Get all the details about unlacquered brass faucets (also known as uncoated brass, a living finish or raw brass) in this complete guide. Learn all about unlacquered brass kitchen faucets, with a quick list of pros and cons.
We’ll also show you where to shop for these timeless faucets, how to maintain them, and what to expect as this material ages!
If you’re shopping for an unlacquered brass kitchen faucet, you’ll find that your options can feel limited and they are quite the investment. Get all my favorite tips and tricks to find that delightful patina you’re searching for!
When we undertook our kitchen remodel several years back, I knew right away that unlacquered brass had my heart. There’s just something about that patina that I cannot get enough of… it adds an immediate warmth and elegance to any space.
Unlacquered Brass Faucets
After receiving so many questions about our new kitchen, I knew it was time to update you about our unlacquered brass faucet. It pairs beautifully with our Farmhouse Sink, doesn’t it?
In fact, we loved our sink in our St. Louis home so much that we just added an unlacquered brass Bridge Kitchen Faucet to our lake cottage, too! (Click through for the full before and after tours of both homes!)
Learn where to find them and how to care for them, too, in this complete guide!
What is Unlacquered Brass?
Unlacquered brass is polished, raw brass without a protective coating. Thanks to oxidation, it darkens and develops patina as it ages.
It is often used for lighting, door knobs, cabinet hardware, faucets and more. Each piece is unique and will age unevenly from use, exposure to water, elements, etc.
Pros
- Disinfects – This metal cleans itself! Scientific studies show that uncoated copper, brass or bronze can neutralize bacteria immediately, thanks to a chemical reaction. We love that this metal actually reduces germ build-up on contact.
- Maintenance – If you enjoy embracing imperfection (like our Danby marble countertops), you will love unlacquered brass because it requires very little maintenance.
- Easy to Polish – Luckily, if you prefer the shine of polished brass, you can simply polish your faucets to enjoy the original sheen.
- Charm – While a polished brass faucet has to be frequently wiped down because it shows spots, on an uncoated brass faucet, spots just blend in with the patina!
- Longevity – Unlike protected brass, it becomes darker and ages gracefully, adding warmth, character and timeless charm. It is a durable material that won’t rust and lasts a lifetime.
Cons
While we adore the patina on unlacquered brass as it ages, it’s not for everyone.
- Patina – For some, the oxidation and aging is a drawback. If you want polished brass all the time, I highly recommend you install polished brass, not unlacquered. However, you can return unlacquered brass with patina to its original condition by polishing it.
- Variations – Heavily used unlacquered brass pieces will become darker faster than those that receive minimal use.
- Traditional Style – It is often used in more traditional homes. However, it is frequently being installed in more modern designs as well!
Frequently Asked Questions
As you can see in the photos in this post, it takes around a year to really start to see the patina. In fact, two years is probably when it was darkest.
Yes! Unlacquered brass ages to the perfect patina, which adds so much charm and warmth to your home.
Vinegar is safe on uncoated, raw brass. Find all the best methods for cleaning your brass with this Brass Polish.
Yes! You can give your uncoated brass a patina by using vinegar and salt or a brass ager.
Care, Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
- More than anything, the side sprayer is a life saver! We contemplated doing without the side sprayer, but I’m so thankful we didn’t.
- Anything with acidity including tomatoes, citrus juice, toothpaste, etc will tarnish brass. A powdered brass polish or soft cleanser can renew the finish in just a few minutes.
- If you want to restore it and make it shine, learn about our favorite brass polish and techniques.
- For daily cleaning, use a soft cloth, soap and water or a surface spray. Dish soap effectively removes oils, food, fingerprints and more with a soft cloth, microfiber or a paper towel.
If you have more questions, be sure to read through the comments on this guide! There are so many great questions, answers and tips from real homeowners.
Sources
Newport Brass Bridge Kitchen Faucet with Side Spray
As seen in our St. Louis kitchen.
Georgian Era Bridge Faucet
As seen in our lake cottage kitchen.
Click through on any of the following images to find more of our favorite unlacquered brass faucets!
Amazon Storefront
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I’m living this look!! So can I use unlacquered brass fixtures and pulls in a contemporary (flat) kitchen cabinet style with stainless steel vent hood?
You absolutely can! They pair so well together.
I just purchased your sink and faucets!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot thank you enough.
I am so happy and relieved. 🙂
I hope you love them as much as we do!
Thank you, for your answers!!! Have you had any issues with either the sink or faucet? Your style is absolutely classic and beautiful. So happy I found your site!!!
Not at all! I’d do it again for sure! I’m actually looking into similar options for our laundry room!
I think my comment disappeared from earlier. I would like to purchase a faucet like yours. I found it earlier on Amazon but couldn’t find the unlacquered brass. But i think I found it on Qualitybath.com where it says it oxidizes. I do not want polished brass but the unlacquered that does oxidixe. Love that look so much and have been looking forever for it. So thank you!!!!! I think I may copy your sink too lol. I have looked everywhere for a fireclay sink but wasn’t really interested in a farmhouse sink. After seeing yours together I swooned. Anything I need to purchase to make this all work? Garbage disposal with some kind of brass button. I will also need a water filter do they have anything that will match? Thank you so much for your hrlp, Brooke
I linked to it on Amazon. You will still need the drain to coordinate. I’m honestly not sure on the water filter – do you use a separate tap?
I would love to purchase this exact faucet but when I click on your highlighted name it only shows it in chrome color. What am I doing wrong?
The photo doesn’t match the description – that’s their standard photo for all the colors they offer.