In a world of perfectly uniform finishes and mass-produced hardware, more designers, joiners and homeowners are rediscovering the appeal of materials that age naturally over time.
One of the most distinctive examples is unlacquered brass, often referred to as a living finish.
Unlike sealed finishes, which don’t change much as they’re used, living brass is intended to evolve. Like nature, it responds to touch, air, moisture and time, gradually developing a rich patina unique to its environment. This means no two products are the same once they are fitted to a door or window and people start using them.
Sealed vs Living Brass
When choosing brass hardware, there are two very different approaches to finish.
Sealed Finishes (Lacquered)
Sealed or lacquered brass finishes are designed to maintain a consistent appearance with minimal visual change over time.
The protective coating helps preserve the original colour and shine, keeping it more uniform.
Unlacquered Brass (Living Brass)
Living brass is left unlacquered, allowing the material to naturally age and develop patina.
This means that rather than resisting change, the finish embraces it.
Over time, the brass deepens in tone, softens in sheen, and develops subtle variations that reflect its surroundings and use.
No two pieces will ever age in exactly the same way.
Understanding Brass Patina
Brass is a living material.
When left unlacquered, it reacts naturally with the environment, gradually developing a surface patina that adds depth and warmth.
This process is not a flaw or deterioration – it is a mark of authenticity that tells a story.
From warm golden tones to deeper ambers, browns and even subtle green undertones, unlacquered brass creates an evolving finish impossible to replicate artificially.
It tells a story through time, touch and use.
What Influences Patina?
The development of patina is shaped by both the product’s environment and how people use it.
Humidity & Moisture
Higher levels of moisture can accelerate ageing, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms and coastal properties.
Air Quality
Pollutants and airborne compounds can deepen colour and create richer finishes over time.
Touch & Use
Natural oils from hands create areas of contrast, warmth and burnishing, particularly on frequently used hardware.
Sunlight
Exposure to light encourages subtle oxidation and tonal variation across the surface of the product.
The result is hardware that reflects both place and use, ageing naturally alongside the building itself.
Why Designers and Homeowners Love Living Brass
Patina introduces something many modern finishes lack: authenticity.
It brings:
- Warmth
- Texture
- Depth
- Character
Living brass softens clean architectural lines, complements natural materials, and adds a sense of craftsmanship to a space.
In heritage properties, it feels historically correct.
In contemporary spaces, it introduces contrast and individuality.
And because no two pieces age identically, every installation becomes unique.
That unpredictability is precisely the appeal.
The EDWIN Approach to Brass
The EDWIN collection has been developed around the beauty of authentic living finishes, with Antique Brass Unlacquered acting as the hero finish of the range.
Rather than using heavily coated or artificial finishes, EDWIN embraces the natural evolution of brass.
The result is hardware that not only looks authentic on day one, but continues to develop character for years to come.
