The Brutal Truth About Unlacquered Brass Light Switches
I honestly can’t stand the word “patina” anymore. It’s become a hollow marketing buzzword used to sell things that look old but feel like hollow tin. If you’re shopping for unlacquered brass light switches because you saw a pristine, golden kitchen on Pinterest, we need to have a quick reality check.
The Quick Reality Check
- It changes: Raw brass reacts to air and touch; it will not stay shiny yellow.
- Speed: In high-traffic spots, you’ll see tarnish within 2–3 weeks.
- Maintenance: Zero if you like character; high if you want it to look “new.”
- The build: Real solid brass is heavy, cold to the touch, and built for decades of use.
What Is Unlacquered Brass?
Most brass hardware found in big-box stores is “lacquered”—meaning it’s been sprayed with a clear plastic coating to freeze the color in time. Unlacquered brass is raw, solid metal with no protective layer.
At PlatePrestige, we leave our brass raw because a “living finish” has a soul that plastic-coated metal can’t replicate. The second it’s exposed to air or the oils on your thumb, it starts to oxidize. It deepens into a moody, brownish-bronze.
Most people notice the change first on brass light switch covers and toggle caps because they are handled constantly.
The Aging Timeline
I was at a project in Battersea last Wednesday—Sarah’s place—and her toddler had been “helping” in the kitchen with a bottle of Bar Keepers Friend. Her brass plates looked like a neon tie-dye shirt because the cleaner stripped the aging right off in random streaks.
I told her to just leave it. Within about six to eight weeks, the air will dull it back down anyway. That’s the part most people miss: it’s a constant, beautiful cycle of the metal trying to “heal” itself.
| Timeframe | Appearance | Impact of touch |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Bright, polished gold | Shows fingerprints immediately |
| Week 3 | Subtle “shadows” appear | Darker edges where the air hits |
| Month 2 | Warm, buttery gold/tan | High-touch toggles stay brighter |
| Year 1+ | Deep, “old-money” bronze | Beautiful, natural contrast |
Bathrooms and High-Humidity Zones
If you put these in a bathroom, the humidity can make them go dark fast. In a steamy ensuite, unlacquered brass can turn a deep, almost purple-black within a few months, depending on your ventilation and how often the switches are touched.
If you’re installing a US 3-way switch setup in a bathroom, be prepared for the plates near the shower to age significantly faster than the ones by the door.
Maintenance: Cleaning vs. Polishing
The biggest mistake I see is people trying to “fix” a tarnish spot with the abrasive side of a green Scotch-Brite sponge. Don’t do this. You’ll etch permanent scratches into the metal that look like a toddler went at it with a compass.
Cleaning (daily): Use a soft, damp cloth with mild soap. Avoid ammonia-based glass cleaners or acidic cleaners, as they create ugly, uneven streaks.
Polishing (restoring shine): If you decide the “dark” look isn’t for you, use a dedicated polish like Brasso. This is a chemical “reset” that takes the metal back to day one.
The “living” rule: Most of the time, the best thing you can do is absolutely nothing.
Lacquered vs. Unlacquered: Which Should You Buy?
Still on the fence? Here is the breakdown.
Choose lacquered if:
- You want a consistent, “perfect” gold tone that never changes.
- You don’t want to think about cleaning, fingerprints, or aging.
Choose unlacquered if:
- You want “old soul” character and visible contrast.
- You’re okay with water spots and uneven aging as the metal develops its story.
Why We Build Hardware This Way
We live in a world of “disposable” everything. Plastic switches, gold-painted zinc, and faux-textures. Choosing raw, heavy, unlacquered brass is a bit of a middle finger to that.
If you want a finish that evolves naturally over time, start with the right foundation: solid brass light switch covers that are built for daily use and real homes.
FAQ: Common Questions on Raw Brass
1. Does unlacquered brass turn green?
Rarely indoors. “Verdigris” (the green look) usually requires heavy salt air or constant outdoor rain. Indoors, it typically darkens into a rich brown/bronze.
2. Can I use it near a kitchen sink?
Yes, but expect “splash spots.” Water drops can leave small pale circles. Most people find this adds to the charm, but Type A personalities might find it maddening.
3. Is it hard to install?
No, it installs like any standard switch. However, I always tell electricians to wear clean gloves—oily fingerprints from installation can leave marks that take weeks to blend in.
