Florentine Bronze - (FB)

What colour is Florentine Bronze?

Florentine Bronze is a dark brown colour with golden highlights and visible brush marks in the surface. Florentine Bronze is an applied finish used to give brass items an aged and tarnished look.

Are there any other colours similar to Florentine Bronze?

Yes, if you can’t find the item you are looking for in Florentine Bronze, the next closest option is Antique Brass

Florentine Bronze

Antique Brass

As you can see from the images above Florentine Bronze is a slightly lighter more golden finish then Antique Brass

What Are Florentine Bronze products made from?

Usually Florentine Bronze items will be made from solid brass but there are some exceptions such as some hinges and cabinet handles which are being made from stainless steel, Zinc alloy or Mazac. These products have a Florentine Bronze effect applied to them. Please check individual products to see what base material they are made from.

How is the Florentine Bronze finish produced?

A Polished Brass item is taken and satinised (“brushed”) during the final part of production using a satin wheel to give a brushed look to the product. The satin item is then usually dipped or coated in a liquid that causes the brass to false age, turning the brass a dark brown colour. A high quality clear lacquer is then applied to help protect and maintain the finish.

Are all Florentine Bronze items the same colour and pattern?

No due to the process of satinising and then individually aging each item, every Florentine Bronze item will have a slightly different brushed pattern and colouring, this is designed to add to the charm of the antique finish.

Are Florentine Bronze products suitable for outside use?

Yes since most of the Florentine Bronze items are made from solid brass which is a non-ferrous alloy (it contains no iron) Florentine Bronze products will not rust when fitted outside. However the lacquer coating will eventually breakdown.

Are all your Florentine Bronze products lacquered?

Yes all of our Florentine Bronze products (unless otherwise stated) are lacquered.

Can you preserve the lacquer?

Yes regular cleaning to remove dirt, finger prints and watermarks, with a wax based furniture polish such as beeswax, “Mr Sheen” or “Pledge” will help preserve the lacquer finish for as long as possible.

What happens when the lacquer starts to breakdown?

The brass will now start to become exposed to the air and will start to oxidise, eventually the Florentine Bronze finish will become even darker.

How to clean and maintain Florentine Bronze products

Florentine Bronze products should be cleaned regularly with a soft cloth and wiped over with a wax based furniture polish ideally beeswax, but products like “Pledge” and “Mr Sheen” work well too. Regular cleaning with furniture polish will help protect and maintain the lacquer.

Do not use any form of metal cleaner on new Florentine Bronze products as this will damage the lacquer.

Which companies supply Florentine Bronze products?

The Florentine Bronze is currently only made by Carlisle Brass

The following companies produce items in Antique Brass

Primalite
M Marcus
Frelan Hardware
Excel Architectural Hardware
Zoo Hardware
Fulton & Bray

What products are available in Florentine Bronze?

Florentine Bronze is becoming a very popular mainstream finish, products include:

Front door furniture
Door handles
Mortice door knobs
Hinges
Window furniture
Cabinet handles and cupboard knobs
Locks and latches
General accessories