Bespoke brass finishes
Brass features in many of our projects for the warmth of its colour and the variety of surfaces it can offer. We fabricate bespoke sheet-metal elements, tubes and profiles and finish them in-house, from polished and burnished finishes to textured surfaces. You choose the finish on a sample before production.
We have developed a substantial part of our sample collection on brass. In our departments, it is cut, press-brake formed or folded using VIVO METALFOLDING®, welded where required and carefully finished. Where specified, we complete the finish with a clear coating to protect the tone chosen on the sample; for other surfaces, the natural evolution of the metal is part of the desired result.
An alloy of copper and zinc
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, sometimes with other elements such as manganese, iron, aluminium or tin added to improve its mechanical properties and strength. It is ductile, malleable and resistant to corrosion, which is why it has been used in furnishings and architectural details for centuries.
The starting colour depends on the alloy: more copper gives a warmer, reddish yellow, while more zinc creates a lighter yellow. Exposed to air, moisture and contact with hands, unprotected brass darkens and loses its shine. This is a natural surface reaction that finishes can either use or prevent.
Finishes work on this surface. Some make it polished or matt through mechanical processes, others darken it with a chemical treatment, while others add relief and texture. On satin and burnished brass, the final step is a protective liquid or powder coating.
From our sample collection
Surfaces and variants photographed by YDF. Open an image to see the full sample.
An organic raised texture formed by overlapping almond shapes, like petals or smooth pebbles. Made on real brass polished to a champagne tone, it plays with the light in deep, velvety reflections, creating a precious, sculptural surface with a handcrafted character.
An uneven, subtly shaded texture, with marks and colour variations that recall old metal shaped by time and natural oxidation. Made on real brass, it creates a surface with an authentic, timeworn appeal, rich in history and character.
Irregular islands scattered across a smooth, even background. Made on real brass with crisp, clearly defined erosion, then bronzed to create a distinctive surface with strong contrasts.
A linear texture of short, staggered horizontal incisions, reminiscent of stitching. Made on real brass, then satin-finished and bronzed to a warm tone, it creates an ordered yet supple surface with an understated, refined appeal.
A texture of softly contoured grooves that create a regular, luminous rhythm across the surface. Made on real brass and then bronzed, it produces an elegant finish with an architectural character.
A texture of softly contoured grooves that create a regular, luminous rhythm across the surface. Made on real brass and then bronzed to a warmer tone, it produces an elegant finish with a rich warmth.
An uneven, irregular texture, worked by hand to recall the untreated surface typical of cast metal pieces. Made on real brass and then bronzed, it creates an authentic, textured finish with both a primal and an industrial appeal.
An uneven, irregular texture that recalls the untreated surface typical of cast metal pieces. Made on real brass and then bronzed to a light-to-medium tone, it creates an authentic, textured finish with both a primal and an industrial appeal.
A texture of staggered vertical bands, reminiscent of the warp of a handwoven fabric. Made on real, naturally finished brass, hammered by hand and left to age over time, it creates a rhythmic, deeply textured surface with an authentic, timeworn appeal.
A cloudy-effect finish with soft, irregular tonal variations reminiscent of a hand-applied patina. Made on real brass bronzed to a dark tone, it creates a deep, timeworn surface with a discreet, tactile appeal.
A cloudy, non-directional surface in light bronzed tones that create a soft, shifting play of light. Protected to preserve its luminosity over time, it brings a gentle, refined elegance to interiors.
A non-directional surface with a cloudy effect in richer, deeper bronzed tones. This protected finish plays fluidly with the light, bringing depth and character to interiors.
A cloudy-effect finish with soft, irregular tonal variations reminiscent of a hand-applied patina. Made on real brass bronzed to a dark tone, it creates a deep, timeworn surface with a discreet, tactile appeal.
A texture of intersecting diagonal incisions that form a network of small diamonds. Made on real brass and then bronzed, it creates an ordered, three-dimensional surface with both classical and contemporary appeal.
A texture of milled dots arranged in a dense, precise pattern, reminiscent of technical perforations in industrial metal. Made on real brass and then bronzed, it creates a minimal, rigorous surface that brings together technical precision and refinement.
