Unlacquered brass is such an interesting choice.
Totally agree that finish quality is key. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- Matte black: even the “premium” stuff still needs regular wiping, but powder coat does help.
- Unlacquered brass: ages well, but not everyone loves the patina. Some clients think it looks “dirty” after a year.
- Brushed nickel: yeah, it’s safe but sometimes just… disappears visually.
Curious—has anyone tried living finishes like oil-rubbed bronze for a few years? Does it actually hide wear as well as people say?
SINK FIXTURES DRIVING ME NUTS LATELY
Oil-rubbed bronze is kind of a mixed bag in my experience. I put it in our last place thinking it’d hide fingerprints and water spots, but after a couple years, the high-touch spots got shiny while the rest stayed dark. It did hide scratches better than chrome, but the uneven wear bugged me more than I expected. Still, it looked less “dirty” than unlacquered brass after a while. Guess it depends how much you like that lived-in look.
Honestly, I’ve had more headaches with oil-rubbed bronze than anything else. Clients always think it’ll age gracefully, but in reality, it just ends up looking patchy—especially on faucets. I’ve actually had better luck with brushed nickel. Not as trendy, maybe, but way less maintenance in busy kitchens.
Clients always think it’ll age gracefully, but in reality, it just ends up looking patchy—especially on faucets.
Couldn’t agree more about oil-rubbed bronze. I’ve watched it go from “classic” to “why is this flaking?” in record time. My trick: if a client insists, I warn them it’s like buying distressed jeans—looks cool at first, but after a while, you’re just left with holes. Brushed nickel isn’t flashy, but it’s the workhorse. Less drama, less explaining later.
Honestly, oil-rubbed bronze is like that friend who looks amazing at the party but can’t handle the morning after. I get the appeal, but I’ve seen way too many faucets end up with weird orange splotches or shiny spots where the finish just disappears. Brushed nickel might be “boring,” but at least it doesn’t make you regret your choices every time you clean the sink. Ever tried matte black? I’m curious if it holds up better or if it’s just the new fad waiting to flake...
