Cabinet Hardware Finishes
From raw metals that develop a rich patina to lacquered finishes that stay consistent over time, each of our cabinet hardware finishes is designed with both function and style in mind. This guide breaks down the look, feel, and care of every option. Whether you’re after something clean and polished or full of character, you’ll find the right fit for your space.
Unlacquered Brass
Unlacquered Brass (also known as live brass or raw brass hardware) starts out sleek and golden with a soft sheen. But unlike lacquered finishes, it’s left completely unsealed without a proactive lacquer coating. That makes it a living finish, meaning your cabinet hardware will naturally darken, patina, and develop character over time.
The finish will shift depending on how often you use it and the environment it’s in. Because there’s no sealant, unlacquered brass hardware will oxidize when exposed to air, moisture, and the natural oils from your hands. High-touch areas and humid spaces (like bathrooms or kitchens) will see faster change - fingerprints, water marks, and smudges included.
Want to keep the finish lighter and more uniform? A gentle metal polish can help clean up marks and restore brightness, but we recommend letting the natural evolution shine. This finish is truly one of a kind.
Satin Brass
Satin Brass is made from raw solid brass that’s been gently brushed to create a soft gold tone with visible grain detail. The finish has a smooth satin sheen - less reflective than polished brass - and offers a clean, modern look. After brushing, the metal is coated with a high-quality protective lacquer to prevent tarnishing and maintain its appearance over time.
Because it’s a lacquered finish, satin brass hardware will not patina like unlacquered brass. However, in moisture-rich, coastal, or humid environments, the protective coating may wear down more quickly with regular use.
To clean, use a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive or chemical cleaners, as they can damage the lacquer and alter the finish.
Matte Black
Satin Brass is made from raw solid brass that’s been gently brushed to create a soft gold tone with visible grain detail. The finish has a smooth satin sheen - less reflective than polished brass - and offers a clean, modern look. After brushing, the metal is coated with a high-quality protective lacquer to prevent tarnishing and maintain its appearance over time.
Because it’s a lacquered finish, satin brass hardware will not patina like unlacquered brass. However, in moisture-rich, coastal, or humid environments, the protective coating may wear down more quickly with regular use.
To clean, use a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive or chemical cleaners, as they can damage the lacquer and alter the finish.
Polished Nickel
Polished Nickel is made from raw brass that has been electroplated with nickel and polished to a high-shine, mirror-like finish. Its warm undertones offer a subtle golden depth, striking a balance between the cooler tones of chrome and the warmth of brass.
This finish is highly reflective and brings a sleek, elevated look to both modern and traditional spaces. Polished Nickel tends to be more durable than other finishes and resists tarnishing, corrosion, and surface wear when properly maintained.
To clean, use a soft, damp cloth. Avoid chemical or abrasive cleaners, which can dull the shine or damage the surface over time.
Satin Nickel
Satin Nickel is made from raw brass that has been electroplated with a warm silver-toned nickel layer, then lightly brushed to create a smooth satin texture. The finish has a soft, matte sheen - less reflective than polished nickel - and offers a modern, understated look. After brushing, it’s sealed with a high-grade protective lacquer to help prevent tarnishing and wear over time.
Because it’s a lacquered finish, satin nickel hardware will maintain a consistent appearance without patina. However, in high-moisture or coastal environments, the protective coating may break down more quickly with frequent use.
To clean, use a soft, damp cloth. Avoid chemical or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the lacquer and alter the finish.
Graphite
Graphite is made from raw brass that has been electroplated with a warm gray tone, offering a rich, muted alternative to black or silver finishes. The surface is then sealed with a high-quality protective lacquer to help prevent tarnishing and wear.
This finish has a smooth, modern look with subtle depth - ideal for spaces that lean moody, neutral, or high-contrast. Because it’s lacquered, graphite hardware won’t develop a patina, but the coating may wear more quickly in humid or high-use environments.
To clean, gently wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid chemical or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the protective lacquer.
Weathered Nickel
Weathered Nickel is made from raw brass that has been electroplated with a dark gray tone, then gently tumbled to create a distressed, aged appearance. The tumbling process is done manually, giving each piece slight variations in tone and texture - no two are exactly alike.
This finish has a rustic, weathered look with a matte surface that works well in both industrial and traditional spaces. Once tumbled, each piece is coated with a high-grade protective lacquer to help resist tarnishing and wear over time.
To clean, gently wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid chemical or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the finish.
Polished Chrome
Polished Chrome is created by electroplating raw brass and polishing it to a high-shine, mirror-like finish. Its cool blue undertones add brightness and contrast, making it a popular choice for clean, modern spaces.
This finish is durable and resists tarnishing, corrosion, and surface wear with proper care. Polished chrome hardware performs especially well in high-moisture areas like bathrooms or near sinks, where humidity is a factor.
To clean, gently wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using chemical or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish over time.
Venetian Bronze
Sometimes referred to as Valencia Bronze, is made from raw brass that’s been electroplated with a deep, oil-rubbed bronze finish and sealed with a high-grade lacquer. This finish is dark and rich, typically showing subtle copper undertones that come through along the edges or with wear, giving it a naturally aged, slightly rustic appearance.
Due to the lacquered coating, the color remains stable over time, though slight burnishing may occur in high-contact areas. It’s a versatile finish that pairs well with both traditional and transitional spaces.
To clean, gently wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid chemical or abrasive cleaners to protect the lacquer.