Sink Fixtures Driving Me Nuts Lately
Unlacquered brass is one of those things I was obsessed with on Pinterest for months, but I kept hesitating for the exact reason you mentioned—maintenance. We ended up putting it in our powder room (figured it was a small enough space to experiment), and here’s what I’ve noticed after about a year:
1. The patina is real. It started out all shiny and gold, but within a few weeks, there were darker spots and streaks. At first, I thought I’d ruined it, but apparently that’s just how it goes. If you’re into the “lived-in” look, it’s actually kind of cool. My partner isn’t as convinced, though—he keeps asking if we should polish it or just let it do its thing.
2. Cleaning is different. With stainless or nickel, I’d just wipe with a microfiber cloth and maybe a little vinegar. Brass is pickier. Water spots show up, but they blend in more as the patina develops. I use a soft cloth and mild soap, and that’s about it. If you want it shiny again, you have to polish it, but then you’re fighting the natural aging process.
3. It’s not as high-maintenance as I expected, but it’s definitely not “set it and forget it.” If you like things looking pristine, it’ll probably drive you nuts. If you’re okay with some character, it’s honestly kind of fun watching it change.
I will say, in the kitchen, I’d probably stick with spot-resistant finishes. Our Moen spot-resist faucet is way less stressful than the old stainless one. Still gets spots, but they’re not as glaring and wipe off easier. The powder room is more forgiving since it doesn’t get as much use.
If you’re tempted by brass, maybe try it in a low-traffic area first? That way you can see if the patina vibe works for you without committing to a whole kitchen.
Sink Fixtures Driving Me Nuts Lately
If you want it shiny again, you have to polish it, but then you’re fighting the natural aging process.
This is exactly why I gave up on unlacquered brass in my main bath. I tried to keep up with the polishing for about two months—felt like I was running a part-time job just buffing faucets. Eventually, I just let it go and now it’s got that “pirate ship chic” look. Not sure if that’s what I was going for, but hey, it’s unique.
For anyone thinking about making the switch, here’s my step-by-step:
1. Try it in a spot you don’t use every day (powder room is perfect).
2. Wipe with a soft cloth after each use if you want to slow down the patina, but honestly, life’s too short to stress over water spots.
3. If you’re not into the aged look, stick with brushed nickel or those spot-resistant finishes. They’re not glamorous, but your sanity will thank you.
I do kind of miss the Pinterest-perfect shine sometimes, but honestly, the lived-in vibe has grown on me. My spouse still calls it “the faucet that looks like it survived a shipwreck,” but at least it’s got character...
Sink Fixtures Driving Me Nuts Lately
I get what you mean about the upkeep—it’s honestly more than I bargained for. We went with unlacquered brass in our kitchen, thinking it’d just look “classic,” but I didn’t realize how much fingerprints and water spots would bug me. I tried the soft cloth trick, but it felt like I was constantly chasing smudges.
Has anyone tried any of those wax finishes or sealants that claim to slow down patina? I’ve read mixed things, and I’m not sure if they actually help or just add another layer of maintenance. Part of me likes the idea of letting it age, but the other part really misses that clean look... Is there a middle ground, or am I just destined for “pirate ship chic” too?
Sink Fixtures Driving Me Nuts Lately
I’ve seen those waxes and sealants, but honestly, I’m skeptical they’re worth the hassle long-term. Every client I’ve worked with who tried them ended up frustrated—either it dulled the finish or just wore off unevenly. Have you noticed if hard water is making it worse? Sometimes it’s less about the brass and more about what’s in your water...
Totally get where you’re coming from. I tried one of those sealants once because it sounded cheaper than replacing the faucet, but it just made things look worse after a few months. Our water’s super hard, so maybe that’s part of it... honestly, I just stick to vinegar now. Way less hassle.
