Polished brass
Polishing brings out the warm reflection of brass and follows the shape of a balustrade, a piece of furniture or a small detail. To achieve a mirror finish, we carefully prepare the metal and assess with you the protection best suited to its use.
Polished brass is produced through several stages of mechanical polishing that create a mirror surface. It is the most reflective finish and shows fingerprints and marks most clearly: to keep it bright, it can be protected with a clear coating, or allowed to change and periodically refreshed with suitable products.
How a mirror polish is achieved
Polishing requires successive stages and attention to every part of the piece. Marks from fabrication and welding are first removed with increasingly fine abrasives; soft discs and brushes, together with polishing compounds, then bring the surface to a mirror finish.
Careful preparation is reflected in the final result: even a scratch or a slight ripple becomes visible on a polished surface. We therefore consider the finish when designing shapes, with radii and edges that the operator can reach easily during polishing.
Brass lends itself well to this finish: it is a ductile alloy that develops a warm yellow reflection when polished.
Brass balustrades and handrails
The spiral brass balustrade engineered, manufactured and installed by YDF on the internal staircase of a high-fashion boutique: reflections follow the form of the curved surfaces.
Why it darkens and how it is protected
Without protection, polished brass oxidises: it first loses its shine, then darkens, starting in the areas touched most often, as perspiration accelerates the reaction. The change happens faster in humid environments.
To maintain the polish, a clear protective coating is applied to isolate the metal from air and moisture. As long as it remains intact, the reflection changes little; where the surface is rubbed constantly, such as on a handrail, the coating wears sooner and should be checked over time.
The alternative is uncoated polished brass, which is allowed to change and periodically refreshed with metal care products. It is a living material that shows use: this decision should be made during design, because it changes the maintenance requirements.
Polished brass in the collection
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.
Where polished brass works best
Balustrades and handrails
On the curves of a staircase, the reflection follows the form. The finish needs protection and inspection at hand-contact points.
Profiles and details
Frames, edges and slender profiles: polishing makes them stand out alongside matt surfaces, wood or stone.
Furniture and objects
Lamps, displays and accessories that are looked at more than touched, where fingerprints matter less.
Five questions before choosing a polished finish
A polished finish works best when it is considered from the start of the design.
- How often will it be touched? Handrails and handles wear through their protective coating sooner.
- Where will it be installed? Humidity and outdoor environments accelerate oxidation.
- How do you want it to change over time? Suitable protection helps preserve the reflection; without a coating, brass evolves and requires different care.
- What will it reflect? A mirror surface reflects its surroundings: nearby lights, colours and materials.
- How will it be cleaned? With a soft cloth and a neutral detergent, never using abrasives on the coating.
Polished brass: frequently asked questions
Does polished brass darken?
Yes, if unprotected: air, moisture and hand contact cause it to lose brightness and darken, starting in frequently touched areas. An intact clear coating greatly slows this change.
Is a protective lacquer needed?
If you wish to preserve the original reflection, we assess a clear protective coating suited to the piece and its use. Without a coating, brass evolves over time and can be refreshed with products suitable for the metal. This choice should be agreed during design, because it also changes the type of maintenance required.
Does polished brass scratch?
Like any mirror surface, it shows scratches and fingerprints more than a matt finish. For surfaces touched frequently, satin brass with a clear protective coating or bronzed brass can be considered, as they conceal signs of use more effectively.
Project, sector and other finishes
Assess the polished finish on a sample
Tell us about the piece, where it will be installed and how often it will be touched. We assess the polished finish and maintenance requirements with you, through a technical review and, where needed, a finish sample.