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Polished Nickel vs Chrome, and Our Other Finishes

Chrome and polished nickel are both bright, mirror-like finishes, and on a website they can look almost the same. In a real bathroom the difference is warmth.

Chrome

Chrome is a cool, blue-white mirror with crisp reflections. It suits white tile, marble and clean modern rooms.

Polished nickel

Polished nickel is also a mirror finish, but with a warm, slightly champagne silver tone. It's softer than chrome and sits well with cream and warm whites.

Matte nickel

Matte nickel is brushed: a soft grey-silver with a fine grain and gentle highlights.

Brass: lacquered or living

  • Supercoat Brass is polished brass sealed with a protective lacquer. It keeps its bright gold color.
  • Polished Brass is the same bright brass without lacquer, so it slowly darkens and develops a patina.
  • Satin Brass is unlacquered brass with a fine brushed grain.
  • Raw Brass is unlacquered brass with a smooth, low-sheen surface.

Our lacquered vs unlacquered brass guide explains how the unlacquered finishes age.

Dark finishes

Oil Rubbed Bronze and Satin Black are dark, even, low-sheen finishes that stand out against white tubs and pale walls.

Warranty and care

Chrome, nickel and Supercoat finishes are warrantied against manufacturer's defects for 5 years. Oil Rubbed Bronze, Satin Black and all unlacquered brass finishes should be inspected before installation, because they're warrantied only before use. See our warranty for the details.

For every finish, wipe with a dry or lightly damp soft cloth, and never use scouring pads, brushes, bleach, acetone or other harsh chemicals. Our brass care routine covers the rest.

Choosing

Want bright and cool? Chrome. Bright and warm? Polished nickel or Supercoat Brass. A finish that changes over time? Unlacquered brass. Every faucet page shows the finishes it comes in.

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