Unlacquered Brass is polished, unfinished raw brass that darkens and develops patina as it ages. Keep reading to learn more about it along with the knobs, pulls, hinges and cabinet latches.
Unlacquered brass hardware. Classic, timeless, yet much more difficult to find than I had dreamed, but some things are worth searching for. Raw / unlacquered brass has my heart and was worth every minute of the search. Is it normal to spend countless hours searching for just the right hinge?
I love brass light fixtures so much, but then again… I am such a fan of all things brass! Don’t skip this Brass Lighting post, as well as details about our Unlacquered Brass Hardware and Brass Door Knobs.
Table of Contents
What is Unlacquered Brass?
Unlacquered brass is also known as raw brass or uncoated brass. It can be brushed, satin or polished, but left without a protective coating. It therefore ages over time developing a beautiful patina that adds character to new and old homes alike.
When designing our new kitchen, I decided to invest a little effort into finding the perfect unlacquered brass hardware to grace our kitchen. I love the warmth the matte finish offers and enjoy watching it turn over time.
Since it is a living finish, no piece will look exactly the same. The variation adds a little warmth and interest in design. It can age unevenly, becoming duller over time.
Call me boring, but we used cup pulls in our last 2 kitchens and still love them just as much today. So surprise, we selected unlacquered brass cup pulls for our new kitchen as well.
How long does it take for brass to patina?
Unlacquered brass becomes tarnished when exposed to air, so naturally, it will age over time. Other factors contribute as well – The oils of your hands, minerals in water and other factors contribute. Weathered brass or antique brass attempt to simulate natural patina.
How do you protect unlacquered brass?
To keep it shiny, clean regularly. Using a soft cloth and ammonia, wipe the surface. You can polish it with brass polish and a soft cloth, rinse with water and dry.
At our last house our existing cabinets had holes for knobs, but in our 80’s kitchen we had holes for handles, so I updated them temporarily, but I’m so excited to return to knobs for the cabinet doors for a more traditional look.
We selected 1″ unlacquered brass knobs which is often smaller than what you see in kitchens, but I like the understated elegance they add to the kitchen without detracting from other features.
Hingeless cabinets have become increasingly popular, but I love the added decorative detail hinges provide. Who doesn’t love a little extra jewelry? I think a new kitchen deserves plenty of jewelry, too!
Finding unlacquered brass hinges was a bit more challenging. Almost all quality cabinet hinges are lacquered. My cabinet maker said that inexpensive solid brass hinges can be easily compromised and reminded me that it’s important to find quality hinges for durable cabinet doors that will stand the test of time.
How to Test if Brass is Lacquered
Dip in acetone or nail polish for two minutes. If clear film starts to separate, it is lacquered brass.
De-Laquering Brass
- Submerge brass pieces in acetone or stripper to expose raw brass.
- Once it has become gummy, rinse.
Repeat if needed.
I also wanted to incorporate cabinet latches in our new kitchen – I can’t get enough of them. I considered using them throughout the kitchen, but for ease of use we opted to use them just for the hutch (which will be installed after the marble counters). It’s so fun to mix it up a bit.
You can get more details on this unlacquered brass kitchen faucet here and purchase it here.
I have received several questions about how our unlacquered brass hardware aged and I’m happy to say, beautifully! Well, that is in the eye of the beholder. I know it’s not for everyone. If you prefer the polished look, I would purchase polished rather than take the time to polish unlacquered brass.
The below photos are a year and a half worth of aging.
You can see where little hands reach and I think it’s oh so sweet!
Of course these appliance pulls can be polished and restored to look like new!
How to Polish Brass
- Apply cleaner to surface.
- Using a damp rag, apply pressure to wipe brass clean.
- Rinse the brass thoroughly using a clean cloth.
Love the look of brass as much as we do? Check out this Rub ‘n Buff tutorial to turn any home accessories into the perfect antiqued brass!
You’ll find unlacquered brass in faucets, light fixtures, and even knobs on ranges like this Lacanche Range.
Learn about my favorite Brass Polish to keep all your brass looking good as new!
This post was originally shared May 2017 and updated with video December 2019 and additional tips and details April 2021.
Do you share my affinity for unlacquered brass or do you prefer a more polished look?
Join the club! You can find daily updates on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and see my latest YouTube videos here!
