What Is a Brushed Brass PVD Sink?
Many new kitchen fixtures are emerging nowadays that are becoming quite trendy. Brushed brass gold finishes for kitchen sinks and kitchen mixers, in particular, are popular in modern kitchens. These finishes are coated with PVD or Physical Vapor Deposition to ensure the colour finish isn't easily tarnished.
It looks similar to a brass sink but it is entirely different. Brushed brass stainless-steel sinks with PVD coating are even more durable than uncoated brass sinks.
In this article, we will talk about stainless-steel sinks with a brushed brass PVD finish and why it is a great sink choice for your kitchen.
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What is a Stainless-Steel Brushed Brass PVD sink?
Stainless-steel brushed brass PVD sinks are constructed from stainless steel material with a brushed brass colour finish, coated with PVD or Physical Vapor Deposition technology.
So what is PVD technology? PVD or Physical Vapor Deposition technology refers to a finishing process or coating, which is done in a sophisticated vacuum chamber that uses metals like titanium, vanadium, or chromium, which evaporates and its particles are settled on the surface. It also utilizes a high-temperature gas known as Plasma. The PVD coats not only stainless steel but also other materials such as brass, tungsten, and titanium.
The steps of creating a PVD coated stainless-steel sink are as follows:
- The stainless steel is thoroughly polished to a mirror finish.
- It is then nickel-plated followed by a chromium plating.
- Lastly, it is coated with PVD in a high-tech vacuum chamber.
In the PVD process, the atoms of the metal are deposited in the stainless steel and react with nitrogen. It then forms a tough ceramic compound on the surface where it is metallurgically bonded. The process allows for the coating to be embedded firmly to its stainless steel base on a molecular level.
Once done, the old surface becomes new and simulates the real colour of brass gold. This new thin and bonded layer produces a hardness coating that improves durability, colour consistency, and long wear. The finish of the stainless steel with PVD results in a brighter and more metallic matte appearance.
What Makes Brushed Brass PVD Stainless-Steel sinks a Good Choice for Your Kitchen?
The materials that are coated with a PVD finish have high-temperature resistance and good abrasion resistance. They become extremely resistant to corrosion and have great strength. It is similar to chrome plating which elevates the durability and hardness of the surface. Some tapware such as faucets, mixer taps, and bathroom accessories like towel rails are also PVD coated, which would go great with a PVD coated coloured sink.
The advantages of brushed brass stainless-steel PVD coated sinks include the following:
- The PVD coating increases the hardness of the stainless steel sink up to 10 times more than stainless steel without the coating, resulting in an increase of durability
- Endure and withstand any household chemicals making it more corrosion-resistant
- Does not tarnish or discolour
- Can fight against UV radiation
- PVD technology is one of the best processes for enhancing thin film plating elements
- Scratch-resistant
Another benefit is that they are visually appealing as they are in a brushed brass gold finish that is treated, leading to a matte look. It is similar to a true gold tone resulting in a higher quality aesthetic.
The finish also does not attract many fingerprints, making it easy to clean and maintain.
What Is the Difference Between a Traditional Brass sink and a Stainless-steel Brushed Brass PVD sink?
Image Source: M. Orlova
A brass sink is made of an alloy metal composed mainly of 50 to 63% copper and 50-37% zinc and other materials for malleability.
Brass is not only wearing and rust-resistant but also corrosion-resistant. It can withstand hard water more than any other materials that might corrode with hard water. It can stand hot water damage and other harmful environmental factors.
Another thing that we like about brass is that it is fire-resistant. So, if a home is damaged by fire, the brass sink would most likely be left in the house. However, brass is not 100% lead-free.
Also, you can add a patina finish over time to your brass sink. A patina is a thin layer that shapes on the surface of the brass and other similar metals. It provides a protective covering to brass that might be damaged through corrosion or weathering. It gives your brass sink an aged look that some people desire, making it more visually appealing. Although the brass has this natural patina, you can put more patina by undergoing chemical processes.
Even though the brass sink is hardwearing and tough, the stainless-steel sink with brushed brass PVD finish is more durable. This is because PVD coating increases the already durable properties of a stainless steel sink. It has heat-resistant properties and can last for a lifetime with proper cleaning and maintenance. It is tarnish-resistant, corrosion, and rust-resistant. Furthermore, the stainless steel sink is safer because it is 100% lead-free.
A traditional brass sink has a noticeable and obvious metallic shine with a glossy finish. On the other hand, the brushed brass PVD sink is treated, resulting in a matte look.
Cost-wise, brass sinks are more expensive than stainless steel sinks with a PVD finish. The costs of brass sinks can go up to $1,700 or more depending on the size and the coatings of the brass sink, whereas PVD-coated stainless steel sinks average to around $600 to $800 depending on size.
PVD Coating: Durability with a High-end look
Traditional brass sinks are visually appealing and will complement your kitchen and bathroom vanities especially if you're looking for that aged eclectic look. On the other hand, they are not as tough as the stainless-steel sink with a brushed brass PVD coating.
Brushed brass gold finishes have been a popular trend in modern kitchens. If you're looking to purchase a brushed brass gold PVD coated stainless-steel sink, have a look at our sinks, which you can purchase with a matching brushed brass gold kitchen mixer. Visit our showroom/display area in Melbourne Australia if you want to see the sinks' colour finish in person. Our coloured range include other brushed colour finishes including brushed copper and brushed gunmetal; all with that PVD coating to ensure their high-quality colour and sink durability.