How To Choose Between Lacquered vs Unlacquered Brass
This post is all about lacquered vs unlacquered brass.
Lacquered brass, aka polished brass, and unlacquered brass are two of the most popular types of brass finishes. Each has its own unique look, maintenance needs, and aesthetic appeal.
In this post, I’ll break down what makes these finishes different and help you decide which is the best fit for your space.
Lacquered brass vs unlacquered brass
As a certified kitchen and bath designer, I find myself drawn to brass cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures a lot.
Brass is a stunning metal finish that brings warmth and a touch of understated elegance to a space. (It also pairs really well with nickel!)
But there are key differences between lacquered brass and unlacquered brass.
What is unlacquered brass?
Unlacquered brass is raw brass that has no protective coating.
It’s not exactly matte, but it isn’t shiny or reflective either. It starts off looking bright right after it’s made, but it begins to naturally darken after it’s been exposed to air and moisture.
Over time, it develops a patina, giving it an aged, weathered look. You’ll start to see areas of the brass develop darker spots where it’s been regularly touched.
It’s this sort of natural aging process that makes unlacquered brass feel more unique.
Unlacquered brass has been on trend in recent years. Its warm, lived-in look fits perfectly with modern farmhouse, European farmhouse, and English cottage interior design styles.
Our kitchen cabinet hardware is unlacquered brass. Over 2 years, they’ve darkened a bit and developed a patina from everyday usage that makes each piece feel unique.
Pros of unlacquered brass:
- Natural patina: If you’re wanting an old-world vibe, unlacquered brass delivers. The patina changes over time, giving your space a more personalized, vintage look.
- Unique: No two pieces will patina in exactly the same way, so each piece of your hardware will be one-of-a-kind.
- Warm, organic feel: The evolving look of unlacquered brass brings a sense of warmth and history to a space.
Cons of unlacquered brass:
- High maintenance: Unlacquered brass requires regular cleaning if you want to keep it shiny, and it can show fingerprints, water spots, and tarnish easily.
- Not for everyone: If you’re not a fan of brass turning darker or more weathered over time, this may not be the finish for you.
- Can be more expensive: A lot of unlacquered brass hardware and fixtures are handcrafted, and that artisanal work comes with a higher cost.
This lacquered brass kitchen sink faucet has a protective polish that prevents it from getting tarnished and keeps it looking bright and polished.
What is polished brass aka lacquered brass?
Polished/lacquered brass is coated with a clear lacquer that seals the metal. This coating is what makes it look shiny and reflective.
It’s this lacquer coating that protects it from tarnishing and aging.
Pros of lacquered brass:
- Low maintenance: The lacquered finish protects it from water and oils from touching it, so it will stay bright and shiny without constant polishing.
- Classic: Lacquered brass has a timeless look that works well with both modern and traditional styles.
- Uniform look: Because it doesn’t patina over time, lacquered brass maintains a consistent appearance, which is good if you want all your hardware and fixtures to look the same.
Cons of lacquered brass:
- Less character: Since lacquered brass won’t develop a patina, it lacks that “living finish” quality that makes a space feel unique.
- Prone to scratches: The lacquer coating can scratch, and if the coating wears off, the brass underneath can start to tarnish.
- Shinier/outdated feeling: Some people think that polished brass is too shiny or even feels a little outdated for their taste. But trends come and go, and everyone has their own shine preference.
The differences are subtle but impactful. Left: a powder room with lacquered brass fixtures; Right: a powder room with unlacquered brass fixtures.
How I’d use unlacquered brass and polished/lacquered brass
I personally LOVE unlacquered brass for cabinet hardware, kitchen sink faucets and lighting fixtures. The living finish starts to develop a beautiful patina in working areas like kitchens.
Unlacquered brass is ideal for lighting fixtures. The softer finish of this metal tends to be less harsh and create less reflective glare than polished brass lighting fixtures.
But there are other times (and rooms) when a lacquered brass finish would be the better choice.
Bathrooms tend to be a better space for lacquered brass where the polished coating helps prevent the high humidity and water from tarnishing the fixtures too quickly.
Choosing between lacquered vs unlacquered brass
Choosing between unlacquered brass and lacquered or polished brass comes down to your personal style and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on.
- Choose unlacquered brass if you love the idea of a finish that evolves over time, giving your space an antique or vintage feel.
- Choose lacquered or polished brass if you prefer a finish that stays shiny and consistent with minimal maintenance.
In the end, both finishes can add a beautiful touch to your home. It’s just a matter of deciding which one fits your style and lifestyle the best.