Lacquered vs Unlacquered Brass: How Each One Ages

By Bhavini Khullar | Founder, Byaas | Adjunct Professor, Montclair State University

Short answer: Lacquered brass has a clear protective coat that slows tarnish and needs less care. Unlacquered brass develops a patina over time and can be polished back to brightness whenever you choose.

Two identical brass candle holders can look completely different after five years in two different homes. The reason is almost always lacquer. It is one of the most useful things to understand before you buy brass, and one of the least explained.

What lacquer is

Lacquer is a clear protective coating applied over the metal. It seals the surface from air and moisture, which slows the natural darkening of brass. Many brass finishes can be lacquered, and the same form can often be offered both ways.

How lacquered brass ages

A lacquered piece keeps its finish for a long time with very little effort. Over the years the coating can wear in places that are handled often, and the brass underneath may then darken in spots. When that happens, the old coating can be stripped and the piece re-lacquered, which is one reason solid brass is so good at lasting.

How unlacquered brass ages

Bare brass reacts with air and touch. It deepens in tone, darkens first where it is handled and develops a soft, lived-in patina that many people love. Nothing is lost along the way: a dedicated brass polish used once or twice a year will restore the original brightness if you prefer it.

Which to choose

• Busy homes, kitchens and high-traffic areas: lacquered, because it needs the least care.

• Hotels, restaurants and shops: lacquered, brushed or antique, because they hide fingerprints and stay consistent across many pieces.

• Bars, libraries and rooms with a lived-in character: unlacquered, where patina adds to the mood.

• Bright, modern rooms: lacquered, to keep the finish the way it arrived.

Caring for each

For both, dust with a soft, dry cloth. For a deeper clean, wipe with a slightly damp cloth and mild soap, then dry right away. Avoid abrasive cleaners, vinegar, lemon and the dishwasher. On lacquered pieces, skip polish and stay with soap and water. Our guide to cleaning brass candle holders has the full method.

If you are developing a product

Decide lacquered or unlacquered deliberately, because it changes how your customers care for the piece. Ask for finish samples both ways and review them in daylight. Our custom finishes guide explains the wider options, and the brass finish guide covers how each surface looks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lacquered brass solid brass?

It can be. Lacquer is a coating applied over the metal, so a solid brass piece can be lacquered or left bare.

Can unlacquered brass be lacquered later?

Yes, a piece can be cleaned and sealed. It is usually done by a professional so the surface is prepared properly.

Does lacquer last forever?

No. It can wear over time, especially where a piece is handled often, but it can be stripped and reapplied.

Which needs less maintenance?

Lacquered brass needs the least care. Unlacquered brass develops a patina you can leave alone or polish back.

About the author

Bhavini Khullar is the founder and creative director of Byaas and an adjunct professor of Advertising Media Strategies at Montclair State University. She grew up in her family's metal workshop and has spent more than a decade studying audiences and how people decide what to buy. Byaas is where those two worlds meet.

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