A texture of patches and fine cracks, created through random chemical erosion that recalls old plaster worn by time. Made on real brass and then bronzed to a dark tone, it creates a subtly shaded, textured finish with an ancient, timeworn appeal.
A bronzed surface antiqued by hand using a cloth, with a subtle direction visible in the application. The warm shades, each different from the next, create depth and an authentic appeal shaped by the unrepeatable movement of the craftsperson's hand.
A bronzed surface antiqued by hand using a cloth, with dark, flame-like tones flowing across the surface. The rich shades, each different from the next, create depth and an authentic appeal shaped by the unrepeatable movement of the craftsperson's hand.
A texture of irregular tesserae, reminiscent of a stone mosaic or reptile skin. The brass is hammered by hand, then prepared and bronzed to create a three-dimensional surface in cool, weathered tones, rich in movement and character.
A texture of irregular tesserae, reminiscent of a stone mosaic or reptile skin. The brass is hammered by hand, left in its natural state and free to age, creating a three-dimensional surface in warm, weathered tones, rich in movement and character.
A pronounced, uneven texture, worked by hand to recall the untreated surface typical of cast metal pieces. Made on brass deliberately left raw and untreated, it evolves naturally over time through spontaneous ageing.
A texture of elongated hexagons arranged in slightly staggered vertical rows, like a stretched honeycomb. Made on real brass and then bronzed to a dark tone, it allows fine golden lines to emerge against the dark background, creating a deep, tactile surface.
A texture of elongated hexagons arranged in slightly staggered vertical rows, like a stretched honeycomb. Made on real brass left in its natural state and free to age, it creates a softly sculptural surface with delicate reflections between champagne and olive, and an authentic, timeworn appeal.
A vertical ribbed texture, more widely spaced and airy than classic plissé, that lightens the pattern while retaining its tailored feel. Made on real brass and then bronzed, it creates an elegant, luminous surface with a more open graphic rhythm.
Brass with a directional hammered texture, satin-finished and bronzed, then protected with a clear coating. The working process creates a play of light and shadow in golden-brown tones, bringing out the depth and tactile character typical of aged brass.
A satin-finished surface with a directional grain, in medium bronzed tones that create a bright, vibrant effect. An elegant finish that brings balance and refinement to each detail.
A satin-finished surface with a directional grain, in deeper, more intense bronzed tones than the medium version. An elegant, rich finish that brings warmth and a distinctive character to interiors.
A crosshatched texture with a broader, more pronounced spacing than the finer version, reminiscent of tartan or raw canvas. Made on real brass and then bronzed, it creates a refined, tactile surface with the appeal of both textiles and worked metal.
An organic, irregular texture that recalls the cratered surface of the moon. Made on real bronzed brass, it creates a textured, weathered surface with an authentic, primal appeal.
A texture of irregular tesserae, reminiscent of a stone mosaic or reptile skin. Brass sheet with a standard embossed pattern is bronzed and protected with a clear coating, creating a vibrant, three-dimensional surface rich in movement and character.
A directional satin finish with a circular pattern that draws fine, continuous arcs across the surface, like movement held still. Made on real brass, then satin-finished and bronzed to a dark tone, it catches the light in soft, deep reflections for a refined, rich finish with an understated appeal.
A directional satin finish with a circular pattern that draws fine, continuous arcs across the surface, like movement held still. Made on real brass, then satin-finished and bronzed to a medium tone, it allows bright golden reflections to emerge for a refined, luminous finish.
A texture of fine, closely spaced, regular vertical incisions, reminiscent of pinstripe fabric. Made on real brass and then bronzed, it alternates dark backgrounds with bright lines in an understated graphic rhythm with a tailored character.
A fine, regular vertical ribbed texture, reminiscent of pleats in fine fabrics. Made on real bronzed brass, it catches the light in a shifting interplay of golden and dark brown tones, creating an elegant surface with a strong graphic character.
A fine, regular vertical satin finish that gives the surface a silky, even appearance. Made on real brass, satin-finished and protected with a clear coating, it reflects the light softly and diffusely, creating a bright, understated finish with a clean, refined character.
