There are several different types of finishes you may come across in your search for the perfect door hardware. These include the type of sheen- polished, satin, and matte/flat- but finishes can also be hand relieved, lifetime, or living finishes.
Polished finishes are glossy, and like paint, satin finishes have a velvety appearance. French Antique by Emtek only comes polished, while their Oil Rubbed Bronze and Pewter are only available in satin. The matte or flat finishes have no sheen. Currently the only matte/flat finish we have available is in black.
Hand Relieved finishes, just as Baldwin’s Venetian Bronze, Satin Nickel, Dark Bronze, and Matte Antique Nickel, vary slightly in luster, hue, and appearance as a result of handcrafted variances in the final finishing step. Each piece is unique.
Lifetime finishes are extremely resilient finishes meant to last a lifetime, resistant to the effects of weather under normal wear and tear. Both Emtek and Baldwin have Lifetime finish options in Polished Brass and Polished Nickel.
Living Finishes age gracefully and change over time, giving them a more vintage look. Emtek’s living finishes include Unlacquered Brass, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Flat Black Bronze Patina, and Medium Bronze Patina. Baldwin’s living finishes include Non-Lacquered Brass, Vintage Brass, Oil Rubbed Bronze, and Venetian Bronze.
Unlacquered Brass by Emtek is a custom, made to order finish. As such, it requires an extra 2 to 3 days to produce items in this finish.