Heritage Brass Unlacquered Hardware

Unlacquered Brass Hardware: Kitchen Handles, Window Fittings and Front Door Furniture

Heritage Brass unlacquered brass hardware by M.Marcus is around 150 solid brass kitchen handles, cupboard knobs, window fittings and front door pieces left without a protective lacquer. Unlacquered brass is a living finish: it starts bright and mellows over time to a warm, natural patina, with the most handled areas changing first, so no two pieces age quite the same way.

Unlacquered Brass Kitchen and Cabinet Hardware

The largest part of the range is unlacquered brass kitchen and cabinet hardware: unlacquered brass cabinet pull handles in Metro, Bauhaus, Bauhaus Round, Bauhaus Hammered, Apollo, Durham, Colonial, Traditional, Henley Traditional, Pyramid and Partial and Complete Knurl designs from 76mm to 480mm fixing centres, unlacquered brass knobs in Victorian, reeded, Florence, knurled, hammered, disc, domed, sphere and ball designs, and unlacquered brass edge pulls.

Unlacquered Brass Window Furniture

The unlacquered brass window furniture covers sash windows, with Fitch, hook plate, reeded hook plate and lockable narrow Brighton sash fasteners, several in lockable versions, a sash lift and a sash ring, and casement windows, with ball end casement fasteners and stays, a sliding stay and lockable ball end espagnolette handles.

Unlacquered Brass Front Door Furniture

For the front door there are unlacquered brass door knockers in urn, reeded urn, slim, doctors and ring designs, letter plates, centre door knobs, concealed fix house numbers, bell pushes and a cylinder pull. See all unlacquered brass door furniture.

Caring for Unlacquered Brass

With no lacquer, the brass reacts with air, moisture and the natural oils from hands. To keep it bright, use a brass polish and a soft cloth, then buff off all residue; the brass will begin to age again from that point. To let it age, simply wipe away dust and fingermarks with a soft dry or lightly damp cloth and dry it straight away. Avoid abrasive pads, bleach and harsh chemical cleaners, and do not leave the brass wet. External fittings will also benefit from a periodic light oiling of springs and moving parts.

Prefer a finish that keeps its colour? See lacquered Heritage Brass polished brass and satin brass, or every option in Heritage Brass finishes.

Unlacquered Brass Questions

What is unlacquered brass?
Solid brass with no protective lacquer. It is called a living finish because it changes colour over time, mellowing to a warm patina.

Will unlacquered brass tarnish?
Yes. It darkens over time as it reacts with air and moisture, and the most handled areas change first. You can polish it back to bright brass whenever you like, or let the patina develop.

How do I clean unlacquered brass?
For an aged look, wipe with a soft dry or lightly damp cloth and dry it. To restore the shine, use a brass polish with a soft cloth and buff off all residue. Avoid abrasive pads and bleach.

What is the difference between lacquered and unlacquered brass?
Lacquered brass is sealed with a clear coat to keep its colour. Unlacquered brass has no coating, so it ages naturally and can be polished back at any time.

Unlacquered Brass from a Specialist Ironmonger

Trade Door Handles is part of T.H. Wiggans Ironmongery, trading since 1976, with Heritage Brass on display at our Kendal and Carlisle showrooms. Read our Heritage Brass door furniture guide, or ask us how unlacquered brass will suit your project.

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How it ages and where it works best

Living with Unlacquered Brass

Unlacquered brass is chosen by people who like hardware with character. Because there is no lacquer, the brass is free to change, and it records how the house is used.

How it ages. New unlacquered brass is bright. Over time it reacts with air, moisture and the natural oils from hands and darkens to a warm, mellow patina. The most handled areas, such as the grip of a pull handle or the edge of a knocker, change first, so every piece develops its own pattern of wear.

Period and restoration projects. In Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian homes, unlacquered brass on sash windows, front doors and kitchen dressers looks as though it has always been there, and it sits comfortably beside original timber and paint.

Kitchens. Unlacquered brass pull handles and unlacquered brass knobs suit Shaker, farmhouse and in-frame kitchens, and pair naturally with unlacquered brass taps. The handles you use most will mellow fastest, which adds to the lived-in look.

Front doors. An unlacquered brass door knocker, letter plate and house numbers age together outside, giving the door a warm, softened look. Polish them for a crisp, bright entrance, or leave them to darken.

Coastal homes. Lacquer can break down faster near the sea. Unlacquered brass has no lacquer to fail, so it is a sensible choice by the coast if you are happy for it to darken or are prepared to polish it.

Your choice, any time. Unlacquered brass is never stuck with one look. You can let it age for years and then polish it back to bright brass, or polish it regularly to keep it shining.

Keeping it bright or letting it age

Polish or Patina: Caring for Unlacquered Brass

Caring for unlacquered brass is simple once you decide whether you want it bright or aged. Here is what to do for each.

To let it age. Wipe away dust and fingermarks with a soft dry cloth, or a lightly damp one for stubborn marks, and dry it straight away. Leave the brass to darken naturally, and avoid polishes, which remove the patina.

To keep it bright. Use a brass polish with a soft cloth, working gently, then buff off all the residue so none is left in the detail. The brass will start to age again from that point, so polish as often as you like the look.

What to avoid. Abrasive pads, scouring sponges, bleach and harsh chemical cleaners can scratch or discolour the brass and leave an uneven finish. Do not leave fittings wet, as moisture speeds up darkening, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

Test first. When using any polish for the first time, try it on a small, hidden area and follow the maker's instructions.

Moving parts. External fittings, such as knockers and letter plates, will benefit from a periodic light oiling of springs and moving parts.

See it before you buy. Heritage Brass is on display at our Kendal and Carlisle showrooms, where you can compare unlacquered brass with lacquered polished, satin and antique brass.

More Unlacquered Brass Questions

Is unlacquered brass good for a coastal home?

It is a sensible choice, because there is no lacquer to break down in salty air. Expect it to darken faster near the sea, and polish it if you prefer it bright.

Will unlacquered kitchen handles stay bright?

Not without polishing. The handles you use most will darken first. Polish them with a brass polish to keep them bright, or let them age for a lived-in look.

Can I go back to bright brass after it has aged?

Yes. Because there is no lacquer, you can polish unlacquered brass back to a bright finish at any time.

Which cleaners should I avoid on unlacquered brass?

Abrasive pads, scouring sponges, bleach and harsh chemical cleaners, which can scratch or discolour the brass.

Does unlacquered brass match lacquered polished brass?

When new they look similar, but unlacquered brass will darken over time while lacquered brass keeps its colour, so for a matching scheme use one or the other throughout.
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