A fine, regular vertical satin finish with a silky appearance. Made on real brass, then satin-finished and bronzed to a dark tone, it creates a deep, rich finish.
A fine, regular vertical satin finish with a silky appearance. Made on real brass, then satin-finished and bronzed to a very dark tone, it creates a rich, discreet finish.
A fine, regular vertical satin finish with a silky appearance. Made on real brass, then satin-finished and bronzed to a light tone, it creates a warm, luminous finish.
A fine, regular vertical satin finish with a silky appearance. Made on real brass, then satin-finished and bronzed to an olive tone, it creates an understated, restrained finish.
A texture of small almond shapes arranged in a dense, organic pattern that catches the light with vibrancy. Brass worked with a small almond motif and then bronzed creates a warm, tactile surface.
A collection of standard brass tubes with a bronzed finish, featuring different surface treatments: fluted, twisted, braided and ribbed. They offer versatile, tactile solutions for furnishing details. Each variation enhances the characteristic play of light of bronzed brass, with a refined, sculptural character.
A geometric texture of diagonal intersections that gives the Scottish tartan pattern a contemporary interpretation. Made on real brass and then bronzed, it creates an elegant, structured surface with a bold, refined graphic character.
A dense crosshatched texture, reminiscent of the weave of canvas or linen. Made on real brass and then bronzed, it creates a refined, tactile surface with the appeal of both textiles and worked metal.
A dense, regular grid texture, made up of small repeated units that create a crisp geometric pattern. Made on real brass and then bronzed, it produces a surface with a clean, contemporary graphic character.
Brass with a non-directional finish, nickel-plated and protected with a clear coating. The fine, non-directional grain diffuses the light softly, creating a discreet olive-grey surface with an understated, contemporary character.
Appearance, process and use
For each finish: how it looks, how it is achieved and where we recommend using it.
| Finish | Appearance | How it is made | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polished brass | Bright yellow with a mirror reflection | Several mechanical polishing stages using different compounds, followed by a final polishing pass | Balustrades, handrails, profiles and visible details |
| Polished nickel finish, polished chrome finish | Bright reflective silver, warmer for nickel and cooler for chrome | A final electroplated finish following mechanical polishing | Profiles and visible details |
| Satin brass | Warm matt yellow with a fine, uniform grain | Satin finishing and a final protective coating | Furniture and displays, cladding, various profiles and tubes |
| V-cut satin brass | Satin finish on folded sheet metal, with sharp, continuous edges | Sheet-metal folding, followed by satin finishing and a final protective coating | Boxes, cladding and furniture with clean edges |
| Satin gold, light satin gold | Matt with a linear grain, in a deeper or lighter gold tone | A final electroplated finish following satin finishing | Furniture elements, handles, various profiles and tubes |
| Burnished brass | Golden brown with visible brushing and metallic reflections | Burnishing, different brushing processes and a protective coating | Furniture, cladding, profiles, handles and dark-toned details |
| Light bronzed brass, bronzed brass, dark bronzed brass | Brown tones recalling bronze, from light to dark | Bronzing brass, satin finishing and a protective coating | Display cases and stands, handles, profiles, shelves and various types of cladding |
| Clouded bronzed brass | Bronzed with lighter and darker veiling | Bronzing brass, several satin-finishing and fine non-directional clouding stages, followed by a final coating | Various types of cladding, including cabinet fronts, doors and furniture objects |
| Antique brass | Matt grey-brown with an aged appearance | Aged by hand bronzing, then protected with a clear coating or wax | Details with an aged or antique tone |
| Vintage brass | Shifting golden-to-brown tones with a weathered effect | Brass deliberately aged through hand-bronzing stages, generally left unprotected | Handles and vintage-toned details |
| Ribbed brass, sculpted brass, cast-bronze-effect texture | Relief surfaces: lines, waves and geometric patterns, hammering and etching, through to grains recalling cast metal or marks found in nature. | Hand-hammered, machine-milled or commercially sourced textured brass, subsequently bronzed and/or coated by us | Cladding, profiles, handles and decorative details |
| Bespoke decorative brass: Circles, Flowers, Geometry | Perforated sheets with bespoke patterns | Laser cutting to the design, followed by finishing | Decorative panels and screens |
| Bronzed brass profiles, custom shaped brass profile, round shaped brass, V-cut folding | Bespoke profiles and shaped pieces in various finishes | Cutting, bending or folding to the design, followed by finishing | Surrounds, edges, frames and furniture profiles |
A closer look at some finishes
A closer look at four brass finishes: how they are made, how they change over time and what to consider for your project.
