If you find yourself in love with the look of slightly aged brass, but you can't commit to the maintenance unlacquered brass requires once it ages and develops patina, then keep reading. We offer a range of finishes that offer the best of both worlds, featuring an aged look which has been lacquered to preserve the same look overtime without the changes and maintenance required by unlacquered brass. As you may know, unlacquered brass is unfinished and raw and therefore develops a beautiful patina over time which may require maintenance with brass cleaners if you wish to restore the original "polished" look.
That evolving patina is part of what makes brass so appealing, but it isn’t always practical for every space or homeowner. Because unlacquered brass is raw, it reacts to its environment—moisture, oils from hands, and everyday use all influence how quickly it darkens and changes. Over time, pieces in the same room may age at different rates, which can be beautiful, but also surprising if you’re hoping for a more consistent look. You can see in the above Heritage handle photo an example of the French brass finish which is lacquered and will maintain the same finish and look over the years.
(above) Heritage Collection in "French Brass."
For those who love the appearance of aged brass but prefer a finish that stays the same, lacquered aged finishes offer a thoughtful alternative. These finishes are intentionally aged first, then sealed to help preserve their color and character over time. The result is a warm, lived-in look without the ongoing upkeep or variability of raw brass.
While this type of finish can have different names, the concepts is the same. On our site, you can find French brass, vintage brass as well as other aged brass finished. All featuring the same beauty and convenience. Our most recent offering is vintage brass and the execution is a stunning subtle brass finish.
(above) Estate Collection in "Vintage Brass."
(above) Nolan Collection in "Vintage Brass."
At Forge Hardware Studio, you’ll find similar finishes across several collections, each with a distinct design sensibility. Our Noble, Bit and and Loop Collections feature clean lines and subtle detailing in Vintage Brass making them popular choices for classic and transitional interiors.
Lacquered aged brass finishes tend to work particularly well in kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-touch areas where consistency matters. They resist fingerprints and water spots, and they don’t require polishing or special cleaners. This makes them a good option for projects where you want the look of age without the responsibility that comes with maintaining raw metal.
(above) Eloise latch in "Antique Brass."
While the French brass and vintage brass finishes as well as our Eloise antique brass collection are offered with a solid brass base material, there are more affordable options made of zinc, offering the same look and ease of maintenance. Our antique brass finish is offered throughout various collections such as Capri, Florence, Portofino, and Palermo among others.
(above) Venice Collection in "Antique Brass."
