Brushed Nickel vs. Satin Nickel: Modern houses these days are made up of unique designs and perfect fixtures. These fixtures are made up of nickel; they can be either satin or brushed nickel. This nickel provides a perfect finishing to the product. But if we talk about satin Vs. Brushed nickel difference, these both are different in appearance, cost, maintenance, and application.
Let’s take a closer look at Brushed vs. Satin Nickel
| Cost | Brushed nickel is more expensive |
| Tint | Both nickels provide a golden tint |
| Shiny | Brushed nickel is more shiner and glossier |
| Popularity | Brushed nickel is more common in commercial hardware |
Table of Contents
What Is Brushed Nickel?
Brushed nickel is the type of plating which gives the product a lustrous finish. The final touch of brushed nickel is done by using tools of wire brushes. This nickel is very affordable as compared to pure nickel and very suitable for designing bathroom fixtures and doorknobs of the house. Brushed nickel has also been very famous among plenty of finishing options for plumbing fixtures. This nickel basically consists of nickel plating, which features light abrasions of a single direction, giving it a brushed appearance. This brushed appearance gives it a more original and handcrafted feel as it bounces off the shadow and light from the surface to create an exciting fixture. Moreover, brushed nickel can also hide water spots, dirt, and smudge, which makes it a good choice for bathroom fixtures.
What Is Satin Nickel?
Satin nickel is the type of plating in which zinc or brass is used to bring out the finishing touch. The application process of satin nickel is electrolysis which can be done anywhere. This nickel not only brings out a lustrous finish in the fixture but also increases its durability. Satin nickel is very popular for different types of plumbing fixtures and other things. It has a consistent and non-reflective texture. This means there are no visible abrasions on it like a present on brushed nickel finishes. Moreover, satin nickel can be produced both chemically and mechanically and has been used since the 1970s. But at first, it was not very common in plumbing fixtures, but now it has gained much popularity.
7 Key Differences Between Brushed Nickel and Satin Nickel
| Components | Brushed Nickel | Satin Nickel |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Brushed nickel provides a lustrous appearance to the place where it is applied. | Satin nickel provides a dull look to the hardware but with a vintage appearance. |
| Maintenance | Regular cleaning is necessary for brushed nickel to keep its shiny maintenance and increase the life of the product | satin nickel does not need regular cleaning because it does not reveal any spots or marks on it |
| Process | The application process of brushed nickel Is etching and achieved by using a wire brush. | The finish of satin nickel is achieved by lacquer treatment and electrolysis. |
| Finish | The finish of brushed nickel is matt; that’s why any stain, water spots, fingerprints, and scratches can be easily shown on it. | Satin nickel has a dull finish and does not reveal any kind of spots, fingerprints, or scratches on it. |
| Popularity | Brushed nickel has gained it’s popularity more in the commercial hardware | If we talk about residential hardware, satin nickel is more common there |
| Expenses | Creating a brushed nickel finish is easier and less costly than satin nickel s. It is not very expensive. | The production process of satin nickel is costly, which makes it more expensive than brushed nickel. |
| Application | Brushed nickel can be used for indoor pulls, machine parts, kitchen cabinets, and in bathroom fittings. | Satin nickel can be applied to electronic locks, bathroom fittings, door levers, and zinc or brass faucets. |
Brushed vs. Satin Nickel Similarities
- Both brushed nickel and satin nickel can be mixed into each other to be used in the living room, bathroom, and kitchen.
- The finishes of both nickels are durable and have a golden tint.
Brushed vs. Satin Nickel Examples
Example of Brushed Nickel
- Brushed nickel can be for the metal finishing of
- Bathroom fittings
- Lighting fixtures
- Machine parts
- Cabinet hardware
- House numbers
- Door knobs
Satin Nickel Examples
- Satin nickel in the following industries and applications:
- Electronic locks
- Door levers
- Automotives
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Domestic appliances
- Architectural Hardware
Brushed Nickel vs. Satin Nickel Pros and Cons
Brushed Nickel Pros and Cons
Pros of Brushed Nickel
- Brushed nickel is good quality and can be more durable than chrome, as its finish lasts longer than chrome.
- It is a perfect popular material for homes with traditional styles, as well as homes with new and old elements.
Cons of Brushed Nickel
- Brushed nickel tends to be more pricey as compared to satin nickel and chrome.
- It does not coordinate well with the stainless steel, as it starts to blend instead of being a statement piece.
Satin Nickel Pros and Cons
Pros of Satin Nickel
- Satin Nickel is very easy to clean, as it does not reveal any kind of spots or fingerprints due to its dull finishing.
- It is highly durable and can easily be matched with fixtures and other accessories.
Cons of Satin Nickel
- Satin Nickel is not a good option for areas with high traffic because it can become duller or tarnish with time.
- Satin nickel can not be used in homes or places which need a glossy, shiny touch, as it finishes dull.
Comparison Chart
Comparison Video
Conclusion
These days, people just want their home to look perfect, whether it is their home design, décor, or fixtures. And they always want to choose the fixture that would perfectly match their décor. Most of these fixtures are made of nickel: brushed nickel and satin nickel. Both of these nickels are very popular in the hardware industry. But if we talk about satin nickel Vs. brushed nickel both have many different features. The main difference between brushed nickel and satin nickel is that brushed nickel provides a lustrous finish that is consistent and smooth, while satin nickel has a dull finish. But both of these nickel can make the product look good and also increase its durability.