Burnished brass
Burnishing, brushing and protective lacquer: a dark tone that lets the metal show through.
Oxidised and antiqued
Aged, mottled or weathered effects, created through a semi-controlled process and then protected.
Satin and brushed
Two matt finishes compared: grain, reflections, fingerprints and uses.
Polished brass
Mirror polishing and how to protect it from oxidation.
First the form, then the finish
Many finishes are chosen alongside the fabrication process. For satin V-cut brass, the sheet is first V-groove-folded to create sharp edges without joints, then satin-finished and protected. This keeps the finish continuous across the edges.
The same applies to laser-cut sheets, shaped profiles and tubes cut using a 3D tube laser: generally, we make the piece first, then finish it in our department.
- Sheets folded with VIVO METALFOLDING®, including large formats
- Custom laser-cut decorative panels
- Bespoke shaped profiles and tubes
- Welds dressed before finishing
How to clean finished brass
These guidelines apply to finishes protected by a clear coating. For unprotected pieces or particular uses, ask our technical office how to care for the surface.
- A soft cloth and water with a neutral detergent, then dry thoroughly.
- No abrasives: rough sponges, scouring pads and polishing pastes damage the lacquer and the finish's grain.
- No solvents or harsh products such as descalers and bleach, which can stain the surface.
- No metal polishes on dark, antiqued or textured finishes: they would remove the effect.
- Contact points: protective coatings wear sooner on handrails, handles and worktops; choose the finish using a sample.
- Unprotected brass: it continues to darken; you can let it change or restore its brightness with suitable products.
Brass projects
A spiral balustrade for a high-fashion boutique, bronzed brass jewellery display cases and a bespoke chandelier with a gold finish.
Brass in your projects
Retail and luxury stores
Satin brass display units, bronze-finished brass jewellery cases, bespoke furniture and display cases.
Staircases, railings and balustrades
Brass balustrades and handrails made to drawings, such as the spiral balustrade in a high-fashion boutique.
Bespoke handles
Trama Brass handles in light and dark bronzed brass, and the brass textures of the Materia collection.
YDF Monolith
Zaffiro, the satin brass monolith celebrating YDF's history.
Brass: frequently asked questions
How is burnished brass achieved?
Through a chemical burnishing treatment that darkens the surface. In our finish, this is followed by brushing to bring out the metal's reflections, then a final protective coating. Learn more about burnished brass.
Brass oxidises over time: how can it be protected?
Yes: unprotected brass darkens through exposure to air, moisture and contact with hands. To maintain the selected tone, it is protected with a clear coating, as we do for satin and burnished finishes; the coating must then be cleaned without abrasives. Oxidised and antiqued brass.
What is the difference between satin and brushed brass?
Both are matt finishes: satin has a fine, even grain and a soft sheen, while brushed brass has a more pronounced linear grain with a visible direction. The terms often overlap, so it is best to choose based on a sample. Satin and brushed.
Do you produce finish samples?
Yes. We produce a finish sample before production to agree its colour and appearance with you. You can request samples through the form, specifying the metal, finish and intended use.
Can brass be folded after finishing?
We normally bend first and finish afterwards: for satin brass V-cut, the sheet is V-groove folded, then satin-finished and protected, keeping the finish uniform across the edges. If a project starts with prefinished sheets, we assess it case by case with our technical office.
Request brass samples
Tell us the finish you have in mind, the type of piece and where it will be installed; attach a drawing if available. Our technical office will assess your enquiry and provide a quotation, including a finish sample when the project requires one.
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- +39 031 782114
- info@ydf.it