I totally get what you mean about matte black—looks amazing, but the upkeep is real. I went with brushed nickel for our kitchen, and honestly, it's been pretty forgiving with fingerprints and water marks. Haven't tried brass yet, but I'm tempted. Has anyone noticed if brushed brass holds up better in high-traffic spots like kitchens versus bathrooms? Just curious if it's worth the switch or if it's more of a style thing.
Brushed brass is definitely more about the look than durability, at least in my experience. Here’s what I’ve noticed after installing a bunch of these:
- Brushed brass hides fingerprints better than polished brass, but not quite as well as brushed nickel. Water spots can still show up, especially if you’ve got hard water.
- Kitchens tend to see more abuse—grease, acidic stuff from food, constant wiping. Brass finishes can tarnish or develop patina faster there unless you’re on top of cleaning.
- Bathrooms are usually less harsh, but if you’ve got a lot of humidity or use strong cleaners, the finish can still wear down over time.
- Some brands do a better job with their protective coatings. If you go for brass, check if it’s PVD-coated—that’ll help it last longer.
Honestly, if low maintenance is your top priority, brushed nickel’s still the winner. Brass looks great though... just expect to baby it a bit more if you want it looking new.
Totally agree on the PVD coating—makes a huge difference. I’ve seen cheaper brushed brass stuff start to spot and dull in just a few months, especially near sinks. If you’re flipping or renting, nickel’s just less hassle. But yeah, that brass look is hard to beat for style.
If you’re flipping or renting, nickel’s just less hassle. But yeah, that brass look is hard to beat for style.
I get the appeal of brass, but honestly, I’ve had way fewer headaches with brushed nickel. My last place had a “budget” brass faucet and it looked rough after just one year—water spots everywhere. PVD coating helps, but does it add a lot to the cost? I’m always torn between spending more upfront or just accepting I’ll need to replace things sooner. Anyone tried spray-on clear coats as a DIY fix, or is that just asking for trouble?
PVD definitely bumps up the price, but in my experience, it’s worth it if you want brass that actually lasts. I tried a spray-on clear coat once—looked decent for a few months, then started peeling around the handles. Ended up being more work than just cleaning water spots. If you’re worried about cost, sometimes you can find solid brass fixtures secondhand and refinish them. Less waste, and they hold up better than the cheap stuff.
