Match the finish of your bathroom faucets with your bathroom decor. Bronze, mixed metals, chrome, and brushed metal are just some of the faucet finish options available today. Selecting a faucet finish is a matter of personal taste, though you’ll want to be sure to choose a finish that’s durable as well. Read on to find out all about modern faucet finishes.
Bathroom Faucet Finish Options
Chrome
Chrome faucets have a timeless look that easily compliments any classically design bathroom. In order to make a chrome faucet, chrome is placed over a brass faucet fixture. Tarnish and scratch resistant chrome was one of the first finish options, and this affordable finish remains popular today. Disadvantages of chrome include the fact that water spots appear easily on chrome fixtures, and chrome coating can begin to fade after a number of years.
Stainless Steel
Manufacturers blend chromium and steel alloy in order to create stainless steel fixtures. The biggest drawback of stainless steel fixture is that these fixtures are hard to clean. Fingerprints and dirt tend to stick to stainless steel resulting in excessive cleaning. Stainless steel can also become scratched, and these scratches can, eventually, lead to rust. The one major benefit of stainless steel fixtures is that these faucets are relatively affordable.
Brass
Brass fixtures are becoming increasingly popular due to the durability of this material. Brass fixtures can be made from solid brass or from brass plating. Brass is also aesthetically appealing, since it tends to imitate gold.
Although brass is attractive and durable, it is also expensive. On average, brass fixtures are two to three times more expensive than steel or chrome fixtures. Brass must also be polished regularly in order to prevent this material from tarnishing.
Brushed Nickel
Nickel is placed over solid brass in order to create a brushed nickel finish. Brushed nickel is one of the most popular types of faucet finishes, since these faucets do not show scratches, fingerprints, or water lines. Brushed nickel is more expensive than most other faucet finishes, though this expense may not be justified. Over time, nickel plating can begin to flake, which will result in a brass colored faucet.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is one of the most durable materials available. While wrought iron won’t show fingerprints or scratches, rust stains can appear if wrought iron is not cared for properly. In addition, wrought iron is one of the most expensive materials available.
Choosing a faucet finish is a matter of taste and style, but also an issue of form and function. Choose a bathroom faucet finish that matches your lifestyle and tolerance for upkeep and maintenance.
