I installed modern brass fixtures in our guest bath about two years ago. Honestly, they're pretty low-maintenance—haven't polished them once. Definitely easier than matte black, which drove me nuts with fingerprints...chrome's still king for practicality though.
"Definitely easier than matte black, which drove me nuts with fingerprints...chrome's still king for practicality though."
Haha, I feel your pain on the matte black fixtures—fingerprint city! I installed them once for a client who insisted on the sleek, modern look. They were gorgeous at first glance, but man, every little smudge stood out like a neon sign. Ended up spending more time wiping down fixtures than actually fixing the plumbing issue itself.
Brass can be pretty forgiving, especially if it's lacquered or treated. Just keep an eye out for any signs of corrosion or discoloration around connections or joints. Even though you haven't had to polish yours yet (which is great!), it's always good practice to periodically check for leaks or drips—brass fittings can occasionally loosen over time due to temperature fluctuations or minor vibrations.
Chrome is definitely the practical choice if you're looking for low-maintenance and durability. It's easy to clean, resists corrosion well, and replacement parts are usually widely available. But, speaking from experience, make sure you choose quality chrome fixtures. I've seen cheaper chrome-plated fittings start peeling or flaking after just a couple of years, and that's a headache nobody wants to deal with.
Also, quick tip: whatever finish you decide on, don't overlook the internal components. Sometimes people get so caught up in aesthetics they forget about valves and cartridges. Go for reputable brands that offer solid warranties and replacement parts. Trust me, it'll save you from emergency plumbing calls down the road (and that's coming from someone who makes a living off those calls, haha).
Good luck with your project—hope you find something that looks great and doesn't drive you nuts cleaning-wise!
Good points on chrome being practical, but just a quick heads-up from experience:
- Chrome is easy to clean, sure, but water spots can still be annoying if your water's hard.
- Matte finishes look great initially, but yeah... fingerprints and smudges everywhere.
- Brass is forgiving, but double-check if it's lead-free—especially important for kitchen fixtures.
- Whatever you pick, don't skimp on internal parts. Cheap valves or cartridges can cause leaks down the line.
Better safe than sorry with plumbing stuff. Learned that the hard way myself...
Good tips, wish I'd seen this sooner. Went for matte black last year—looks fantastic but man, those smudges drive me nuts. Also seconding the valve advice, had a cheap cartridge fail after just 6 months... lesson learned.
"Went for matte black last year—looks fantastic but man, those smudges drive me nuts."
Haha, totally feel you on the matte black struggle. Quick tip: a soft microfiber cloth and a bit of mild dish soap diluted in water usually does the trick without damaging the finish. As for valves, yeah, cheap cartridges can be a nightmare. I've found ceramic disc cartridges to be way more reliable—cost a bit more upfront, but worth it to avoid headaches down the road. Good luck!
