Hardware Finish Descriptions and Color Codes

02 Sep.,2024

 

Hardware Finish Descriptions and Color Codes

Buyer Guide: Hardware Finish Descriptions and Color Codes

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In the United States there are two finish code systems: BHMA finish codes (Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) and U.S. standard finish codes, created by ANSI (American National Standards Institute). In general, U.S. finishes describe only the color whereas BHMA finish codes describe both color and base material.

The most notable exceptions to this rule are US32, polished (bright) stainless steel, and US32D, satin stainless steel. These U.S. finishes describe both the finish and the base material. The corresponding BHMA finish codes would be 629 for polished stainless and 630 for satin. BHMA finish codes are different for different base metals. For example, BHMA 626 is satin chrome plated brass whereas BHMA 652 is satin chrome plated steel.

  • Polished (or &#;bright&#;) finish - is a finish that has been buffed until it reflects like a mirror. You can see your reflection in a polished finish.
  • Satin Finish - the opposite of a polished finish is a satin finish. You cannot see your reflection in a piece of hardware with a satin finish.
  • Antique Finish - is a finish that is similiar to Satin with black accents to appear aged when first installed.
  • Living finish - is a finish that has been designed to age naturally over time, such as US10B, oil rubbed bronze. Individual hardware items with living finishes will age differently over time depending on use and slight differences in how the finish was applied at the factory.

The following chart lists some of the common finishes found on locking hardware and components. The first column indicates the BHMA finish code, the second column represents the US standard finish code (when available) and the third column indicates the finish and base metal that the finish is applied to. Finish descriptions aligned with the above cylinder color code chart are listed in bold. For a complete itemized listing of all the ANSI / BHMA Numbers for Materials & Finish please visit here.

 

BHMA USxx Finish/Base Metal 600 USP   Primed for painting - steel 602 US2C Cadmium on steel 603 US2G Zinc on steel 604 none Zinc dichromate on steel 605 US3 Bright brass on brass 606 US4 Satin brass on brass 609 US5 Satin brass blackened (antique) on brass 610 US7 Satin brass blackened (bright) on brass 611 US9 Bright bronze on bronze 612 US10 Satin bronze on bronze 613 US10B Oil rubbed bronze on bronze 616 US11 Satin bronze, blackened on bronze 618 US14 Bright nickel on brass or bronze 619 US15 Satin nickel on brass or bronze 620 US15A Satin nickel (Antique) on brass or bronze 622 US19 Flat black coated on brass or bronze 623 US20 Oxidized bright bronze on bronze 624 US20A Bright stainless steel - stainless steel 625 US26 Bright chromium on brass or bronze 626 US26D Satin Chromium on brass or bronze 627 US27 Satin aluminum - aluminum 628 US28 Satin aluminum (anodized) - aluminum 629 US32 Bright stainless steel - stainless steel 630 US32D Satin stainless steel - stainless steel 666 US3 Bright brass plated aluminum 667 US4 Satin brass plated aluminum 668 US10 Satin bronze plated aluminum 669 US14 Bright nickel plated aluminum

 

 

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Unlacquered Brass Finish

Love finishes with rich depth and patina? Read on to learn all about unlacquered brass finish and whether or not it&#;s right for you.

When I shared our office built ins recently, I received some questions about the beautiful gold hardware we used on the doors and drawers. It happens to be unlacquered brass, which is one of my favorite hardware and plumbing finishes. I realized when answering those questions that many people are curious about unlacquered brass&#; So I thought a little educational post might be helpful.

unlacquered brass knobs and pulls on painted cabinets (see full project)

What is unlacquered brass?

Unlacquered brass, sometimes called unfinished raw brass, is simply brass (which is an alloy of copper and zinc) that has not been sealed with a protective coating. This exposed raw brass can oxidize and interact with elements in the environment, causing it to patina and change over time, which is also known as a &#;living finish.&#;

vintage unlacquered brass table lamp

What is lacquered vs unlacquered brass?

Lacquered brass is brass that has been sealed with a protective coating to keep it from tarnishing. It will remain a bright, yellow color. Most finishes labeled &#;polished brass&#; or some variation of that are lacquered.

What happens to unlacquered brass over time?

As I mentioned above, there are several elements that can affect how unfinished brass ages: the humidity of your area, the use of the item (e.g. a bathroom faucet vs a cabinet pull), the minerals in your water, and more. Aging can look like smudges that won&#;t wipe off, spots, a general darkening, etc. Sometimes it will oxidize to a green patina; other times it will simply darken and look more brown than yellow.

The company is the world’s best brass satin finish supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

what happens to unlacquered raw brass over time

Most finishes labeled &#;aged brass&#; or &#;antique brass&#; have been artificially aged or darkened to mimic this look.

How do you keep brass from tarnishing?

If you would prefer brass maintains its original shiny state, then you will want to clean and polish it regularly. Avoid touching it with your hands more than necessary, as the oils of your hands can speed up the aging process. You can clean it regularly with a soft cloth and ammonia. But you will still need to polish it from time to time if you want to to remain truly shiny.

I have had good success with both ketchup (really!) and bar keepers friend as brass polish options. But remember that you don&#;t need to keep it polished unless you want to; it&#;s a matter of preference. If you truly prefer the polished look, then you might want to save yourself the work and purchase lacquered polished brass or satin brass instead.

When to use unlacquered brass

If you are the type of person who enjoys things that age gracefully, then you can use a raw brass finish almost anywhere!

You can use solid unlacquered brass faucets and unlacquered brass cabinet hardware, such as knobs and latches and pulls, in kitchens and baths, bedrooms, and more.

I think unlacquered brass is a beautiful, classic choice in a traditional home or a more transitional style. Raw brass is a beautiful complement to other natural materials, like marble and wood. And it can embody an antique look with elegance. It also is lovely against painted cabinetry.

unlacquered brass knobs on black bathroom vanity with marble and polished nickel faucet

You don&#;t have to outfit an entire home or room, though. Brass accents can be a great option, too. You can mix brass cabinet hardware with other metals, such as polished nickel or matte black, for a more contemporary look. Get inspiration on mixing metal finishes here.

Where to find unlacquered brass

Here are a few recommendations for finding brass fixtures and hardware: faucets, hinges, door knobs, cabinet pulls, light fixtures, and other accessories.

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Rejuvenation &#; They offer it as one of their standard finish options for many of their fixtures and hardware. They can be expensive, but the solid brass light fixtures, hardware, and accessories are a quality investment.

Etsy &#; Many sellers on Etsy have both vintage and new items with this finish&#; Often at much more affordable prices than big designer stores.

House of Antique Hardware &#; I love their many traditional options, especially for cabinet knobs and pulls.

Build &#; The variety of options they offer in raw brass is pretty impressive.

Here are a few favorites I found when looking recently:

1-squared off cup pull | 2-cabinet latch | 3-classic round knob | 4-beverage sink faucet
5-pot filler | 6-gooseneck bridge faucet | 7-ball cabinet knob | 8-door knob tall backplate
9-rounded cup pull | 10- cross handles faucet | 11-victorian bridge faucet | 12-cabinet pull
13-brass sink | 14-door hinge | 15-door knob | 16- unlacquered brass kitchen faucet

In short, unlacquered brass hardware and fixtures can come with a hefty price tag, but their classic, beautiful longevity makes them a wonderful investment. I hope you found this helpful. And I would love to know if you have used and enjoyed this timeless finish in your home!

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