Oil-Rubbed Bronze: What It Is, How to Care for It, and How to Use It in a Home
When updating the faucets and hardware in your home, there are many different finishes to choose from, such as brushed nickel, chrome, copper, and stainless steel. However, one of the most unique finishes that has the power to really transform a room is oil-rubbed bronze.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about oil-rubbed bronze, including what this finish is, how to decorate with it, and how to clean oil-rubbed bronze fixtures in the best way possible.
What Is Oil-Rubbed Bronze?
Oil-rubbed bronze is different from other types of bronze finishes because it is chemically darkened to give it an antique appearance. This is in contrast to the clear lacquer finish that other solid brass fixtures have when they leave the factory.
Oil-rubbed bronze is a dark color that can appear deep brown or dark gray in color. It often has flecks of gold and bronze colors in it that add character and intrigue with a two-toned look that can enhance any room.
You can buy high-quality oil-rubbed bronze faucets, door knobs, and other hardware from local retailers, like Central Plumbing Specialties. Or if you are feeling crafty, you can take a DIY approach and try to make your own oil-rubbed bronze-style creation with spray paint, sandpaper, and some painter’s tape.
How to Add Contrast with Oil-Rubbed Bronze
Oil-rubbed bronze instantly adds elements of warmth, timelessness, elegance to any room. Try adding oil-rubbed bronze hardware to accent light-colored marble and quartz countertops in the kitchen. This finish also works wonderfully in rooms that feature very neutral colors and that have cool color schemes with lots of greens and blues in bathrooms.
You can give your home a more antique and old-world look with oil-rubbed bronze on everything from cabinet pulls to towel bars, showerheads, and faucets. This is the kind of finish that makes a statement and is very versatile. In addition to coordinating with cool hues, oil-rubbed bronze adds character to warm color schemes that feature deep reds and dark oranges in kitchens.
How to Clean Oil-Rubbed Bronze Fixtures
Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures require special care after normal exposure with cleaning products, water usage, and temperature changes. This type of finish can be easily damaged if you have hard water, which means that routine cleaning is essential.
About once per week, wipe down oil-rubbed bronze fixtures with a soft cloth that has been soaked in cold water. This simple action will quickly remove any surface residue. Immediately dry the surface to prevent water spotting. Then, apply a small amount of a dark-toned furniture wax to any scratches that have formed. Wipe the wax away after it is allowed to dry for about 10-15 minutes to reveal a beautiful surface underneath.
To prevent future damage and hard water staining, apply a clear paste-type wax or spray sealing wax to the fixture before buffing it away. As a general rule, keep your oil-rubbed bronze fixtures as dry as possible at all times.
We welcome you to come see our oil-rubbed bronze collection at our Grand Central Showrooms, so stop by to learn more about this amazing finish and how you can incorporate it into your home.