More Home Design Resources
- Choosing Patterned Carpet
- Brass Door Knobs
- Subway Tile
- Dutch Door Details
- Kitchen Island Dimension Guidelines
- Cabinet Knob Placement
- Bridge Kitchen Faucet
- 7 Ways to Add Light to a Room
- Shaker Style Cabinets
Hi Julie! Since you were kind enough to answer my previous question I’m back with another question. We decided to go with unlacquered brass for our kitchen hardware and faucet (ordered newport brass one – thanks for the inspo). Now I’m curious how often you wipe down the brass (to keep the water spots and dirt out) and what you use. You had mentioned in this blog using a soft cloth and ammonia. And then you also linked Barkeeper’s Friend. I heard Barkeeper’s friend is really great if you want to polish your unlaquered brass back to its shiny state, which makes me think it keeps it from developing its patina. Do you use Barkeeper’s friend for regular maintenance? If not, what do you use to clean/maintain the unlacquered brass without stopping it from developing that patina? Thanks so much!
We use soap and water to clean, but let them patina.
Thank you so much for answering my previous questions! I apologize for reposting the question, for some reason I thought my first one didn’t go through. I’m so glad to hear that they hold up. I have one last question;: did you put them on yourself or have the cabinet guys do it? Do you know if they pre-drilled all the way through the drawer front or only part of the way ? In other words, do you see the screw from the inside of the drawer ?
You cannot see or feel the screws.
Hi Julie, I’ve chosen similar cup bin pulls for my new kitchen. I love them but my cabinet guy is warning me that they may not be as durable due to the exposed soft brass screws. We have 5 children and durability is definitely important. I’d love to hear your experience with the bin pulls- please help!! Have you ever had an issue? Thanks!
I have NO concerns at all – brass has been used for centuries for a reason. I have 3 kids who literally HANG on our pantry (much to my dismay) without issue.
Hi Julie, I love this post (also love your youtube videos about your beautiful kitchen). I’m remodeling my kitchen and would love to incorporate unlacquered brass elements in it as well. I’ve been looking at the same newport brass faucet you have and I was wondering how well it has held up for you. Also, where is your farmhouse sink from? Promise I’m not trying to just duplicate your kitchen (although tempted at times haha)
Honestly, it’s beyond flattering! Thank you! The faucet is made to last 100+ years. It’s held up incredibly well. I would do it all over again. I LOVE the sink as well. It’s an investment, but to me, it was worth every penny.
Hi Julie – I would love to paint my kitchen cabinets the same color you have, but need to compromise with husband with the island in a grey/green color. Which color do you think will complement beautifully. Thanks Indiana
Hi! I haven’t use a grey/green, but am sure you’ll find something amazing!
Hi Julie!
Just have to let you know that your kitchen is the inspiration for my kitchen remodel!
Got the unlacquered brass faucet!
Just ordered my Lacanche range this evening…. I’m a bit giddy….!
And planning on having Dandy marble counter tops!
Thanks for sharing with all of us !
I’ll keep you posted on the progress!
Range coming in 9 months… kinda like being PG!😹
Hi Kathy! I love it! Thank you for making my day!
LOVE ALL OF IT!!! LOOKING FOR THE LINK RIGHT NOW!
Thank you, Jenny! I linked to each within the post. Enjoy!
Hi!
Any recommendations on simple raw brass interior door knobs? I love all your kitchen hardware choices. The only ones I’ve been finding are in he UK. House of Antique hardware have a few I like as well.
Thank you,
Alisa
Hi Alisa!
I believe my Emtek knobs and plates are available in an unlacquered brass now. Mine (seen pictured throughout our home) are in the antique brass. Hope this helps – here’s ours (affiliate link)! https://rstyle.me/+gqEnQQP27-t3BmdtHhb2rg
Julie
Hi! We just started a kitchen remodel and I was already looking at the Chesterfield kitchen faucet and then found your blog and fell in love with it even more! Did you end up selecting the unlacquered brass or the unlacquered raw brass? They offer both and I would like to purchase the same faucet you chose.
I linked to the exact one we have. You’ll love it!
Love the hardware! I definitely want the unlaquered look. How do you like the cross handle faucet? We currently have a pull down faucet that changes to a sprayer, and it’s so convenient with a kid.
I absolutely love it! I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love the idea of convenience for a pull down faucet. Did you know you can have a pedal installed to turn the sink on? It’s so fun and works on any faucet!
Hi Julie,
Such a pretty kitchen!
I love your stove. I was wondering if you could please tell me what the make is? Also, I currently have stainless appliances that I won’t be able to replace and some bronze lightening close to the kitchen. Is adding brass going to look out of place? I love the look of the brass!
Thanks, Pam
It’s a Lacanche – you can get all the details here. You can absolutely retain your stainless and mix in brass. In fact, the Lacornue range is the perfect example!
Your kitchen has been a wonderful inspiration! Wanted to check something with you – I’m putting the Rejuvenation live brass pulls in my kitchen too. But I couldn’t find appliance pulls for Massey and it looks like you’ve used the Massey 18 inch drawer pull for the fridge. Are you happy with them? I stood in the showroom for such a long time and couldn’t make up my mind – if I should use a drawer pull for the fridge.
