G Johns Finishes & Materials Guide

Choosing ironmongery for your home may seem like a small detail, but it can greatly influence your space's overall look and feel. Since handles are items we use daily, it's worth selecting the right materials and finishes that complement your design style and meet your functional needs. In this guide, we'll explore the most popular door handle finishes and materials to help you make an informed choice.

 

 

Brass

Brass is an alloy made from copper and zinc, offering warmth, durability, and corrosion resistance. Brass is a great choice for both interior and exterior doors. We offer brass door handles in a variety of finishes: 

• Antique brass provides a vintage, weathered look that adds character to traditional or period-style homes. Avoid harsh cleaning products or brass polishes, as these can damage the finish.
• Polished brass is bright and reflective, working well with traditional and modern decor. It can come lacquered for added protection or unlacquered for a natural look that develops a patina over time. Simply polish it occasionally to maintain its shine.
• Satin Brass offers a subtle sheen with visible brush marks, perfect for contemporary designs. Routine cleaning with a damp cloth is recommended to keep satin brass door handles looking their best.
• PVD Brass (Physical Vapour Deposition) is created by coating metal in a vacuum chamber, producing a highly durable, corrosion-resistant finish with a glossy appearance. Often used on fire-rated products made from stainless steel such as hinges, locks, and latches.

Bronze

Most of our bronze products are made from solid brass, which is then coloured in either a matt or dark finish. A protective lacquer is then applied on top to help maintain the finish.

• Matt bronze and dark bronze has a non-reflective surface, delivering a soft, understated look that pairs well with contemporary styles. A simple wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap will keep it clean.

 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is prized for its sleek, modern appearance and excellent resistance to corrosion and rust. Thanks to its non-porous surface, stainless steel is ideal for areas exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms or coastal homes. 

Here are the key finishes available:

• Satin stainless steel has a grainy, brushed texture for a more understated, less reflective finish. It works well with various colour schemes and requires minimal maintenance—just a wipe with a damp cloth.
  
• Polished stainless steel offers a mirror-like, glossy surface that adds a contemporary, sophisticated touch to any space. Occasional polishing will keep it looking pristine.

Chrome

Chrome handles are renowned for their sleek, reflective appearance and durability. Chrome plating offers excellent corrosion resistance and is a popular choice for both modern and traditional interiors. Below are the two main chrome finishes:

• Polished chrome has a highly reflective, mirror-like surface for a contemporary, stylish touch to any room. This finish is incredibly versatile, pairing well with various design styles. To maintain polished chrome, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and buff it occasionally to keep it gleaming.
• Satin chrome has a softer, brushed texture with a low gloss finish, offering a more subtle alternative to polished chrome. Its understated look works beautifully in modern, minimalist designs. Like satin stainless steel, satin chrome is easy to maintain with a regular wipe-down using a damp cloth.

 

Nickel 

Nickel is a durable, versatile material that works well in a variety of interior styles, offering a more subdued shine compared to chrome. Nickel door handles are a fantastic choice for both traditional and modern spaces. Here are the finishes we offer:

Polished nickel has a smooth, reflective surface with a warmer tone than chrome, making it perfect for blending with both contemporary and classic designs. It pairs beautifully with neutral tones and adds an elegant touch to any room. To maintain its gleaming finish, simply clean it with a soft, damp cloth and buff it dry.

Satin nickel offers a muted, brushed texture with a soft sheen, providing a more understated, matte look. This finish works particularly well in modern, minimalist, or transitional interiors. Satin nickel is easy to maintain—just wipe it down with a damp cloth to keep it looking fresh.

 

Ready To Find Your Perfect Handle Finish?

Selecting the right door hardware involves more than choosing a door handle style. Factors like material durability, maintenance requirements, and how the finish will complement your overall design must be considered. Create a unified look throughout your home by carefully selecting your door handle finish.

Need further advice on how to choose the right door hardware? Discover our guide that delves deeper into the different types of door handles available. 

Are your door handles suddenly sticking? We talk through the causes and how to fix it. 

For more information about all things ironmongery, contact us today.