Read below to find out more information on how to maintain your Antique Brass light fixtures so they stay looking fresher for longer! 

Why does Antique Brass turn green? 

 

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Our Antique Brass range is not to be confused with the ‘natural’ Brass range.

Although our Antique Brass range are made from solid brass and will not rust, these fittings are also plated with an antique brass colour to achieve the desired effect, as Brass is naturally gold in colour. This plating film will eventually fade and/or peel away, over time, allowing for the solid Brass metal finish to weather into an authentic Antique Brass fitting.

Each architectural material has a different response to aging. This aging process occurs when material comes into contact with Water, Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide overtime.

Rather than rusting, Brass materials incur a natural patina process which is ultimately a much darker brass look with alot of black around the edging of the product. In some cases, the possibility of a green, blue or brown film being adapted during the oxidation of the material over a long period of time.

The Patina Effect is not a fault, but rather a benefit and a nod towards long-lasting exterior lighting. Unlike rust, which corrodes the iron elements in brass materials, patina creates a layer of protection on the outer surface of Brass Materials which assists with the preservation of the material.

However, we do not recommend our Antique Brass range for Coastal areas. The natural ‘weathering’ on the antique brass plating is accelerated near Coastal areas and the desired finish is no longer achieved over time.

Coastal environments expose fittings to increased levels of salt and moisture in the air. These conditions accelerate the natural oxidation and patina process associated with solid Brass. However, an Antique Brass finish will develop an irregular and prematurely aged appearance, which is considered an ‘unnatural transition’ of this brass finish rather than a product defect, therefore deemed unsuitable for coastal applications.

Antique Brass Cleaning

Overtime, your exterior Antique Brass light fixtures will be collecting dirt, dust and debris and therefore will require light maintenance to ensure they remain in the right shape, without damaging the natural Patina. Havit Antique Brass Light fixtures are best cleaned and maintained with a soft rag, some cleaning polish and slight 'elbow grease'.

There are many commercial products as well as homemade remedies, including those made with vinegar and lemon juice. When cleaning the fittings, it is important to be gentle and careful by not using abrasive cleaners and cloths, as this may scratch the brass.

Click HERE to download the PDF article.