Would LOVE to hear from you. My hardware is going on next week!
I’m beyond happy with mine and they’re actually intended as appliance pulls. I’d be grateful if you purchase if you’d use my link…no cost to you but I receive a small commission. https://rstyle.me/+tzW8WKPFxjG4emyJlPm3Tw
Just wondering how you clean your bath taps without making them look all shiny?! Clean cleaner? Or what? Or do you not have to clean them?
Just my soap and water spray! I definitely clean them often to prevent germs, but you never have to worry about spots with unlacquered brass. They just add to the beauty!
Hi Julie ,
I’ve looked everywhere on this post and I can’t see the link to the long pulls. I’ve seen other people ask this question and I see your response that says it’s linked here but I cannot see the link. Can you tell me where you purchased them? I can’t find them in the web.
Thank you and thanks for sharing your stunning kitchen
Nikki
They keep going in and out of stock at places. With over 2,000 posts, items like the appliance pulls are kept most up to date in my shop. (They’re linked there). Enjoy!
hi, lovely items you chose. can you please tell me where you purchased the unlacquered knobs and bin pulls, much appreciated.
lori
Thanks, Lori! You can find them all here! Enjoy!
Will you please let me know where you got your cabinet handles, not the cup pulls, but the long skinny ones with the top mount screws, was this from Rejuvenation?
Hi Jennifer! You can find them in my shop, enjoy!
The best source for unlacquered cabinet hinges is Classic Brass. I don’t love them as a company, but you won’t find better hinges in that finish. They do a few pre-tarnished finishes as well. My favorite for knobs and pulls in the same finishes is hands-down Waterstreet Brass.
What did you use for the cabinet door hinges with little kids? Any quiet close or anything on the inside that keeps them from slamming w the mortised hinges? Any magnets or anything to keep them closed?
No, just the hinges listed and while there are a lot of slammed doors, no problems.
I love the lacquered brass! Looks great. Can you share the paint color of the cabinets? The softer white looks nice with the brass.
You can get the color code for our Cream Kitchen Cabinets here, enjoy!
Julie, I stumbled across your blog looking for unlacquered brass cups. I really like the one you choose would you please email me with the weight of the cup?
I’m not sure how much it weighs, but feels substantial.
Hi Julie,
Love your post! I’m also a fan of unlaquered brass. There are links to the knobs, but not the pulls which I believe are on your refrigerator?? You mention in your updated photos that you can see where little hands have helped patina the brass. Links to cup pulls, hinges and knobs but not the long pulls. Thank you for letting me know where you got these pulls.
It appears they are no longer available, but these are similar I also considered and love.
I cannot find information on where you bought your unlaquered brass hinges. Someone else asked you but you did not reply.
Thank you.
They’re linked in the post, enjoy!
I love your blog! I was looking for the link for the brass pulls.
Thank you!
Thank you, Lori! You can find them in my shop, enjoy!
Love your hardware!! Where are the refrigerator pulls from?
Hi Libby! They’re available in my shop, enjoy!
Hi Julie…Love your kitchen!! Where did you purchase the long two hole cabinet pulls?
Thank you, Morgan! You can find them here in my shop. Enjoy!
Hi Julie, Lovely hardware! Can you please tell me where you got the long drawer pulls? I see links to the cup pulls, hinges and knobs but not the long pulls that are pictured. Thanks so much! Nikki
For the refrigerator?
Hi Julie. Your brass aged so well. We’re looking for unlacquered plumbing fixtures for bathroom and kitchen. Where did you find your faucet? Thank you!
You can find it here, enjoy!
I enjoyed looking at your kitchen. It is beautiful. I am in process of remodeling and very interested in the waterstone unlacquered brass pull down faucet. I love the old mixed with the new and any natural items in a decor. I am getting mixed opinions about the brass living finish. Some say it looks dirty. Others say give it time. Have you fallen more in love with your faucet as it has aged? Do you polish it often?
I personally love it and never polish it, but you definitely have to love that “weathered” look. Did you see photos of how ours looks after a year and a half?
I took the plunge and ordered unlacquered brass knobs, bins pulls and latches. They will look great with my Lacanche. I ordered forever brass for the faucet and got polished brass for the dishwasher and refrigerator/freezer pulls because they didn’t have unlacquered. Thanks for the inspiration.
I would love to see you post on how your brass is aging, how to clean and polish brass if you want to shine it up and what you did with your refrigerator. Your blog is stunning, as is your home!
Great idea! I just took some photographs and will update the post. Sorry for the delay!
Do you have photos of the unlacqured brass after a few years?
Updating now, sorry for the delay!
Would love to know your cabinet paint color! Just beautiful, all around! Thanks for sharing!
