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Finish Tips
Finish plays an important role when selecting plumbing and hardware. Aesthetics and ease of maintenance are key criterion for selecting the appropriate finish for your application. At Shop 4 Classics you have a wide assortment of finishes to choose from, including brass, chrome, nickel, copper, pewter, and oil-rubbed bronze. We are sure that you will find the perfect match for your home.
Brass
Brass has been a common finish since the nineteenth century. It is a warm but relatively high maintenance finish, requiring frequent polishing to keep it shiny. Even with constant 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.
 Brass |
Shop 4 Classics sells polishes that will help preserve brass but most of us prefer a lower maintenance, more permanent solution. Manufacturers use many techniques to protect brass and relieve maintenance responsibilities. Supercoating is one such technique. Supercoating is a two-part epoxy that is applied electrostatically and baked on to insure a lasting shine. Supercoat protective finish is perfect for those who appreciate the look of brass but wish to avoid the necessity of polishing. Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is another technique for protecting brass. PVD polished brass is a tarnish-resistant, scratch-resistant, and corrosion-resistant finish. PVD is a process that makes the brass finish an integral part of the faucet. These techniques help to protect the finish but to maintain the shine, brass must be gently cleaned with a soft cloth after use to remove water spots, soap film, and fingerprints. |
Chrome 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 finish. Solid brass fixtures are electroplated with chrome to provide a finish that lasts. Like brass, however, chrome requires frequent cleanings to maintain its shine. |
 Chrome |
Nickel
 Nickel |
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 a resurgence in recent years. Nickel finishes range from the more chrome-like polished nickel finish to the more stainless steel-like matte nickel finish. Polished nickel is a smooth lustrous finish. It is sometimes brushed to create matte or satin nickel finishes. The brushing highlights the beauty of the nickel and creates a low maintenance finish which hides scratches, fingerprints, and water spots. |
Stainless Steel Stainless steel is a combination of steel alloys and chromium (chrome). It shines like silver when new but its appearance can dull over time. With proper care and maintenance, though, this corrosion and rust resistant finish can last a lifetime. Stainless steel has been a popular choice in kitchen applications for many years. |
 Stainless Steel |
 Supercoat Copper |
Supercoat Copper
Supercoat copper has the polished appearance of a freshly minted penny. Like brass, unprotected copper will tarnish in time. Supercoat copper has a protective coating that retards tarnish and helps to maintain the polished finish. Polished copper must be cleaned frequently to maintain its shine.
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Distressed Finishes
 Antique Brass
 Antique Copper
 Oil Rubbed Bronze
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Distressed finishes are the result of a renewed interest in vintage hardware and plumbing. Antiques can be expensive and difficult to find. Shop 4 Classics carries high quality antique reproductions that are economical, easier to install than the originals, conform to modern codes, and are available to order today.
Weathered and antiqued finishes such as weathered copper, antique copper, antique brass, antique bronze, old bronze and antique pewter are chemically treated to age them. The result is a piece that looks as though it has been installed and in use for many, many years.
Oil rubbed bronze is a handsome charcoal-colored finish. Our Oil rubbed bronze is a remarkable flat finish that is sure to draw attention. It is no wonder why this finish is a popular choice for faucets, showers, and door hardware. Plumbing items finished in oil rubbed bronze often are protected but door hardware, copper basins, and other items are typically left unprotected to allow the item to gracefully wear with repeated handling. See Living Finishes.
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 Antique Pewter
 Antique Bronze
 Old Bronze
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Authentic Bronze Finishes
 Bronze Patina  Silver Nickel |
Make your home part of the great American experience with 100% solid bronze. Bronze is a weather resistant alloy which requires little care to maintain its beauty. The forging process leaves a rugged texture that lends distinction to each piece.
Patinas are applied to create a variety of attractive living finishes. Color variations and wear should be expected. By exposing the natural shades of the oxidizing bronze, the aging of the finish will enhance the beauty of the product. Inspired by the rugged beauty of the American outdoors, bronze patina (sample) is an attractive dark brown finish. In contrast, natural bronze (sample) is a light golden honey color. Silver nickel (sample) is a bright silver finish that is sometimes described as white bronze.
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 Natural Bronze |
Dark Bronze on Brass
 Dark Bronze |
Dark bronze is a powder coat finish that is applied to solid brass. Powder coating is a two part finishing technique. Dry paint (powder) is electrostatically applied to the part. The part is then baked in an oven so the powder melts and bonds to the surface to form a continuous film. Powder coating produces a hard finish that when properly maintained will not crack, chip, or peel. The dark bronze powder coat finish is a glossy black color. |
Living Finishes Living finishes have no protective coatings. They are designed to change with time and use. The finish may rub off where it is frequently used and darken where it is not. This is considered to be the normal evolution of the finish and is not a defect. No two items will be identical and any item or liquid that comes into contact with the finish can affect the color. Over time, living finishes will vary in color and tone, adding character and uniqueness. |
 Living Finish |
Note: Plumber's putty should not be used for installation of finished items. Use of plumber's putty, detergents or abrasive cleansers will void the warranty of the finish as they cause deterioration and/or scratching of the finish. We recommend non-abrasive, non-corrosive cleaners and a soft cloth for polishing and routine cleaning.
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