When you choose solid brass hardware, you're investing in more than just a finishing touch — you're choosing a material renowned for its strength, timeless beauty, and ability to age gracefully.
From kitchen cabinet handles and drawer pulls to shelf brackets and door hardware, solid brass brings warmth and character to every space. One of the questions we're asked most often at Barn & Brass is: "How should I care for my brass hardware?"
The answer depends on the finish you've chosen. While all solid brass is durable and designed to stand the test of time, lacquered, unlacquered, and antique unlacquered brass each age differently and benefit from slightly different care.
This guide will help you understand your brass finish, how it changes over time, and the best way to keep it looking its best for years to come.
Why Does Brass Change Over Time?
Solid brass is a natural material, which means it reacts to its environment. Exposure to air, moisture, and the natural oils from your hands causes brass to gradually develop a patina — a rich, aged appearance that many homeowners and designers actively seek out.
Unlike plated hardware, solid brass doesn't wear away to reveal another material underneath. Instead, it develops more character with age, making each piece truly unique.
How your hardware changes depends entirely on the finish you choose. Below, we've broken down everything you need to know for each one.
Lacquered Brass
Retains its bright, polished appearance. Protected by a clear coating that resists oxidation and fingerprints.
Very Low MaintenanceUnlacquered Brass
Develops a natural living patina over time. The look evolves beautifully — or can be polished back to bright gold.
Low to ModerateAntique Unlacquered
Pre-aged for character from day one. Continues to develop depth and richness with minimal upkeep required.
Very Low MaintenanceCaring for Lacquered Brass Hardware
Lacquered brass features a clear protective coating that seals the surface of the brass. This lacquer helps preserve the original polished finish while protecting it from oxidation, fingerprints, and everyday wear. It's an excellent choice for those who love the bright golden appearance of brass but prefer minimal maintenance.
How to Clean Lacquered Brass
For routine cleaning, simply:
- Wipe with a soft microfibre cloth
- Use warm water with a small amount of mild soap if needed
- Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth to prevent water spots
Regular dusting and occasional gentle cleaning are usually all that's required.
What to Avoid
To protect the lacquered finish, avoid using:
- Brass polish or metal polish
- Abrasive cleaning pads or steel wool
- Bleach, vinegar, or lemon juice
- Harsh chemical cleaners
These products can damage the protective coating, leading to uneven wear or dull patches over time.
Caring for Unlacquered Brass Hardware
Unlacquered brass has no protective coating, allowing the natural brass to react with its surroundings. Over time, it develops a beautiful living finish, creating subtle variations in colour and tone that make every piece unique. Many homeowners choose unlacquered brass specifically because of this natural ageing process.
Everyday Care
Keeping unlacquered brass clean is simple:
- Dust regularly with a soft cloth
- Wipe with a slightly damp cloth when necessary
- Dry thoroughly after cleaning
That's all that's needed if you enjoy the natural patina.
Prefer the Original Golden Finish?
If you'd rather keep your brass looking brighter, you can occasionally polish it using a brass cleaner suitable for solid, unlacquered brass. After polishing, wipe away any residue and dry the hardware completely.
Remember that polishing removes the developing patina. Over time, the brass will naturally begin to age again. The beauty of unlacquered brass is that there's no right or wrong approach — you can embrace the evolving finish or restore its shine whenever you choose.
Caring for Antique Unlacquered Brass Hardware
Antique unlacquered brass is carefully finished to create an aged appearance from the very beginning. Because it isn't protected by lacquer, it will continue to mature naturally, developing even more depth and character over time. Unlike polished brass, the darker tones and subtle variations are an intentional part of the finish.
How to Clean Antique Brass
- Wipe with a soft, dry microfibre cloth
- If needed, use a slightly damp cloth
- Dry immediately after cleaning
Avoid Using Brass Polish
Although it may seem tempting, brass polish can gradually remove the antique finish and lighten areas of the hardware. To preserve its aged appearance, it's best to avoid brass polish, abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, steel wool, and acidic cleaning products.
Allow the finish to continue developing naturally — it only becomes more beautiful with time.
Simple Brass Care Tips for Every Finish
- Clean little and often rather than waiting for dirt to build up
- Always use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the surface
- Dry hardware after cleaning to prevent water marks
- Avoid harsh household chemicals and abrasive materials
- Never use steel wool or scouring pads
- Handle your hardware gently when cleaning
Which Brass Finish Is Right for You?
Each finish offers its own unique character and maintenance requirements.
| Finish | Appearance Over Time | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Lacquered Brass | Retains its polished appearance | Very Low |
| Unlacquered Brass | Develops a natural living patina | Low to Moderate |
| Antique Unlacquered Brass | Becomes richer and more characterful with age | Very Low |
Whether you prefer the consistent elegance of lacquered brass or the evolving beauty of a living finish, every piece of solid brass tells its own story over time.
Why Choose Barn & Brass?
At Barn & Brass, we believe that great hardware should be both beautiful and built to last. That's why we specialise in carefully crafted solid brass cabinet handles, knobs, shelf brackets, and home hardware designed to complement interiors of every style.
Our finishes are selected to celebrate the natural beauty of brass, whether you prefer a polished look or a finish that develops character through everyday life. With the right care, your brass hardware will continue to enhance your home for decades to come.
Ready to find your finish?
Explore the full Barn & Brass collection — solid brass hardware hand-finished and built to last.
Shop the Collection →Frequently Asked Questions
For most homes, a gentle wipe with a soft cloth every few weeks is enough. In kitchens and bathrooms where hardware is used more frequently, you may wish to clean it a little more often to remove fingerprints and everyday dirt.
We recommend avoiding harsh household cleaners, bleach, ammonia, or abrasive products. Mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth are all that's needed for routine cleaning.
This is completely normal. Unlacquered brass develops a natural patina as it reacts with air, moisture, and everyday handling. Many homeowners and designers value this living finish because it adds warmth and character over time.
Because unlacquered brass has no protective coating, it will naturally age. You can slow the appearance of patina by polishing the hardware occasionally, but it will continue to develop over time.
No. Antique unlacquered brass is designed to have an aged appearance, and polishing can remove or lighten the carefully applied finish. Gentle cleaning with a soft cloth is the best way to care for it.
Yes. Solid brass is exceptionally durable and well suited to high-use areas throughout the home. Choosing the right finish simply depends on whether you prefer a low-maintenance polished look or a naturally ageing finish.
Solid brass offers superior durability, won't reveal a different base metal through wear, and develops a beautiful character over time. It's a long-lasting investment that combines practicality with timeless style.
