BRASS: products listed as this are made from solid brass that is either sand cast, die cast or pressed. These products are all, unless stated otherwise, polished and have a protective acrylic lacquer applied to them to prolong the life of the brass and reduce the need for regular polishing. Lacquered brass products should only be cleaned with a damp cloth and then buffed with a wax polish to provide an extra layer of protection. Under no circumstances should metal cleaning polish be used as this will destroy the lacquer. Over time, however, the lacquer will start to deteriorate. When this happens it needs to be completely removed with a lacquer or paint stripper such as Nitromors. After this, the brass will need to be polished regularly with a metal polish such as Peek. Unlacquered brass products will need to be regularly polished from the time of purchase. STAINLESS BRASS (P.V.D.): this a relatively new finish which looks identical to brass but is both scratch and weather resistant. This removes the need for polishing and is particularly suitable for areas subject to excess weathering - e.g. coastal areas, areas of high pollution etc. Many of these products come with a 20 year guarantee. Stainless brass products only require an occasional wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove excess dirt. ANTIQUE BRASS: this is a chemical finish applied to brass to give an aged look. Antique brass products only require an occasional wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove excess dirt. CHROME: this is a highly polished mirror-like metal plated finish applied to brass (usually) or zinc alloy products. This plating is generally very durable. Chrome plated products should only be cleaned with a damp cloth and then buffed with a wax or specialist metal polish to provide an extra layer of protection. Care should be taken not to scratch the finish. SATIN CHROME: this is a matt metal plated finish applied to brass (usually) or zinc alloy products. This plating is generally very durable. Satin chrome plated products should only be cleaned with a damp cloth and then buffed with a wax or specialist metal polish to provide an extra layer of protection. BRUSHED NICKEL: this is a brushed metal plated finish applied to brass (usually) or zinc alloy products, similar to satin chrome but with a slight grain to it. It is also a slightly darker shade of grey than satin chrome, more similar to stainless steel. This plating is generally very durable. MATT NICKEL: as brushed nickel but with a matt rather than brushed finish. Nickel plated products should only be cleaned with a damp cloth and then buffed with a wax or specialist metal polish to provide an extra layer of protection. STAINLESS STEEL: all our stainless steel products are made from Grade 304 steel and come in a brushed finish unless otherwise stated. BLACK PAINTED: these are iron or steel products painted black. Available in a smooth or hammered finish. Black painted products should provide good protection to the steel or cast iron against rusting and can be touched up at any time. SOLID BRONZE: our solid bronze products come in an antiqued finish and are all English made. This truly is the most exclusive of finishes. Solid bronze should only be cleaned with a damp cloth and then buffed with a wax polish (suzh as beeswax) to provide an extra layer of protection. Over time the bronze will oxidise to form a surface patina which will naturally protect the metal. APPLIED BRONZE: our applied bronze products come in an antiqued finish. This is a chemical finish applied to brass to give the appearance of solid bronze but at a lower price. These products tend to be a slightly darker in colour than solid bronze. Applied bronze finished products should only be cleaned with a damp cloth and then buffed with a wax polish (such as beeswax) to provide an extra layer of protection. Care should be taken not to scratch the finish.