What's the difference between brushed nickel and brushed steel?

Category: home and garden home appliances
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Brushed nickel is made of copper, zinc, and nickel, whereas stainless steel, is composed of 10.5% to 28% chromium, iron, and carbon. To create a brushed nickel, manufacturers use a wire brush or a similar brushing tool to create small, consistent grooves on the metal.



Likewise, people ask, what is the difference between brushed nickel and brushed stainless steel?

Brushed nickel and stainless steel often look very similar, but the difference is in their underlying tone: brushed nickel tends to have a golden or brownish tint while stainless steel has a faintly blue tone.

Subsequently, question is, what is brushed nickel? A brushed nikel faucet. Brushed nickel is a type of nickel finish that can be used as a plating in the construction industry. Brushed nickel a material made up of copper, zinc, or nickel, which is a silvery-white metal used to manufacture non-ferrous alloy and steel.

Also question is, is Brushed nickel better than stainless steel?

The finish of stainless steel is always shiny, whereas brushed nickel has a matte or semigloss finish. People who choose brushed nickel do so because they want the fixture and the brushed nickel finish to stand out and are not relying on the object to blend in seamlessly with other appliances and fixtures.

Is Chrome or brushed nickel better?

Brushed nickel is extremely durable and tends to keep its finish longer than chrome. It doesn't show fingerprints or water spots and is easy to clean. The downside to chrome finishes is that, unlike brushed nickel, it easily shows fingerprints and water spots. Scratches are also more visible to the naked eye.

37 Related Question Answers Found

Is Brushed nickel out of style?

So yes, chrome is very back, but no, brushed nickel is not out. At the same time do feel free to add some copper or matte gold if you want to be most current.

Which faucet finish is most durable?

Understanding the pros and cons of the popular faucet finishes can help you make the best choice in relation to appearance, price, durability and more.
  • Polished Brass. If you are looking for a vintage look, the polished brass is one of the best options you can go with.
  • Oil-Rubbed Bronze.
  • Copper.
  • Polished Nickel.
  • Chrome.

Why is brushed nickel more expensive?

Brushed is easier to maintain and clean than polished chrome since it doesn't show fingerprints and water spots. Price. Chrome used to be more expensive than nickel since it's a relatively modern addition. Nickel has long been used for metal finishing.

What color does brushed nickel go with?

Neutrals such as ivory, light brown and slate all work well with brushed nickel. Additionally, purple, lavender, plum and other cool colors help the nickel create a calm and relaxing environment.

What finish is closest to brushed nickel?


Brushed nickel also has a silver finish to it, though nickel is a bit warmer than stainless steel. Brushed nickel is often used in the construction industry, and is made up of a strong combination of copper, zinc, and nickel.

How do I restore my brushed nickel finish?

Brushed Nickel Finish Care Instructions
  1. Use a damp cloth to remove light dirt. Dampen a soft piece of cloth with clean water, and wipe down the surface of the faucet daily to remove dirt before it accumulates.
  2. Scrub away hard water stains. Spray a soft cloth with a mixture consisting of equal parts water and vinegar.
  3. Rinse the finish.
  4. Wax the finish.
  5. WARNING.

What does brushed stainless steel look like?

Brushed Surfaces
Stainless steel can have a very shiny mirror-like finish. Some stainless steel can have a brushed finish, which gives the surface a non-reflective dull surface, as if brushed by a fine-bristled brush. The brushed steel finish is produced by applying friction to the surface of the metal.

How do you finish brushed metal?

Brushed or dull polished metal is metal with a unidirectional satin finish. It is produced by polishing the metal with a 120–180 grit belt or wheel then softening with an 80–120 grit greaseless compound or a medium non-woven abrasive belt or pad.

Is Brushed nickel toxic?

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that some nickel compounds are carcinogenic to humans and that metallic nickel may possibly be carcinogenic to humans. The EPA has determined that nickel refinery dust and nickel subsulfide are human carcinogens.

Does brushed nickel go with Chrome?


Hues that are similar can also work very well together. Mixing finishes like polished chrome and polished nickel can add subtle dimension to a space.

Will brushed nickel rust?

Brushed nickel has become a favorite finish for everything from the kitchen sink to door handles to bathroom fixtures. Brushed nickel is resistant to rust and other forms of corrosion, but under normal circumstances it will eventually rust.

What is the most popular finish for kitchen faucets?

The 2008 Style Barometer survey by the National Kitchen & Bath Association found that satin nickel was the most popular finish for kitchen faucets, according to a panel of kitchen and bath dealers and designers. Stainless steel and bronze came in second and third, respectively.

Do brushed nickel faucets tarnish?

Faucets that have a vintage or or old-world look or finish be warned – These might have a “living finish”. They are supposed to tarnish, patina, mottle or fade due to air/moisture exposure. So cleaning them may take them back to the original base metal, but that may be up to you and you're preferences.

Is chrome or stainless steel better for bathroom?

It consists completely of chromium and is not an alloy. Chrome is typically polished and very shiny, although the satin and brushed varieties can be more matte. Stainless steel is more durable than chrome. It's corrosion-resistant, scratch-resistant, and tarnish resistant.

Can you mix stainless steel and brushed nickel?


In this case, putting a Stainless Steel faucet in one room and a Brushed Nickel shower system in the other is acceptable, mainly because the two finishes are similar enough in appearance to be included together throughout your home, as long as they don't end up side-by-side.

Does Chrome go with stainless steel?

Cool metals like chrome, stainless steel, nickel and pewter complement most any style or color and function as classic, neutral elements. (So don't let a kitchen full of stainless-steel appliances stop you from buying that trendy brass faucet you've been eyeing!)

What does brushed nickel look like?

Brushed nickel is more of a subtle, softer looking finish. It has a slightly brushed appearance with a semi-satin finish. Some customers think of a brushed nickel finish as looking more like stainless steel and, therefore, it can tie in with stainless steel kitchen appliances very nicely.