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Looking after your hardware

Brass is a living material. With the right care, every finish in our collection will look beautiful for years. Below is everything you need to know, finish by finish.

Care by finish

Each finish has its own character, care routine, and sample if you would like to see it in your space.

Satin Brass

Satin Brass

Lacquered

A warm, golden tone sealed behind a protective lacquer. Consistent and low-maintenance, Satin Brass suits homes that value warmth without the upkeep of raw metal.

Care instructions

  • Wipe with a soft, damp cloth as needed
  • Dry immediately to prevent water spots on the lacquer
  • No polishing required - the lacquer protects the surface
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that could scratch the lacquer layer
Antique Brass

Antique Brass

Electroplated

A deeper, heritage tone with natural warmth and character. The electroplated finish preserves its aged appearance, giving Antique Brass a sense of history from the moment it is installed.

Care instructions

  • Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth
  • For stubborn marks, use a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately
  • Do not use brass polish - this will strip the aged character
  • The electroplated coating is durable but avoid abrasive cleaners
Matte Black

Matte Black

Electroplated

A contemporary classic with a smooth, tactile surface. Electroplated over solid brass for excellent durability and a clean, modern aesthetic that works in any setting.

Care instructions

  • Wipe with a soft, damp cloth
  • Fingerprints are less visible than on polished finishes but can be removed with a microfibre cloth
  • The electroplated finish is highly durable but avoid sharp impacts
  • Do not use abrasive cleaners or chemical solvents
Satin Nickel

Satin Nickel

Electroplated

Cool and refined with a brushed silver tone. The electroplated finish maintains its subtle, contemporary appearance. Satin Nickel pairs beautifully with both warm and cool palettes.

Care instructions

  • Wipe with a soft, damp cloth and dry immediately
  • The electroplated coating resists tarnishing - no polishing needed
  • Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials
  • Water spots can be prevented by drying after cleaning
Unlacquered Brass

Unlacquered Brass

Unlacquered

Raw, living brass with no protective coating. This is brass in its purest form - it will darken in areas of frequent touch and develop a patina that is entirely unique to your home.

Care instructions

  • To maintain brightness: polish periodically with a quality brass cleaner and a soft cloth
  • To encourage patina: simply leave it. Each touch adds character
  • Wipe with a dry cloth to remove fingerprints if desired
  • Avoid lacquer sprays - they will change the finish character permanently
  • Lemon juice and salt can be used as a natural polish for heavy tarnish
Matte Brass

Matte Brass

Electroplated

A solid, even brass tone without visible brushing. The electroplated finish provides lasting warmth and a clean, understated look that suits both traditional and modern interiors.

Care instructions

  • Wipe with a soft, damp cloth as needed
  • Dry immediately to prevent water spots
  • No polishing required - the electroplated coating maintains the even tone
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads
Gunmetal

Gunmetal

Electroplated

A dark, moody tone with understated depth. The electroplated finish offers excellent resistance to wear and fading, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas.

Care instructions

  • Wipe with a soft, damp cloth or microfibre cloth
  • The electroplated coating is durable and resistant to everyday wear
  • No polishing or special treatments required
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners or chemical solvents
Polished Gold

Polished Gold

PVD-coated

Bright and reflective with a mirror-like sheen. PVD-coated over solid brass for exceptional durability, maintaining its brilliance without the tarnishing associated with traditional gold plating.

Care instructions

  • Wipe with a soft microfibre cloth to remove fingerprints
  • The reflective surface shows fingerprints more readily than matte finishes
  • PVD coating is highly resistant to tarnishing and wear
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners or rough cloths that could dull the polished surface
Matte White

Matte White

Powder-coated

Clean, contemporary, and quietly striking. Powder-coated over solid brass for a smooth, lasting finish that brings lightness and modernity to any cabinetry.

Care instructions

  • Wipe with a soft, damp cloth
  • Light marks and smudges are more visible on white - a microfibre cloth works best
  • Powder coating is highly durable but avoid sharp impacts that could chip the surface
  • Do not use abrasive cleaners, chemical solvents, or coloured cloths that could transfer dye

The essentials

Do

  • Use a soft, lint-free cloth for everyday cleaning
  • Dry immediately after any contact with water
  • Clean with warm water and a small amount of mild soap when needed
  • Handle with dry hands during installation to avoid fingerprints on fresh surfaces
  • Embrace the natural evolution of unlacquered brass — it is part of the character

Avoid

  • Abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or steel wool
  • Bleach, ammonia, or strong chemical cleaners
  • Leaving water or moisture sitting on the surface
  • Harsh kitchen sprays or multi-surface cleaners directly on the hardware
  • Using brass polish on lacquered finishes — unnecessary and can damage the coating

The beauty of patina

Brass is one of the few materials that genuinely improves with age. When left unlacquered, each touch, each change in humidity, each passing season leaves its trace on the surface. No two pieces age the same way.

In high-traffic areas like kitchen drawers and entry doors, unlacquered brass develops a rich, warm depth within months. In quieter spots, the transformation is more gradual and subtle. This is not deterioration - it is the metal responding to its environment.

Many of our customers choose unlacquered brass precisely for this quality. A home that lives in should look like it is lived in. If you prefer consistency, our lacquered finishes offer the beauty of brass with the assurance that the tone will remain as it was the day it arrived.

Patina photography - coming soon

The Arlowe Edit

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