Of course, you can get all the details here. Thank you!
Hi there,
I’m currently searching for unlacquered brass cupboard latches – any recommendations as to where I should look?
Cheers,
Megan
Of course, there’s a direct link in the post to the ones we used 😉 Enjoy!
Yes, I’m looking for unlacquered for all the baths and kitchen. My home sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico and the brass that was put in in the 80’s has really tarnished and does not work properly. I hope I don’t regret using it, but what was here lasted a long time and the house was vacant for about 4 years so that might have contributed to the tarnish too. What marble are you going with? And are you using it in your baths too?
I used Olympian Danby marble – I’ve written a couple posts about it if you want to learn more. I just love marble. If you want to try to polish your brass, salt, flour and vinegar works!
Hello Julie, I was searching for unlacquered brass fixtures and your blog came up. We have a 1896 Folk Victorian that we are renovating. We are starting with two bathrooms and then the master bath and kitchen. The house has brass everywhere: door handles, hinges, window pulls… I do not want the fake gold look. I went to a local plumbing supply and the only line they carry with unlacquered brass is California faucets. What companies did you find that you liked? I’m also going round and round about what counter tops. I would love marble, but like you said in a post a few years ago everyone is trying to talk me out of them. What are you using for your counter tops in your new kitchen?
I used marble again. It’s risky, but SO worth it!
Are you looking for an unlacquered brass faucet? If so, Newport Brass, Barber Wilson’s and Rohl were my favorites. I really wanted a Barber Wilson’s, but the sprayer {which Chris really wanted} made it unattainable.
Another idea for an unlacquered brass faucet is to purchase a quality chrome faucet & have the chrome professionally stripped down to the brass. I purchased a wall mount from Chicago Faucet to use in our circa 1823 stone home and it is beautiful! Interesting point: not all of the pieces of the faucet were the same color – a couple pieces were more rose than yellow – but with time, they have weathered to a beautiful patina. I wish I could take credit for this idea, but it was my savvy historical architect who put me on point.
LOVE this idea! I never thought of that! Sounds so very beautiful. I would love to see a photo…I’m intrigued!
I got the Barber Wilson 1010 in unlacquered brass with a sprayer. I didn’t see the sprayer option online or in the book but the sales woman at Ferguson’s found it and I love it https://instagram.com/p/BfLrOF9gpCW/
Horton brasses has tons of unlacquered brass hardware. I love mine except the fridge handles which show every smudge and are really hard to clean
Hey Julie, loving the unlacquered brass against the white cabinets – and I absolutely adore that oven stove. We’ve been trying to renovate the kitchen in our new house for about 4 months but temporary cash flow issues has meant that it’s had to go on the back-burner. We moved in about 6- 7 months ago. Fortunately, we had managed to get all the other rooms and the garden done but were saving the kitchen until last as that was the room I really wanted to get right. Money is picking back up now so we’ve got a bit saved up to start renovating the kitchen finally. I’ve been searching high and low for different ideas as I don’t want a plain old boring kitchen. This is another great idea to add to my short-list so thanks for that. I’m a big antique fan so love the aging look that this brass will give you over time. I’ve got a lot of wood, brass and copper around the home. I do tend to shop around at antique sales or I buy second-hand furniture online when I spot a good discount on something that catches my eye – this site: used.forsale) is quite good if you want some bargains on used furniture and you often get free delivery. I get an old table or cabinet, give it a bit of TLC and you’ve got a lovely piece to help give one of your rooms some extra character. Fab looking kitchen anyway, hope I can come up with something equally as elegant. Look frwd to seeing it when everything is in and that brass has started to age a bit. Thanks, Michelle
Thanks, Michelle! I also love going to architectural salvage stores – they’re often organized and have really pretty inexpensive hardware options. You may want to try that as well. It took us two and a half years before taking the leap on our kitchen. Take your time – you may learn how you really use it and what would be best for your layout after using it a year or two.
Julie, I’m a huge fan of unlacquered brass. Don’t see it often, but it always reminds me of the 1910 house we lived in when we got married. Can’t wait to see your brass when it gets a little age on it.
Thank you, Jean! I can only imagine how beautiful your 100 year old home was!
I am so in love with your stove where did you find it??
Online – I think they just have one showroom in the states. You can read more about it here. I can’t wait to put it to good use!
I love un-lacquered brass and want to change out my kitchen hardware. I have hickory cabinets and I’m not sure the brass will look good with the tone of the cabinets, so I haven’t done it yet.
If you want to send a photo or two I’m happy to make recommendations! I love hardware!
Julie- so beautiful and timeless! Where did you find the hinges?
Rockler – I must have looked at hundreds of hinges before deciding on them ????