: We recommend completing a trade account application before building your project list. This gives you access to professional pricing (once confirmed by our consultants) and dedicated support.
No payment is processed until we've confirmed all details with you directly.
Why do I need to build a Project?
Adding items to a project allows you to build your order on our website. Once you've selected everything you need, submit your project list.
For trade clients: Your list is sent to your sales consultant, who will review selections, confirm lead times, and provide a detailed quotation before any payment is taken.
For retail clients: Your order is reviewed by our team, and payment is processed. We'll confirm lead times and contact you if we have any questions.
If you don't have a trade account yet, you can apply here.
Why is my order pending?
To ensure your items are processed accurately, our team will review each order and contact you to confirm both products and lead times. Each of our products are made to order so our lead times can vary, please contact us to find out more.
Product information
Where are your products made?
We are proud to manufacture our products in our own facilities, working with communities of skilled craftspeople in Northern Italy. Our workshop is based near Lake Orta and serves our European market. We also have a design workshop in Sussex, England that serves the UK and rest of world. You can find out more about us here.
What are Studio Ore products made from?
Each of our products are made from solid brass and hand-finished in an application of your choice.
Where can I find a product Specification or Installation Instructions?
A link to the installation instructions, or specification sheet, can be found on each product page on our website.
A copy of the instructions is also sent out with every order. If you have any further questions regarding specification or installation please contact us.
Do you offer a warranty on your products?
We want to ensure you can choose our products for your project with peace of mind. You can view our warranty policies here.
Where can I view your products in person?
We are not represented in third-party bathroom showrooms, choosing to sell directly to ensure the best experience when purchasing our products. We are excited to share that we have opened consultation spaces in London, Palma, Madrid, Milan and Los Angeles. Click to book a visit.
Finishes & materials
Does unlacquered brass tarnish?
Yes, and that's intentional. Unlacquered brass is a living finish, it isn't sealed or protected, so it reacts naturally to touch, air, and everyday use. Over time it develops a rich, varied patina that reflects how the piece is lived with, rather than showing wear. If you'd prefer a finish that stays consistent, our lacquered options are protected against tarnishing. You can compare all of our finishes here, and find full care guidance on our product care page.
How long does it take for brass to patina?
There's no fixed timeline, it depends on how often a piece is touched, and the environment it's in. Taps and handles in daily use will develop colour and character within weeks, while less-used fittings take longer. The patina continues to deepen over months and years, so a piece bought today will look noticeably different, and more characterful, a year from now. This is a normal part of owning a living finish, not something to correct. See our guide to understanding our finishes for more detail.
What's the difference between a living finish and a lacquered finish?
A living finish, such as unlacquered brass, is untreated. It's left open to the air, so it ages and darkens naturally over time, developing a patina unique to how it's used. A lacquered finish has a clear protective coating applied, which keeps the surface bright and consistent, resisting tarnish and fingerprints. Neither is better, it's a question of whether you want a finish that stays the same, or one that changes with you. You can browse the full range of finishes here.
Is a living finish brass tap high maintenance?
No, if anything it's the opposite. Living finishes don't need polishing or special products, ageing is expected and part of the design. A wipe with a soft, damp cloth is all that's needed to keep a piece clean day to day. Avoid abrasive cleaners or anything acidic, as these can strip the surface unevenly rather than let it age naturally. Full care instructions for every finish are on our product care page.
Is brass a recyclable material?
Yes. Brass is fully recyclable, and can be melted down and reused repeatedly without any loss of quality or strength. It's one of the reasons solid brass has been used in fittings and hardware for centuries, it's durable, repairable, and doesn't need to be replaced or discarded the way lower-quality materials often do. Read more about how our products are made on our about us page.
What makes handcrafted brass different from mass-produced fittings?
Every Studio Ore piece is finished by hand in our workshop in Northern Italy, rather than machine-finished at scale. That means small, natural variations between pieces, the kind of detail you only get from skilled craftspeople working by hand rather than a production line. It also means our pieces are built to be repaired and maintained over decades, not replaced every few years. You can find out more about our workshop and process on our about us page.
Installation & compatibility
What's the difference between exposed and concealed valves?
An exposed valve sits on the wall with the pipework visible, it's part of the design rather than hidden away, and tends to suit a more traditional or industrial look. A concealed valve is fitted behind the wall, so only the controls are visible, giving a cleaner, more minimal finish. Both require professional installation, and the right choice usually comes down to the overall look you're going for, and whether the wall structure suits concealed fitting. Full specification details for each product are available on the relevant product page.
Do your taps require professional installation?
Yes, we recommend installation by a qualified plumber for every product. This ensures correct fitting, protects your warranty, and gives the best long-term performance from a solid brass fitting. Installation instructions are included with every order, and a copy is also available on each product page. If you have any questions before or during installation, our team is on hand to help.
Trade & specifiers
Do you offer trade or specifier pricing?
Yes. We work directly with designers, architects, and trade professionals, offering exclusive pricing and dedicated support for qualified projects, rather than going through third-party showrooms. Trade accounts also get support with specification, lead times, and larger project coordination. You can apply to join our trade programme here, and one of our consultants will be in touch to confirm your account.
Can I get samples for a client presentation?
Yes. Get in touch with our specifier team to discuss sample requests for your project, including finish samples to show clients before specifying. We're happy to support presentations and pitches with the right materials to help you make the case for solid brass. Contact us to arrange this ahead of your presentation date.
Can I book a call with your specifier team?
Yes. Contact us and a member of our specifier team will be in touch to discuss your project, whether that's a single product query or support across a full specification. We work with trade professionals on projects of every scale, from individual fittings to full building schemes.
Care and maintenance
How should I clean my Studio Ore product?
To find a comprehensive breakdown of care instructions please visit our product care page.
How do I get spare parts for my Studio Ore product?
Our expert team will be able to support you with any spare parts required. Please submit all requests via our enquiry section here.
Shipping and returns
What is your policy for returning goods?
Please view our Shipping & returns page.
What are your delivery timescales?
As each of our items are made to order, our lead times can vary. Once your order is submitted, one of our team will be in touch to confirm your lead time and delivery timescales.
Do you ship internationally?
We are able to support projects globally. Find out more at checkout or by contacting us.
Can't find what you are looking for?
Please contact us directly using the button below and
a member of our team will be able to help.