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Finish Index
Shop 4 Classics offers old fashion plumbing, antique reproduction hardware, and vintage décor in many different finishes. Choosing a finish plays an important role in the selection process. Aesthetic preference is typically the highest priority but ease of care and historical accuracy can also factor in to the finish selection process. Not every item is available in every finish. Refer to product pages for finish options or click the finish below to view items that include an option in your preferred finish.
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Popular since the nineteenth century, brass is a warm but relatively high maintenance finish that requires frequent polishing to keep it shiny. Even with routine polishing, unprotected brass will tarnish (brown spots) in time. For some, the tarnish is desirable. Natural brass is supposed to tarnish so obsessive renovators might prefer unprotected brass. |
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Brass has been a popular finish since the nineteenth century. However, even with frequent polishing, unprotected brass will tarnish in time. Many different techniques have been developed to prevent this natural discoloration. A few of these techniques include Supercoat, Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), and lacquer coating. These techniques help protect the brass finish while relieving maintenance responsibilities. |
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Antiqued finishes, such as antique brass, are the result of a renewed interest in vintage hardware and plumbing. As brass ages, it darkens. Brass that is touched frequently may retain a shiny finish while low relief areas tarnish. However, this process can take awhile and may be inconsistent. To expedite the process, antique brass is chemically treated to create the appearance of natural aging. The result is a piece that looks as though it has been installed and in use for many, many years. |
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Chromium plating (chrome) became popular in the 1930’s and continues to be one of our most popular finishes. Chrome is a sophisticated tarnish-resistant silver-toned finish. Solid brass fixtures are electroplated with chrome to provide a highly reflective finish that lasts. Chrome requires frequent cleaning to maintain its shine. |
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Due to its resistance to tarnish, nickel was the preferred finish from the 1880's up until chrome came onto the scene in the 1930's. Its popularity waned as chrome became the favorite alternative to brass. However, nickel has experienced resurgence in recent years. Much like chrome, polished nickel is a smooth lustrous tarnish resistant finish that requires maintenance to retain its shine. |
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Popular for its tarnish resistant properties, nickel is brushed to create a less reflective finish. Brushing nickel highlights its beauty and creates a low maintenance finish that hides scratches, fingerprints, and water spots. Brushed nickel is also often referred to as matte nickel or satin nickel. |
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Pewter is an alloy that is created by mixing tin, copper, and other metals. The high tin content in pewter gives it a mellow gray color. As it ages, pewter develops a subdued gray patina. Pewter that is handled frequently will retain its soft gray color while low relief areas will darken. Antique pewter is chemically darkened to simulate aged pewter. Antique pewter is a neutral finish that works well in any setting and requires little if any maintenance. |
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As copper ages, it develops a dark brown patina. Weathered copper is a rich brown finish that simulates naturally aged copper. Darker than polished copper, weathered copper has the same reddish-orange undertones. Weathered copper is a distressed finish that is also sometimes called antique copper. Often, weathered copper is a living finish that changes with time and use. Weathered or antique copper is especially popular for Arts & Crafts era hardware. |
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Oil rubbed bronze is a finish that is chemically darkened to simulate aged bronze. It ranges in color from handsome charcoal black to rich chocolate brown, depending on the manufacturer. Oil rubbed bronze is popular because it provides a dramatic contrast to light hardwood doors and furniture as well as brilliant white fixtures such as sinks and clawfoot tubs. Oil rubbed bronze is a low maintenance finish that can be cleaned with soap and water when necessary. |
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Stainless steel is a combination of steel alloys and chromium (chrome). It is a flat low maintenance finish that is corrosion and rust resistant. Stainless steel has been a popular choice in kitchen applications for many years. |
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Bronze patina is an attractive distressed dark finish. Bronze patina is the result of chemically oxidizing bronze. The patinas that are used to age bronze are typically some variance of black or brown. This finish is a living finish which is designed to wear slowly over time to enhance the beauty of the product by exposing the natural shades of the oxidizing bronze. Bronze is a weather resistant alloy which requires little care to maintain its beauty. |
Actual finish can vary from product to product. Choosing items from the same manufacturer ensures the best finish match. We make every effort to represent finishes as accurately as possible but due to the limitations and settings on your computer monitor, the colors you see on your screen may not be a perfect reproduction of the actual product finish. Screen images are intended as a guide only and should not be regarded as an absolute match. For more information about finishes, please visit Finish Tips.
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