Faucet Industry Finish Processes

A variety of finish options are available for faucets. We will focus on their characteristics, advantages, and considerations:

Electroplating:

Electroplating is a widely used technique due to its ability to produce durable, decorative, and corrosion-resistant finishes. It allows for metal finishes to be applied to faucets, ranging from shiny chrome and brushed nickel, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences and functional requirements.

Material: Applied directly onto brass.
Characteristics: Can provide a shiny, mirror-like finish that resists corrosion and tarnishing. Chrome finishes are easy to clean and maintain, making them a popular choice for contemporary and traditional bathrooms alike.
Advantages: High durability against water damage and scratches. Standardized appearance ensures easy matching with other bathroom fixtures.
Considerations: Can be susceptible to fingerprints and water spots, requiring regular cleaning to maintain its shine.

Living and Non-Living Finishes:

Living finishes (other than stainless steel), are uncoated or without a sealant for the designed intention to look old and worn over time. Sometimes called organic or architectural finishes, these are favorites in many vintage restorations. Without an added protective coating, they are allowed to age in their natural state. The finish will oxidize over time with use, adding character.

Non-finished stainless steel is considered a non-living finish.

Lulani uses high-quality 304 Stainless steel which does not require a finish to protect the material. Stainless steel has good corrosion resistance, is naturally lead-free, and contains some antimicrobial properties. They are typically very durable; however, the surfaces can dull over time depending on the environmental factors involved and how well they are cared for.

Powder Coating:

Powder coating is essentially a paint in powder form being dispersed using a low-velocity spray gun. The gun applies an electrostatic charge to the powder particles as they are sprayed onto the grounded faucet.

The positively charged powder particles are attracted to the negatively charged faucet surface, creating an even and uniform coating.

The coated faucets are then baked in an oven which bonds the powder giving the coating its durability, reducing the risk of scratches, chipping, abrasions, corrosion, and fading.

Powder coating and painted coatings are considered "semi-durable" – not as robust as electroplated or PVD finishes and requiring more care to maintain a like-new appearance. The most frequent source of damage to powder and paint coatings is over-aggressive cleaning, so Lulani's detailed care instructions should be closely followed.

Material: Powdered pigments applied electrostatically and cured under heat.
Characteristics: Wide range of color options including metallic and matte finishes. Powder coatings are durable and resistant to scratches and fading.
Advantages: Customizable colors allow for unique design statements. Offers more color choices than traditional metal finishes.
Considerations: While durable, powder coatings can chip if subjected to rough handling or sharp impacts. Care must be taken to prevent damage during installation and use.

Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD):

This technology has gained popularity because it creates a very durable finish in a variety of color options.

A rod of the metal (chromium, titanium, zirconium, or other metal) is added to a chamber of unfinished faucets. The rod is heated to a temperature that dissolves it into a cloud. Individual atoms are drawn to the faucets by a negative electrical charge after mixing with the reactive gases in the chamber to get the color and finish effect that is desired.

The atoms are deposited in a very thin layer (2 to 5 microns thick) resulting in a dense and extremely hard finish. In abrasion tests, PVD finishes were found to be 10 to 20 times more scratch-resistant than standard electroplated chrome.

Material: Thin film deposition of metals like titanium, chromium, or zirconium. This process can be used on brass or stainless-steel faucets.
Characteristics: Extremely hard and scratch-resistant finish available in various colors and textures, including polished, satin, and matte.
Advantages: Superior durability compared to traditional electroplating. Offers a high-end aesthetic with excellent wear resistance.
Considerations: Cost is typically higher due to the advanced technology involved. Requires careful handling during installation to avoid damage to the finish.

Oil Rubbed Bronze Finishes:

There are a variety of processes that can be used to achieve an oil rubbed bronze finish for faucets. They typically involve several steps to create a distinctive look that mimics aged bronze with an oil-rubbed appearance. Below are the details outlining a typical process:

Preparation of the Base Material:

The faucet undergoes thorough cleaning and polishing to ensure a smooth and uniform surface.

Application of Base Coats:

A base coat, often composed of layers of copper or bronze plating, is applied to the cleaned surface of the faucet. This base layer provides a foundation for the subsequent finishes and enhances the richness of the final color.

Application of Chemical Patina:

To achieve the characteristic darkened and aged appearance of oil rubbed bronze, a chemical patina solution is applied over the base coat. Black oxide or various chemicals such as sulfur or potassium sulfide could be used.
After the patina has been applied and allowed to react, the faucet is hand-rubbed with abrasive pads or steel wool. This step enhances the antique appearance by selectively removing some of the patina, highlighting edges and high points while leaving darker areas in crevices.

Sealing and Protection:

Once the desired finish is achieved, the faucet may undergo a sealing process to protect the surface from further oxidation and to improve durability. This may involve applying a clear lacquer or wax coating.

Final Inspection and Quality Assurance:

Each faucet undergoes a final inspection to ensure the finish meets quality standards and matches the desired oil rubbed bronze appearance. Any necessary touch-ups or adjustments are made before packaging.

Advantages: Adds richness and depth to bathroom decor, ideal for creating a statement piece or focal point.
Considerations: Variability in shades can make matching with other bathroom accessories challenging. Regular maintenance may be needed to preserve the finish's appearance.

The oil rubbed bronze process results in a unique finish that combines a rich, dark color with subtle variations in tone and texture, often found in antique or vintage settings. This finish adds a sophisticated and timeless touch to bathroom and kitchen faucets, complementing a wide range of interior styles from traditional to contemporary rustic designs.

Maintenance and Longevity:

Each finish option requires different levels of maintenance to preserve its appearance and durability.
Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is generally recommended for most finishes, while abrasive cleaners should be avoided to prevent damage.
Understanding the care requirements of each finish helps homeowners maintain their faucets' aesthetics and functionality over the long term.

By offering a diverse range of finishes tailored to different materials and design preferences, Lulani ensures that homeowners can find the perfect faucet finish to complement their bathroom style while meeting their durability and maintenance needs.