Regular Cleaning
Brass hardware generally requires little maintenance. Usually, it’s enough to wipe it regularly with a soft, dry cloth. For light dirt, you can use a damp cloth with lukewarm water, but avoid harsh cleaning products—they can damage the protective finish.
No Polish Needed
Many brass items, including those in an antique brass finish, are coated with a protective lacquer. Polishing or buffing is not necessary and may even cause damage. This coating helps preserve the colour and appearance without extra care. For unlacquered versions (patina brass), this is different, but those do not fall under antique brass.
Extra Care for Frequently Touched Items
Hardware that is handled often—such as door handles, pulls and knobs—may show signs of wear more quickly. This is caused by skin oils, sweat, and especially metal rings (titanium in particular) or other hard objects. Such contact can leave fine scratches or slight differences in sheen. With heavy use, brass surfaces may darken or develop black marks where there is frequent contact.
Antique Brass in Particular
Most questions we receive concern antique brass. This finish is admired for its warm, lived-in appearance. Since it’s usually a lacquered or coated version, extra polishing or treatment is unnecessary. However, keep in mind that with intensive use, especially on items frequently touched, the protective layer can wear off and natural signs of use will appear. This patina is part of the character of antique brass, making each piece unique.
Practical Tips
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Clean with a soft cloth, without abrasives.
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Dry thoroughly to avoid water stains.
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Do not use harsh or polishing agents.
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Expect minor wear marks with frequent use.
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