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Polished Chrome vs. Chrome Plated Brass

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

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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
2006

Thanks for your feedback. It is much appreciated.

K Pendergrast
- Washington, DC
2006

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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

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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
February 8, 2012