Summary for chrome plated brass Discussion
Chrome plated brass is the safer long-term choice in this thread. K Pendergrast asked whether polished chrome or chrome plated brass would fade, tarnish, or corrode faster on clawfoot plumbing fixtures. Ted Mooney, P.E. replied that chrome plated brass should prove excellent in all regards, while warning that “polished chrome” does not mean much because nothing is made of solid chrome as a structural material. He noted that the base metal may be cast iron, brass, or even aluminum, and said he doubted cast iron or aluminum would be as good as brass in any respect. The practical takeaway is that the quality of the underlying metal matters, and brass is the preferred substrate for durability and corrosion resistance in this context.
I’m looking to purchase clawfoot plumbing fixtures that are chrome. Some of the options are Polished Chrome and Chrome Plated Brass. Of the two, which fades/tarnishes/corrodes quicker? Which is better for long term?
K Pendergrast
Home Owner – Washington, DC, USA
2006
Chrome plated brass should prove excellent in all regards.
“Polished chrome” unfortunately doesn’t mean much; nothing is ever made out of solid chrome, as it is not a useful structural material. You don’t know whether this clawfoot is cast iron or brass (or even aluminum), and I doubt that cast iron or aluminum is as good as brass in any respect.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
2006
Thanks for your feedback. It is much appreciated.
K Pendergrast
– Washington, DC
2006
Q. In the midst of some bathroom renovationss and have seen cabinet door handles advertised as both “chrome” and “polished chrome”. Is there a difference in the finish or color – it was difficult to see any difference in the store? Could this be one manufacturer’s term for a particular base layer process? Thanks.
Duane Drayson
buyer – Winnipeg, MB, canada
February 8, 2012
Hi, Duayne. In the absence of modifiers such as “brushed” or “satin”, I would expect all chrome to be of mirror-like “polish”, and one item to be just about indistinquishable in finish from another. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
February 8, 2012