Polished Brass Hardware

Polished Brass Art Deco Lever on Rose Set, from our current range.

What is polished brass?

Polished brass is a bright, high-shine finish that gives ironmongery a warm golden lustre, closer to the natural colour of brass metal than any other finish on offer. It has been the classic choice for door and window furniture since the Georgian era, and remains instantly recognisable as the finish most associated with traditional and period properties.

Because it is a bright, reflective finish, polished brass tends to show fingermarks and everyday wear more readily than a satin or aged finish, and many manufacturers now offer a lacquered version to slow the natural process of tarnishing over time.

Where polished brass suits

• Georgian and period properties – the traditional, most historically authentic finish choice
• Formal interiors – the bright shine suits grander, more formal room settings
• Restoration projects – often chosen to match original polished brass fittings found in a property

Choosing polished brass hardware

A few practical points are worth checking before you buy:

• Lacquered or unlacquered – a lacquer coating slows tarnishing but will eventually wear, while unlacquered brass ages naturally and can be re-polished
• Maintenance – polished brass shows marks more readily than other finishes and benefits from regular cleaning to keep its shine
• Consistency – use the same manufacturer's polished brass across a project where possible, since tone can vary slightly between ranges

Related products

Browse our current range in Lever Handles, or see the related Satin Brass and Antique Brass finish guides.

Frequently asked questions

Does polished brass tarnish?

Unlacquered polished brass will naturally darken and tarnish over time, which some people like for the character it develops. Lacquered versions slow this process considerably, though the lacquer will eventually wear.

Is polished brass hard to keep clean?

It shows fingermarks and dust more visibly than a satin or matt finish, so it benefits from more regular wiping down, particularly on frequently touched items like door handles.

What's the difference between polished brass and satin brass?

Polished brass has a bright, mirror-like shine, while satin brass has a warmer, low-sheen finish that shows marks less readily. See our Satin Brass guide for more detail.

Back to the Hardware Finishes Guide, or explore the full Knowledge Centre.