Supplied by Trade Door Handles, trusted UK supplier of architectural ironmongery since 1976, with quick nationwide delivery.

When investing in Carlisle Brass finishes, you’re choosing over three decades of British design and engineering excellence. These finishes not only provide aesthetic appeal but also deliver long-term resilience in residential, commercial, and heritage settings. Each surface has its own chemistry, coating method, and maintenance requirement — and understanding these differences ensures your hardware continues to look and perform perfectly for decades.

Carlisle Brass finishes are developed to balance beauty and endurance. Some, such as Antique Brass or Florentine Bronze, are living finishes that mellow naturally with use, while others, like PVD or Stainless Steel, rely on advanced plating for a permanent barrier. Correct care preserves colour consistency, tactile feel, and corrosion protection across products from Architectural Ironmongery to Door Furniture and Window Furniture.

The Anthracite coating delivers a sophisticated, deep-grey tone with subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with chrome and satin hardware. It’s created through a high-temperature painting process that leaves a smooth, durable surface ideal for modern interiors. Because it’s a painted finish rather than metal plating, it needs protection from knocks and friction that can expose the underlying layer.

Care tips:

• Clean with mild detergent and warm water.

• Wipe in gentle circles with a soft cloth and dry immediately.

• Avoid metal contact, harsh cleaners, or solvents.

Ideal for contemporary kitchens and Kitchen & Cabinet Hardware.

Antique Brass is one of the signature Carlisle Brass finishes, blending golden undertones with a muted patina that suits period homes and heritage renovations. Because it’s a living finish, the outer layer reacts naturally with air and touch, gradually revealing highlights on raised details. This evolving look adds authenticity that lacquered surfaces cannot replicate.

Care tips:

• Wipe with warm soapy water and a lint-free cloth.

• Polish lightly with beeswax or quality brass cream when needed.

• Avoid chemical cleaners or aerosols that remove patina.

Excellent on Carlisle Brass Door Furniture Accessories and restoration projects.

Forged from cast or malleable iron and finished with a baked-on epoxy powder coat, this finish captures traditional charm. It’s strong yet naturally vulnerable to rust if left unprotected, especially outdoors or near coastal air. With minimal attention, it will keep its authentic character for years.

Care tips:

• Wipe with a lightly oiled cloth to repel moisture.

• Lubricate moving parts occasionally.

• Clean more often in salt-rich environments.

Perfect for cottages and rustic Architectural Accessories.

A hallmark of British interiors, polished brass reflects light brilliantly and brings warmth to any room. It’s protected with a clear lacquer that guards against tarnishing; however, external fittings may see that barrier weaken over time. Once exposed, brass naturally oxidises, developing gentle depth.

Care tips:

• Clean with soapy water or beeswax.

• If lacquer fails, remove it with acetone, polish with “Brasso,” then re-lacquer or allow to age.

• Avoid aerosol sprays or abrasive materials.

A timeless choice for Locks & Latches and statement door handles.

Chrome remains one of the most popular Carlisle Brass finishes for its mirror-like brilliance and resistance to corrosion. Polished chrome enhances modern spaces, while satin chrome offers a brushed texture that hides fingerprints and minor wear. Both are electroplated for lasting adhesion.

Care tips:

• Use mild detergent with a soft cloth.

• Dry thoroughly to prevent water marks.

• Occasionally apply non-abrasive chrome polish.

Widely used across Carlisle Brass Door Handles & Knobs and bathroom fittings.

Florentine Bronze delivers deep brown tones with golden accents, offering a sense of heritage luxury. Each piece develops subtle highlights on touchpoints, adding warmth over time. It’s particularly suited to classical interiors and boutique hotels seeking a softer alternative to black.

Care tips:

• Clean monthly using mild soap and water.

• Buff with beeswax to revive the patina.

• Avoid solvents or rough cloths.

Complements decorative Architectural Ironmongery beautifully.

Matt Black has become a design staple, creating striking contrast against lighter décor. This powder-coated Carlisle Brass finish resists everyday wear but benefits from gentle handling. It’s ideal for minimalist, industrial, or Scandinavian-style interiors.

Care tips:

• Wipe with mild detergent and water.

• Dry immediately to avoid streaks.

• Never use abrasive pads or polish.

Featured across Kitchen & Cabinet Hardware and modern lever designs.

Dark Bronze adds understated elegance with its chocolate-brown hue that gradually lightens with use. This living surface complements wood tones and neutral schemes, offering a softer alternative to black iron.

Care tips:

• Clean with soapy water and soft cloth monthly.

• Apply beeswax or bronze polish for protection.

• Avoid chemicals that strip patina.

A refined finish found on Hinges and classic hardware.

Nickel plating provides a silvery tone between chrome and stainless steel, delivering understated sophistication. Satin nickel’s brushed effect diffuses light gently, while polished nickel gleams with mirror clarity. Both resist corrosion and pair well with marble or painted cabinetry.

Care tips:

• Clean with mild detergent and a soft cloth.

• Use non-abrasive chrome polish occasionally.

• Keep dry after cleaning to maintain lustre.

An elegant option within Finish Collections and premium interiors.

Satin Brass bridges modern and traditional aesthetics with its soft golden tone and brushed texture. Unlike polished brass, it doesn’t require a high-gloss look; instead, it develops subtle warmth with touch. Perfect for boutique hotels and upscale homes.

Care tips:

• Wash with mild soap and water.

• Apply beeswax occasionally to retain glow.

• Avoid abrasive products.

Common on Carlisle Brass Hinges and designer lever ranges.

This finish uses Physical Vapour Deposition technology to bond a golden tone onto stainless steel, producing one of the toughest Carlisle Brass finishes available. It resists oxidation, wear, and coastal corrosion, making it ideal for external doors.

Care tips:

• Dust regularly with a soft cloth.

• Use white spirit for stubborn marks.

• No polishing required.

Used extensively in Carlisle Brass Locks & Latches with a 25-year guarantee.

The backbone of commercial ironmongery, stainless steel combines exceptional strength with corrosion resistance. Its chromium oxide layer self-heals, protecting against rust and staining — but cleanliness is vital to maintain that passive film.

Care tips:

• Wipe with warm, soapy water using a soft cloth.

• For marks, add a little vinegar to the solution.

• Rinse and dry completely.

A practical choice for Architectural Accessories and public-use environments.

Aluminium is lightweight yet strong, making it a favourite for modern commercial and residential projects. It naturally forms a protective oxide skin that prevents corrosion, providing a clean, bright look that lasts.

Care tips:

• Wash with mild detergent and water.

• Dry thoroughly after cleaning.

• Avoid abrasives and polishes.

A reliable option in many Architectural Ironmongery systems.

• ❌ Using harsh chemicals or abrasive pads.

• ❌ Allowing moisture to linger.

• ❌ Over-polishing living finishes.

• ❌ Neglecting lubrication on moving parts.

• ❌ Mixing different cleaners.

Regular light maintenance keeps Carlisle Brass finishes looking flawless.