Brass at Eichholtz: Finishes, Patina and Care

Brass is the metal that most quickly reveals the signature of a furniture collection. It changes, it has tone instead of mere brightness, and it looks completely different in two finishes. Knowing which finish you are looking at also tells you how the piece will appear in five years.

The four finishes and what distinguishes them

Polished. High-gloss, reflective, shows every fingerprint. Appears strongest in light and requires the most care.
Brushed or satin. Fine, directional texture, calmer in reflection and significantly more suitable for everyday use, as marks are not immediately noticeable.
Antique. Chemically darkened, with emphasized depths. The tone is warmer and irregular, which is intentional and not a flaw.
Nickel-plated or chrome-plated. No longer a brass tone, but cool. Often offered in the same model, completely changing its character.

Lacquered or raw: the crucial question

Raw, unlacquered brass tarnishes. It darkens over months, unevenly and depending on handling, and this is precisely what gives it its charm. Lacquered brass retains its tone because a thin clear coat keeps air away. Both are valid, but they are two different products: if you desire patina, you should not polish, and if you wish to maintain the new condition, you should not choose raw brass. For candle holders and bowls, patina is usually desired, whereas for wall lights in commercial settings, it is often not, as thirty pieces should ideally look identical.

Cleaning without damage

For lacquered surfaces, a soft, slightly damp cloth and subsequent drying are sufficient. Polish, abrasive cleaners, and metal cleaners are inappropriate here; they attack the lacquer and leave dull streaks that cannot be removed. Raw brass can be brightened with a mild brass polish, though any polishing removes patina and resets the clock. What is always harmful: standing moisture, acidic cleaners, and ammonia.

Combining brass

Two rules have proven effective. First: one metal color per room as a guideline, with everything else subordinate. Second: if two metals are combined, ensure a clear distinction, for example, warm brass against dark iron or bronze, not brass against champagne. Warm brass pairs well with rugs in muted tones, mirror frames in the same finish, and stone slabs with a warm base color, such as travertine. Cooler marble, on the other hand, acts as a deliberate contrast, see marble.

How to recognize good craftsmanship

By the transitions. In clean work, tube and sheet edges are deburred, welds are smoothed, and the brushing direction is consistent across the entire piece. For luminaires, it is worth examining the back of the wall plate and the socket: this is where poor quality first becomes apparent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does brass darken?

Because unlacquered brass reacts with the air. This patina is normal and desired for many pieces. Lacquered brass retains its tone because a clear coat keeps air away.

How do you clean brass correctly?

Lacquered surfaces should only be wiped with a soft, slightly damp cloth and then dried. Polish and abrasive cleaners should not be used, as they permanently damage the lacquer.

Is it permissible to use brass and chrome in the same room?

Yes, if there is a clear distinction and one metal color serves as the guideline. It only becomes problematic when two similar tones are placed next to each other, such as brass and champagne.

Consultation by an authorized dealer

Casa Luxury is the interior world of an established, authorized Eichholtz specialist dealer. We are listed in the brand's official dealer directory and provide advice on material, finish, and delivery time, online as well as in our showroom in Essen. We answer questions about a specific piece at info@casa-luxury.de.