Brass hardware comes in two basic forms: raw (unlacquered) brass, which is left bare and changes color over time, and lacquered brass, which is sealed under a clear coat to keep its original shine. Both are real brass. The difference is how they look after a few years – and how much care they need.
Quick Comparison
| Raw / unlacquered | Lacquered | |
| Look when new | Bright gold | Bright gold |
| After 1–2 years | Warm, darker patina; uneven where touched most | Same as new, until the coat wears |
| Care | Wipe with a dry cloth; polish only if you want shine back | Wipe with a damp cloth; never use brass polish |
| When it gets damaged | Scratches blend into the patina | Scratched lacquer lets tarnish spot underneath |
| Best for | Traditional, vintage and lived-in interiors | Spaces where you want a constant polished look |
Why Many Designers Choose Raw Brass
Unlacquered brass is a living finish. It reacts to air and hands, so the rail on a busy kitchen shelf ages differently from one on a quiet bookcase. That variation is exactly what makes old hardware look authentic. And because there is no coating to fail, raw brass never peels – a quick polish restores it completely.
When a Sealed Finish Makes More Sense
In very humid spaces, near the sea, or where you simply prefer hardware to look the same every day, a protected surface is easier to live with. Our brushed nickel, black and copper gallery rails all have a finished surface over a solid brass core, so they change far less than raw brass.
How to Care for Raw Brass
- Dust with a soft dry cloth.
- To slow the patina, apply a thin coat of microcrystalline wax a few times a year.
- To bring back the shine, use a non-abrasive brass polish, then buff.
For a full routine, read our guide to cleaning unlacquered brass gallery rails.
Our Recommendation
If you love the look of old libraries and ship cabins, choose the natural unlacquered brass gallery rail and let it age. If you want a finish that stays the same, choose one of our finished rails. All finishes share the same sizes, so you can even mix them.