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!
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Hey Julie!
I know this post is a bit older now, but thought I would add if you would offer your thoughts!
First, love your home, style, and blog! I just found you as I’ve been building our new home and needed help with the process. Beautiful style!
What are your thoughts on mixing unlaquored brass with a satin brass or an aged brass? I know mixing metals is great but I’m not sure since these are in the same category but different. I was thinking unlaquored brass for the faucet & pot filler but the pulls would be aged brass? Or all cabinet hardware & faucets are unlaquored but the door handles are satin brass?
I can’t tell if it will look too “matchy matchy” or if I tried to match them and it didn’t work? Any thoughts on this topic? As I cannot find many thoughts around the idea of mixing lacquered with unlacquored brass. Mainly I’ve found a great faucet in unlaquored but the hardware is on back order. Or vice versa. Just not sure over here!
Thank you for your time! Appreciate it 🙂
Rae
I do it all the time. I feel mixing polished and unlacquered work really well together. I’ve also mixed in satin, but it’s not my preference.
Hi. I absolutely love the styling of this faucet, but unfortunately it’s not in my budget. I do want unlacquered brass though. Were there any other options that you would suggest that are more affordable?
Unfortunately unlacquered brass comes at a cost. There are a lot of affordable polished brass options that are strikingly similar and 1/10 of the cost.
Hi Julie! I really love your kitchen, it’s remarkably similar to the design I’m going for in our 2021 remodel. I’ve been using DeVol Kitchens for inspiration. My heart is set on an unlaquered bridge faucet and I was able to see the Newport Chesterfield in person yesterday.
Does your side sprayer have a lock? I was reading about the importance of having a lock in a side sprayer on Houzz.
Also, the cabinet color you have is yummy. What brand/color paint did you use?
Jill
No, I’ve never had a lock nor have I had an issue. Very few nice faucets do. Thank you! You can find our Cream Kitchen Cabinet color here. Enjoy!
Just so I get the same thing the item number is 9452-1/03N What about the drain? Currently my faucet is brush nickel so I will need to replace that as well.
we are well water, should there be any differences or different upkeep?
No – but if you don’t want patina, I recommend you select polished brass.