Chrome and brushed nickel tapware, both finishes have some differences, and you should consider durability, maintenance, and design before choosing the finish for your bathroom faucets or kitchen sink mixer taps. We will uncover these differences in this blog, which will help you to decide the best finish for your tapware.
Chrome and Brushed Nickel – Both Are Corrosion-resistant
Brushed nickel and chrome are both durable finishes and corrosion-resistant. However, both are vulnerable to deterioration depending on the finish applied to the metal and its care and cleaning.
In humid areas like the bathroom, brushed nickel can accrue a milky white tarnish over time with exposure and age. Water and white vinegar solution or other mild cleaner and a soft cloth will help eliminate tarnish. To remove hard tarnish, polish brushed nickel fixtures with metal polish or paste wax; however, checking your manufacturer’s care instructions before selecting products is vital.
Chrome is vulnerable to damage if the finish is improper or may get scratched due to incorrect cleaning. Once chrome is damaged or cracked, it loses its preventative abilities and becomes vulnerable to rust and corrosion. If it does occur, it would need deep cleaning.
Brushed Nickel – A More Durable Finish!
Brushed nickel is one of the most durable finishes available, and it can keep its look longer than chrome. The finish is incised with a metal brush to make the matte sheen, and then it is coated with a lacquer to shield it from wear. Due to incorrect cleaning over time, it wears. Never use abrasive cleaners; they can damage brushed nickel tapware and change the matte finish. Use mild solutions and soft sponges or cloth for cleaning.
Brushed Nickel Can Conceal Water Marks & Fingerprints Better Than Chrome
The textured nature of a brushed finish can hide fingerprints and watermarks well enough. Shiny and bright chrome is inclined to step up such everyday spots, needing more persistence to keep the glow. Rub a piece of waxed paper over chrome fixtures so that the trivial residue left behind does not show fingerprints and water spots.
Chrome Is Inclined to Be Brighter and More Reflective, While Brushed Nickel Has A Hushed Shine
Chrome is a modern choice, while brushed nickel can provide a traditional look and feel.
Brushed nickel is more muted, with a bit of a matte visual aspect, treated with a wire brush to dull the shine with texture.
Polished chrome is bright and lustrous, reflecting light from its surface due to chrome electroplating over the base metal.
Chrome Demands More Maintenance
Chrome is a soft metal that can get scratched easily. That’s why chrome needs more tender, loving care than its matte rival. Never use chemical cleaners, including bleach, harsh scrubbers like steel wool, and ammonia-based products. Use ordinary soap and water; alternatively, you can use water and white vinegar in a one-to-one ratio (this solution will also work on brushed nickel). Apply using a non-abrasive sponge or cotton cloth, and an old soft toothbrush can be handy for hard-to-reach crevices, then rinse and dry.
Moreover, you can use chrome polish to enhance its shine, but ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Chrome & Brushed Nickel – Both Are Affordable!
Both chrome and brushed nickel are affordable finish options; however, based on the style and manufacturer of the fixture, the price may somewhat differ. Generally, both options are more cost-effective than other finishes, such as oil-rubbed bronze and polished brass.
The Bottom Line
We hope the above details help you decide which finish best suits your kitchen sink and bathroom tapware. If you are after an appealing, affordable finish option, you can’t go wrong with chrome or brushed nickel!
If you need help selecting between chrome or brushed nickel tapware or matt black or brass tapware, call Paradise Kitchens at 02 9757 4400 or Contact Us, and our expert and friendly team will gladly assist you!
