Bathroom accessories in brass or steel?

Brass is the metal that we at IdeArredoBagno use to produce all our bathroom accessories. This choice comes from many reasons but certainly the main one is linked to the properties of brass in a humid environment and in contact with water.

Brass, in fact, is an alloy that does not rust, if worked well, it allows the accessories to last for decades without losing their brightness and original beauty.
Steel is another material with elevated properties, which is widely used in architecture and knows less frequent use in the field of design and furniture.

Let's find out together the strengths and weaknesses of these two metals to understand how to make the best choices for the home and furnishing of your spaces.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS AND TREATMENTS

Brass is a well-workable copper-zinc alloy that is often used in bathroom accessories, often chromed or painted.
The galvanizing is done through the bath of the elements in special tanks with which a thin layer of chrome is applied to the surface of the brass. The film is a few microns, but if done properly it has a very high resistance.
The chromium used today is trivalent chromium, superior in safety compared to the old hexavalent chromium. This makes today's chromium plating safe for both humans and the environment.

The varnishing of the brass is instead mainly made of powder in special ovens: in this case the layer of paint on the surface is slightly higher than that of the chrome plating but the effect is still very elegant.

Steel is an iron-carbon alloy, a material that in recent years has revolutionized the world of architecture and construction. Minor is its use in the field of furniture, design and bathroom furniture.
The steel according to its characteristics is classified in: 304 steel, 316 steel and AISI 316 / L steel.

COSTS

Brass is very simple to produce when compared to steel (therefore cheaper).
Brass can be easily worked to turn it into bars, profiles and boxes. The main cost is that related to the mold (the shape) to give to the object: the liquid brass will be poured into the mold to obtain the best shape for the desired piece of furniture.
Another advantage of the brass is the easy processing of the printed product: cutting, threading, welding and surface treatments with the appropriate machinery are relatively simple and economical.

The steel must be turned or dug to work it.
As the characteristics of the metal increase, however, it becomes increasingly harder (with consequent processing difficulties) and the costs increase.
The objects produced for bathroom furniture will therefore necessarily have higher costs than brass.

FINISHES

Steel is not colored and is used naturally with its characteristic satin color.
The reason why steel is left natural is that there is no paint or adhesion that can grip its surface.
If you find it colored steel, be very careful: the surface layer will have such a fragility that it will come off after a few steps.

Brass is instead suitable for chrome-plating or painting. The most famous treatments are chrome, gold or bronze but also the painting, which has been enriched in recent years with new shades, pastel, black & white in shiny and satin versions.
Those who want color, but also black & white will find more choice in the brass range available in many more colors than steel.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

Both the brass and the steel need cleaning measures: both can be scratched so abrasive sponges must be avoided and wet cloths must be moved for cleaning before removing the dirt on the surface.
It is also very important to avoid spraying any type of detergent directly on the metal parts, it is much better to clean the bathroom accessories with a damp cloth soaked in detergent (never corrosive or abrasive) diluted with water.
Always clean the detergent residues from the surface and rinse well after each step. For both metals it is important to avoid corrosive products or containing hydrochloric acid or bleach.

RENEW THE BATHROOM, EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE

If you plan to renovate your bathroom it is important to know these two metals because they are the best you will find on the market for bathroom furniture.
IdeArredoBagno since 1990 has been manufacturing bathroom accessories and brass floorplanes because we believe it is the best material (quality and price) for home and bathroom furnishings.

For any curiosity you can contact us without obligation: our craftsmen will give you all the explanations you want on products, materials, workmanship, guarantees and maintenance.
In short, death life and miracles of your new accessories!

FIND OUT MORE:

Bath accessories in bronzed brass

Space Saving Floor Lamps