Often, solid brass door hardware is sold as the best option; and often it is the best option, however, as with everything in life, there are pros and cons or drawbacks to every product and every option. This is not saying that solid brass door hardware is a bad choice; it is simply informing you of the drawbacks that the product does have.
Drawbacks of Solid Brass Hardware
1. Tarnishing, Colour Change & Patina Formation
Although solid brass has a classic look, it readily oxidises over time — especially if unlacquered — leading to tarnishing and colour changes. Many homeowners either embrace the patina or have to polish regularly to maintain a bright finish.
2. Higher Price Point
Brass is considerably more expensive than many alternatives (like zinc alloy or stainless steel), both in raw material cost and finished hardware style.
3. Softness of the Metal
Brass is softer than steels, meaning it’s more prone to surface dents, scratches and bending under heavy use (e.g., in commercial environments or high-traffic areas).
4. Maintenance Needs
To keep their shine and appearance, brass handles often require regular cleaning and polishing — and harsher cleaners or abrasive tools can damage finishes (something Atlantic UK advises against).
5. Weight
Brass is a dense metal — heavier than some alternatives — which can be a benefit for feel but potentially a drawback on very lightweight doors or in shipping costs. In some instances this may mean that a heavy duty latch or lock will need to be used to withstand the wieght of the prduct, therefore increasing the cost slightly.
6. Environmental Sensitivity
While solid brass resists corrosion better than many alloys, in very harsh environments (e.g., coastal salt-laden air) even brass finishes can tarnish or change faster than stainless steel alternatives without protective coatings.
View a range of solid brass hardware here.
Quick Practical Takeaways
| Aspect | Solid Brass (Pros) | Solid Brass (Drawbacks) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance & Feel | Rich, warm, substantial feel | Requires polishing to maintain shine |
| Durability | Corrosion-resistant compared to some alloys | Softer metal — dents/scratches easier |
| Maintenance | Can be long-lasting | Regular care and cleaning needed |
| Price | Long lifecycle value | Higher upfront cost |
| Suitability | Great for traditional/home settings | Less ideal for super-humid/coastal environments |
Reviews & Practical Feedback
Whether you purchase solid brass door hardware from Carlisle Brass, From the Anvil or Atlantic UK, the results will be the same if the product is unlaquered and not coated. The finish will slowly tarnish over time(years), but the product will feel heavy and durable.
Atlantic UK note that while their solid brass hardware will last many years in “normal” external conditions, in coastal or high-salt environments corrosion/tarnish is still a concern unless protected with coatings. Click here for further details of their range of unlaquered solid brass hardware.
From the Anvil state, this finish will continue to oxidise and age as it is an unlacquered finish, meaning it will darken over time. If the product becomes tarnished or too dark, it can be restored to brighten the finish. They recommend polishing with a dry cloth or alternatively using ‘Brasso’, which assists with the cleaning of solid brass products.
The photo below shows Atlantic UK’s Old English Harrogate Mortice Knob in Unlacquered Solid Brass. View the product here: Old English Harrogate Mortice Knob in Unlacquered Solid Brass
Comparison to other base materials
If you would like to understand more about Brass compared to other materials like Zamak, read on here: https://atlanticbase.dev-version.website/does-the-base-metal-make-a-difference-why-are-door-handles-made-of-brass/
Solid Brass hardware is not a bad product, and often is used in the most high-end ironmongery products created. However, for a durable and lasting product, usually a coating or lacquer would be a sensible route to prevent the material from tarnishing or degrading over time. Otherwise, careful maintenance and care with polishing and cleaning can maintain the product.
