Cart is emptyWhen you’re shopping for “brass” hardware, it’s worth knowing that the word covers two very different things. Some products are solid brass all the way through; others are a cheaper base metal with a thin brass coating on the surface. They can look identical on day one — but they don’t age the same way at all.
The difference
Solid brass is brass throughout. It’s substantial, doesn’t rust, wears gracefully, and if it’s unlacquered it develops a natural patina over time that many people prize. It lasts for decades and can be restored if it’s ever knocked about.
Brass-plated hardware is usually steel or zinc with a thin brass finish. It’s cheaper, but the plating can wear or flake over time, exposing the base metal underneath — and once that happens, it can corrode. What looked like brass starts to look tired and patchy.
How to tell them apart
- Weight. Solid brass is noticeably heavier than plated alternatives of the same size.
- A magnet. Brass isn’t magnetic. If a magnet sticks firmly, there’s a magnetic base metal under the surface — a sign of plating. (This isn’t foolproof, as some plated items use non-magnetic bases, but it’s a useful quick check.)
- Wear points. On older plated items, look at edges and high-contact areas where the finish may have worn through to a different colour.
Why it matters
For something you touch every day and want to last, solid brass is the sounder investment. It costs more up front but doesn’t need replacing, and it only looks better with age.
Everything in our brass ranges is chosen for quality and longevity. If you want hardware that lasts, browse our solid brass collections, or get in touch if you’d like to check the specification of a particular product.