What are the Most Durable and Long-Lasting Faucet Finishes?

Corrosion Explained

When metal interacts with its surrounding environment over time, being exposed to moisture, acids, bases, salts, oils, and other chemicals, it can deteriorate, usually through a chemical process called corrosion. Corroded metals are undesirable for many reasons, primarily because they can be harmful to people and because the degradation eventually results in an object that cannot withstand regular use. For these reasons, there have been many techniques derived throughout time to combat corrosion, along with wear and tear that can come about from the metal colliding with solid objects of all sorts, which can cause scratching, chipping, and denting. We use several of these damage-resisting methods to ensure our faucets are long-lasting and durable. After prepping the metal used in making our products, we finish them by coating them to provide that resistance and also the desired color, texture, and level of reflectivity (or shine).

Coating Explained

Depending on your chosen product and finish, the technique that will be used to finish the metal will be one of the following: powder coating, metal plating, or, for Central Brass products with the PVD Brushed Nickel finish, Physical Vapor Deposition, commonly called PVD. These techniques provide the crucial coat that resists corrosive materials and gives the metal the look we’re after, each in its own way.

Plating: Conventional plating is a popular and well-loved technique for finishing metal that involves coating the base, or substrate, with a thin layer of metal, usually by exposing the substrate to an electric current while submerged in a plating solution, which results in metal deposition. Quality plating significantly improves corrosion resistance, as well as additional protection from scratching, chipping, and minor chemical degradation. The metal used for coating often has different properties useful for enhancing the quality of the material, or for giving it the proper color and texture.

Powder Coating: For the process of powder coating, a dry powder is fused to the base metal layer electrically, and then baked to get a smooth coat. This results in a hard finish that is tough, color durable, and one of the most long-lasting finishes possible. Powder coating is often a desirable solution when finishing metal due to the powder’s ability to repel corrosive materials like water and chemicals. Another benefit to this method is the even and polished look it provides, as well as giving us a product that is easy to clean given its inherent resistance to corrosive materials and moisture.

Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD): PVD is a unique technique that involves vaporizing solid material in a vacuum and depositing it on the surface of the metal atom by atom, creating a thin, bonded metal surface. This coating process provides superior durability and excellent abrasion and corrosion resistance.

There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multi-family housing builds just as much as to anything else in life. The ultimate goal is save as much money as possible while delivering a great finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal or sacrificing quality isn’t the only way to get a healthy ROI. We have a better way.

Pioneer works with professionals every day to develop specification packages and plans that save our valued partners both time and money, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s our goal to ensure your project meets or exceeds its expected outcome. We want to get to know you and your company and show you how we can save you money.  Please reach out via our website form or call us at (800) 338-9468.