What Is Brushed Nickel?
Complete Guide to Stainless Steel Finish Fixtures for Your Kitchen and Bath
From appliances to faucets and cabinet handles, Stainless Steel is one of the most used finishes in home fixtures and hardware. With styles like Arctic Stainless, Brushed Nickel, and Spotshield Stainless, there is a Stainless Steel finish that suits any home design. Stainless Steel fixtures and hardware look great in both luxury and minimalist spaces. In this article, we will compare the different styles of Stainless Steel, answer your most asked questions, and share our best care and cleaning tips. We will even be sharing some of our favorite home designs that feature Stainless Steel fixtures!
As you begin shopping for plumbing fixtures, you will quickly find that there are a wide range of finish terms used to describe the color of stainless steel. These terms often describe basically the same thing but there can be subtle differences. Terms like Brushed Nickel, Satin Nickel, Stainless Steel, and Brilliance Stainless seem similar, but are they the same? It can be confusing, especially when shopping online, to know exactly what you are going to be getting. Your individual screen settings plus lighting conditions at the time the product was taken can make it difficult to know exactly how a finish will look in reality. Below we have provided a brief comparison of the most common terms used to describe stainless steel finish. We hope this will help make your hunt for the perfect faucet a little bit easier!
Traditional Stainless Steel has a lustrous finish that could be described as warm gray with yellow undertones. Because it is highly polished, Stainless Steel finishes offer a muted but elegant shine. Stainless Steel finishes feature the classic brushed over look similar to true stainless steel metal. This finish is great for hiding water spots and looks super clean and modern.
Arctic Stainless is very similar to traditional Stainless Steel, but has a more matte look. It could also be described as more of a cool gray with blue undertones, slightly contrasting the normal Stainless Steels warmer color palette. The matte look is less shiny than other stainless steel finishes. The Matte blue-gray hue makes Arctic Stainless fixtures feel very modern.
Brushed Nickel is essentially the same as traditional Stainless Steel. Delta sometimes uses the term Brushed Nickel to distinguish bathroom fixtures from Stainless Steel kitchen fixtures. Other companies, opt to use the term Brushed Nickel for both Kitchen and Bathroom fixtures. One reason is that Stainless Steel Finish and Stainless Steel metal are not the same thing. To avoid confusion, terms like Brushed Nickel were created.
Deltas Brilliance technology is a PVD finishing process that actually binds the finish color to the fixture, rather than just coating it like other dipped finishes. This unique process yields an ultra durable finish that resists tarnish, corrosion, and scratching. Delta products that feature brilliance finishes, resist abrasions and discoloration better than traditional brass or even chrome. Delta offers Brilliance in many different finishes, including traditional Stainless Steel, Brushed Nickel, and Polished Nickel.
Satin Nickel is probably the most matte option in the Stainless family. Most manufacturers achieve this milky look by brushing the finish. Satin Nickel and Brushed Nickel are usually almost identical. If you are shopping for faucets, light fixtures, and cabinet hardware, it can be difficult to find products with the exact same finish name. If you see Satin Nickel in the item name, it will likely match well with Brushed Nickel or Stainless Steel finish fixtures.
Spotshield Stainless looks just like normal Stainless Steel but features some added benefits. Spotshield technology is a clear coating that is applied over the metal and is designed to help keep fixtures looking cleaner longer. It protects the fixture from water spots, fingerprints, and microbial growth. Delta currently only has a limited selection of kitchen and bathroom fixtures available in Spotshield Stainless Steel finish but in the future the offering may be expanded.
Contemporary Bathroom with Stainless Steel Finish Shower Faucet, Freestanding Tub Filler, and Sink Faucet
Contemporary bathrooms often feature different elements of many design styles. This design pairs a modern, square shaped free standing tub with more warm pieces like the dark vanity and wood tiled shower stall. Installing a Stainless Steel free standing tub filler, Stainless Steel shower faucet, and matching accessories bring these different design elements together to form one cohesive space. These gorgeous Stainless Steel fixtures will also stand the test of time, and will suit the home owner through any updates they make to the bathroom style over time.
FAQ
Is Delta Brilliance Stainless same as brushed nickel?
Is stainless steel better than brushed nickel?
Is brushed nickel the same as vibrant Stainless?