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Unlacquered Brass...Love It or Hate It?

last month
last modified: last month

I'm considering using unlacquered brass fixtures in the baths and kitchen. In general, the decor will be relaxed and casual, not formal. I want to chose elements that don't require much maintenance and can patina gracefully. I'd love to hear your opinions and, if you have a recommended brand, I'd appreciate it if you would share it.

Comments (17)

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    I think it’s beautiful, Allison’s pictures are the best proof of that. :)

    It sounds perfect for the look you’re wanting, Fun.

    Fun2BHere thanked Jilly
  • last month

    I think it is beautiful! And as long as you are comfortable with some patina, then go for it.

    Fun2BHere thanked rubyclaire
  • last month

    I like it

    Fun2BHere thanked mtnrdredux_gw
  • last month

    @Allison0704, thank you for the pictures. Is that your soapstone counter/sink in the last one? I'm considering soapstone counters, but would probably do a porcelain sink. I think you mentioned that you had difficulty keeping your soapstone sink looking nice?

  • last month

    I have a Rohl / Perrin and Rowe unlacquered brass faucet in my kitchen; it’s about five years old now and I love the patina. It was a great decision, and it makes me happy every time I look at it, which is often.

    Fun2BHere thanked chinacatpeekin
  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Yes, to both. I loved the counters. Not so much the sink. It became difficult to look nice. It could be cleaned but dulled so quickly and looked bad.

    I used THIS on the counters, and sink. Maybe it did not need to be used in sink since it was used washing dishes? But I've always used a clear dish liquid. Of course you do not need to use this on counters if you don't want to.


    That is good to know, @chinacatpeekin, and I know that feeling!

    Fun2BHere thanked Allison0704
  • last month

    Thanks so much for the cleaning product information, @Allison0704!

  • last month
    last modified: 29 days ago

    Allison what yummy eye candy your pictures are! I love unlacquered brass but I also love aged marble, worn linen, grey hair and smile lines. I like objects that show their history and living finishes do this but it is not to everyone’s taste.

    Fun2BHere thanked roarah
  • last month
    last modified: last month

    @Fun2BHere ive had soapstone counters and sinks since 2007. I never use anything but dish soap and water. Soapstone can’t be ” sealed” it is non porous. Mine got dark and stayed dark. Occasionally a spray of grease cutter will lighten an area but it gets dark again in a day or so of use.


    Tonight just after dinner before rinsing it out. Custom made with the counters . Its always like this just a sponge wipe. Since 2017. Hope this helps. I never did anything with the 100 yr old salvage soapsone sinks in AL either. It is the best. I used MTeixeira out of Sterling VA. They are the best company in the US and have branches other places . They went above and beyond to come here , out of their service area, as a favor. 🙏

    Fun2BHere thanked Still trailing
  • last month
    last modified: last month

    @Still trailing, thanks for the recommendation for MTeixeira. I'll see if they have a branch out here in the west.

    ETA: Unfortunately, only available in Northern California.

  • last month

    Fun, I don’t know if you’re in Southern California, but M Teixeira will open in Orange, CA next month.

  • last month

    Love it and hope to switch over at some point

    Fun2BHere thanked sheeisback
  • 29 days ago

    Brass will tarnish even when laquered. It happens between the brass and the laquer. To clean it up and start again you have to first remove the laquer, which can be no fun at all.

    Fun2BHere thanked arcy_gw
  • 29 days ago

    The quality has to be high though. I've also seen unlacquered brass in wet areas turn almost black.

    Fun2BHere thanked palimpsest
  • 29 days ago

    What Pal just said. That is one reason I’ve held off. Do not want to choose wrong and have that look.

    Fun2BHere thanked sheeisback
  • 29 days ago

    @chinacatpeekin, that is great news! I'm a few months away from buying counters as the architect just started the as-builts, so that timing will work well for me. Thank you so much for letting me know.