Aged brass care
Solid brass, shaped and aged by hand in Fez and built for everyday use. Finished with wax, not lacquer, it deepens slowly and can always be brought back. This guide covers our aged brass sinks, faucets and drains.
The finish is never locked in
Our aged finish sits in the middle: polish lightens it, time and use deepen it. You can move it either way, at any time.
Lighten it
A little brass polish, used lightly, softens the patina by a shade. More brings back bright gold.
Keep it as it is
Re-wax every 6 to 12 months for a soft sheen that slows the patina and holds the color.
Let it age
Simply use it. As the wax wears away, the brass mellows into a deeper, richer patina. That's a living finish, not tarnish to worry about.
How fast will it darken?
Slowly. While the wax holds, it stays close to the color it arrived in. Once the wax wears away, it deepens over months and years, not days. Daily use, humid rooms and hard water speed it up. Wiping dry and fresh wax slow it down.
Everyday care
- Day to day: a quick rinse and a wipe with a soft cloth keeps the tone even.
- Cleaning: warm water, mild dish soap and a soft cloth. That's all it needs.
- Standing water: don't leave water sitting in the basin for long.
- Every 6 to 12 months: re-wax if you like the waxed look, or whenever water stops beading.
How to wax
- Clean with mild soap, rinse and let the brass dry completely.
- Apply a thin coat of Renaissance Wax with a soft cloth, faucet and drain included. Let it haze a few minutes, then buff.
- One coat is enough. Add a second for a deeper sheen and more protection.
Carnauba wax or beeswax work too.
How to lighten it
- Put a little brass polish, such as Brasso, on a soft cloth. Test it where it won't show.
- Rub lightly in small circles, evenly all over. A light touch softens the patina by a shade.
- Rinse, dry, then wax to hold the new tone.
Polish removes the wax along with the patina, so always wax afterwards.
Bringing the aged look back
Polished it brighter than you meant to? It isn't one-way. Bare brass can be aged again with a brass ager, a brass aging solution, following the product's instructions. Then wax it to hold the tone.
Why we don't lacquer
On a sink used every day, lacquer scratches, and the brass darkens unevenly where it does. Wax renews in minutes and wears evenly.
What can change the finish
Brass is built to last. These only change how the surface looks, and each is easy to put right.
| What | Why it happens | How to put it right |
|---|---|---|
| Acids left sitting, like lemon or vinegar | Acid lifts the patina, leaving a lighter spot. The brass is fine. | It darkens again with time, or polish lightly all over and wax. |
| Bleach, drain cleaner and harsh sprays | Strong chemicals can leave dark or patchy stains. | Rinse well, lift the stain with a little brass polish, then wax. |
| Steel wool and scouring powder | They scratch the patina. A soft cloth cleans just as well. | Light scratches fade as the patina grows back over them. |
| Hard water, or water left sitting | Dried minerals leave white marks, standing water green spots. | Lift either with a little brass polish, then dry and wax. |
Questions about your brass?
Write to contact@terrafez.com and we'll reply within 24 hours, or call +1 (307) 533-6380. Brass and copper sinks are covered by our lifetime warranty.