Armac Martin has been producing their craft in solid brass cabinet hardware and accessories in the heart of England since 1929. They offer such beautiful, luxurious finishes in their suite of hardware, from satin nickel to aged brass and matt black to dark bronze. As a handcrafted kitchen company, we have had the absolute pleasure of working with Armac Martin products and incorporating them into our handmade kitchen projects and beyond to other areas of the home.
This British company is an award-winning fourth-generation family business and a leading name in the luxury interiors industry. Their exceptional design and exquisite detail are shown throughout each of their products, showing just how favoured they are by architects, designers, property developers and customers worldwide.
We take the tips from Armac Martin and show you the best ways to clean and care for your brass products to ensure they look beautiful for years to come and maintain their elegant touch.
Armac Martin Queslett Knob & Cotswold Pull in Satin Antiqued Satin Lacquer – Hitchin Project
Understanding Armac Martin’s Brass Finishes
Choosing brass for your home is a design statement, and it’s a wonderfully adaptable material that offers a wide range of finish options that can transform the look and feel of any space. Armac Martin offers three different brass finishes: natural living, lacquered and plated. Each finish brings its own unique charm that will preserve its beauty over time.
At the design stage of your new home project, your chosen brass cabinet hardware will be selected, and its appeal will likely lead your decision, but it’s important to consider how the finish will perform in daily life. Kitchens and bathrooms are high-use areas, which should be factored into the choice of your brass finish.
Brass Living Finish
The brass living finish is often referred to as unlacquered brass, ageing gracefully over time and developing a natural patina as it reacts with air and moisture. This interesting process gives the brass a rich, organic character that evolves with its surroundings. We are thinking of the stunning patina located in a rich traditional kitchen.
It is the perfect finish for homeowners who appreciate a more authentic, timeworn look. A brass living finish brings a unique charm, darkening and changing through regular use.
Each hardware piece will age differently, and it’s where the patina is influenced by factors such as the environment and how it’s handled that affects it. For a continued look throughout the space, coordinate with other unlacquered brass elements like taps and lighting.
The finishes in the collection:
- Aged Brass (BEL)
- Aged Copper (AGC)
- Dark Aged Brass (DAB)
- Burnished Brass (HBB)
Armac Martin Queslett Cup Pulls & Knobs Burnished Brass – Haynes Project
Armac Martin Queslett Range Burnished Brass – Ashwell Project
Brass Lacquered Finish
The lacquered finish is created by applying a clear protective coating to the solid brass, preventing it from the oxidising process when exposed to air and moisture. The added layer helps preserve the brass’s natural beauty, making lacquered finishes an ideal choice for those who prefer a low-maintenance option. Your hardware will retain its colour and shine over time.
The finishes in the collection:
- Brass Lacquered (PBL)
- Satin Brass Lacquered (SBL)
- Satin Brass Satin Lacquered (SBSL)
- Matt Black Lacquered (MBL)
Armac Martin Gaumont Range in Satin Antiqued Satin Lacquered – Hitchin Project
Armac Martin Quinton Pull in Satin Lacquered Satin Brass – Bar in the Barn Project
Armac Martin Gaumont Range in Matt Black Lacquered – Walk-in Wine Room
Brass Plated Finish
To get the brass-plated finish, a thin layer of metal such as chrome or nickel is applied by electroplating. The process achieves a smooth, uniform surface that is resistant to tarnishing when exposed to moisture. The special plating also shields the brass from oxidation.
You can accomplish a modern interior with plated nickel and plated chrome. The plated nickel offers a soft, warm silver tone, while plated chrome brings a cooler, blue-tinged finish.
Plated finish hardware is ideal for high-traffic spaces like kitchens, utility rooms and bathrooms.
The finishes in the collection:
- Polished Nickel Plate (PNP)
- Polished Chrome Plate (PCP)
- Hand Burnished Nickel (HBN)
- Satin Nickel Plate (SNP)
- Satin Chrome Plate (SCP)
- Aged Nickel (NBP)
Armac Martin Queslett Cup Pulls & Knobs Satin Nickel – Hertfordshire Project
Care & Maintenance for Each Brass Finish
Brass Living Finish
To care for brass living finishes, use a soft, lint-free cloth rather than abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface – this is for regular cleaning. For more of a deeper clean, a damp cloth paired with a mild detergent can be used occasionally. Always ensure the hardware is thoroughly dried afterwards to prevent any discolouration.
Brass Lacquered Finish
To care for the lacquered finish, it is recommended that you gently clean the brass hardware with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Always ensure the hardware is thoroughly dried afterwards to avoid any potential staining and to keep the finish looking its best.
Brass Plated Finish
To care for a plated finish, you only need to gently wipe the hardware with a soft, lint-free cloth. For occasional deeper cleaning, use a mild detergent with a damp cloth or a quality metal polish. Again, be sure to dry the hardware completely afterwards to prevent water spots or staining, maintaining its pristine appearance.
Armac Martin Gaumont Range Satin Chrome – Digswell Project
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Opting for Armac Martin hardware is an investment in timeless style. To maintain their pristine condition, follow these simple care tips to preserve the beauty within. We are sure there’s a finish to suit, and if you’re unsure which finish to go for, the team at Planet Furniture is happy to help guide you to the right one for your interior.
