With its timeless appeal and versatility, brass has long been a favorite material for adding a touch of elegance to any establishment, especially for bar areas and the hospitality industry. Because of this popularity, KegWorks carries a number of different brass and brass-appearing finishes for our architectural metal products, including bar rail, drink rail, and bar shelving.
Now, you may ask yourself, "What are the differences between these different brass finishes?” And you wouldn’t be the first because we get this question from customers pretty often. To help clear up any confusion, let’s take a look at the brass finishes KegWorks carries and the differences between them.
Polished Brass
Polished brass is the classic look you’ve come to know and love, with its gleaming, shiny appearance. KegWorks carries polished brass tubing and components for 1.5” and 2” OD bar rail and bistro-style brass pipe shelving, as well as matching service rail and purse hooks.
This finish is the most challenging when it comes to upkeep as it is the most susceptible to showing fingerprints, scuffs, and tarnish. We recommend applying a non-abrasive car wax for a shine that lasts and metal polishing cloths to keep it clean.
Polished brass will patina over time, a naturally occurring chemical process where oxidation occurs due to carbon dioxide and/or water exposure. Some customers want the patina to develop over time, but we offer a clearcoat finish as a special order option for those who prefer the polished shine to remain.
Brushed Brass
Our brushed brass or satin brass finish has all the hallmarks of traditional brass bar rail but requires a little less maintenance. We offer 1.5” and 2” OD tubing and components for bar rail in brushed brass, along with service rails and purse hooks.
The brushed finish can help hide imperfections that may be more visible on polished brass tubing, but it will still need to be wiped down with a wet cloth to keep it clean. Like polished brass, this finish will also patina over time. We can add a clear coat finish at your request to prevent oxidation from occurring.
Antique Brass
For those who can’t wait and want the look of patina brass right away, there’s our antique brass finish. This electroplated finish is applied to stainless steel for a long-lasting and durable option for bar rail. It has the appearance of aged patina brass to create a timeless look. Its warm, aged appearance creates a sense of nostalgia and sophistication, making it an attractive option for traditional and vintage-themed establishments.
We regularly stock 2” OD bar rail tubing and components, bar service rail, and coat hooks in antique brass. You can also get this finish by special order for drink rail and other architectural metal projects. Our electroplated antique brass finish will remain consistent throughout the lifespan of your fixtures and will not patina further. It can be easily cleaned with warm, soapy water and a cloth or sponge.
Misty Brass
Like our antique brass finish, misty brass is an ideal way to enjoy the look of brass without worrying about patina and some of the wear and tear. This powder coat finish is applied to stainless steel to achieve a look similar to brushed or satin brass. Misty brass offers a contemporary twist on a classic material, combining modern aesthetics with durability, versatility, and ease of maintenance. This is currently a special order option for all of our architectural metal products, including bar rail and drink rail.
Misty brass finish will remain consistent throughout the lifespan of your fixtures and will not patina over time. The only required maintenance is periodic cleaning with a cloth and warm, soapy water.
Electroplated Brushed Brass With Cerakote®
Our newest option for brass finishes is brushed brass with a Cerakote® coating. This is made from stainless steel with a brushed brass electroplated finish. A protective ceramic-based, thin-film coating of Cerakote® is then applied to help protect the metal's surface from moisture and wear and tear.
This is an excellent option for anyone who wants a brass finish for their drink rail because the Cerakote® prevents moisture from damaging it over time. Plus, since this is constructed from stainless steel and not brass, you can use this finish for custom radius drink rail, as it can be bent and welded to meet your design needs. Electroplated brushed brass with Cerakote® finish is available by special order and can take 6-8 weeks for delivery.
No matter your choice, adding brass is a surefire way to elevate the ambiance of any establishment. The best part is that KegWorks can match all the metal around the bar, including the bar rail, drink rail, service rail, shelving, purse hooks, and even decorative top rail. We encourage interior designers, architects, and construction professionals to contact us today, and we can set you up with samples of any of these finishes or provide you with a complimentary project takeoff.
Dave Buchanan
Dave Buchanan has been the Content Writer for KegWorks since June 2019. He has a fondness for craft beer that developed while working for a local beer distributor. Dave also worked for an area sports talk radio station for several years, and continues his broadcasting work as a motorsports announcer and indoor lacrosse reporter.
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