Why Chose Brush Nickle
Brushed Nickel has long been trending in Australian homes for door handles and cabinet handles. According to some leading interior designers, this trend is predicted to continue.
Brushed Nickel with its honeyed grey tone, closely matches Stainless Steel but offers a warm and subtle alternative. Brushed Nickel is especially suited to modern, contemporary environments with a sharp emphasis on the design aesthetic. The finish can also blend in well to a more traditional setting.
Being similar to stainless steel, this means Brushed Nickel can beautifully complement other architectural hardware finished in Satin Stainless Steel finish like an entrance pull handle or a flush pull. It is also very similar to Satin Nickel except for the fact that “Brushed” Nickel has very fine lines in the finish.
Brushed Nickle Finish
Brushed nickel is nickel that has been finished by etching it with a wire brush or similar tool to give the metal a textured look. This texture gives brushed nickel a warm tone and creates an interesting interaction of light and shadow on the metal's surface.
Satin Nickel is considered the same as Brushed Nickel in appearance although the process and maintenance is different. The Satin Nickel finish may show a smoother appearance with minimal signs of abrasions. Whereas the Brushed Nickel will have a stronger intricate brush stroke finish.
The Satin Nickel finish is nickel plating on brass that has been dulled and lacquer coated. Satin Nickel is sometimes referred to as brushed nickel. It is similar in appearance to brushed stainless steel or brushed aluminium.
Polish Nickel
Polished Nickel much like polished chrome except with a honeyed grey tone has the mirror finish appearance. Polish Nickel will sit well with polish brass features. Offering a dazzle appearance. The polished surface will reflect finger prints and blemishes easily.
Rust Resistant
Nickel is resistant to rust and also other types of corrosion. When the handle is made of brass the brush nickel coating will not rust. However if the handle is made of steel and the brush nickel coating is scratched to expose the steel, rust will eventually result.
Copper and Zinc
Brushed nickel is a material made up of copper, zinc, or nickel, which is a silvery-white metal used to manufacture non-ferrous alloy and steel. It is produced by the use of a wire brush or a similar brushing tool, which creates small consistent grooves on the metal.
Cleaning
Brushed Nickle, like Satin Chrome is easier to maintain and clean than polished chrome since it doesn't show fingerprints and water spots.
Don't use abrasive, alcohol-based, acid or solvent-based cleaners on brushed nickel. These cleaners can damage the finish.
Although vinegar does contain acid, you can dilute it for use on stubborn mineral deposits if other methods haven't worked.
Fill a large bowl with 2 parts vinegar and 1 part warm water. Using a clean cotton rag, wet and apply to the handle. Generally wipe the door handle clean.
Brushed nickel is extremely durable and tends to keep its finish longer than chrome.
Tarnish
Unless lacquer coated, polished nickel and brushed nickel handles will naturally tarnish over time, particularly in humid environments, such as bathrooms. This patina can be periodically be removed with a soft cloth and a liquid soap and water or a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar.
Warm Finish
Offered in both modern and traditional families, Nickel is a cool metal. However, the brushed look gives it a hint of warmth. Brushed Nickel fixtures can create a soft, yet modern, effect.
Pewter
Brushed Nickel and Pewter are different finishes. Pewter has a more duller and more greyish appearance. Along the lines of concrete.
Pewter is tin, antimony and copper. Some people are sensitive to copper, but not normally to pewter. However most pewter items are certified lead free. Some pewter has nickel in it and some does not.
Nickel Allergy
Nickel allergy is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. An itchy rash that appears where your skin touches a usually harmless substance. Nickel allergy is often associated with earrings and other jewellery. But nickel can be found in many everyday items, such as coins, zippers, cell phones and eyeglass frames.
Brushed Nickel Door Handles
We have a number of suppliers offering a brushed nickel finish. Tradco would have the largest range available of door handles,, hinges, cabinet handles. Zanda also offer a range of BN (brushed nickel) door handles and accessories. Designer Doorware offer brushed nickel on some of their door handles. View our door handles here
