How to Maintain and Care for Living and Patina Hardware Finishes

H. Theophile architectural door hardware is offered in a wide range of hardware finishes, each designed to achieve distinctive color, depth, and character. From a burnished brass or dark antique brass finish, proper care will help preserve the beauty of the finish. 

There are two main categories of finishes: living finishes and electroplated finishes. For an overview of available color and finish options, refer to H. Theophile hardware finishes here.

Living Finishes Are Designed to Evolve Over Time 

A living finish is designed to naturally evolve with age and use. Exposure to air, moisture, natural oils, soaps, and regular handling will gradually alter the color and appearance. This natural variation is an inherent characteristic of a living finish and is not considered a defect. Living finishes also include finishes with an intentionally applied patina.

H. Theophile living finishes include all unlacquered brass, bronze, gold, statuary bronze (oil rubbed bronze), pewter, and silver.

What Makes a Patina Finish? 

A patina finish is a living finish that has been intentionally aged by our artisans to create depth, variation, and highlights.  This is accomplished through oxidation, chemical reaction, and exposure to humidity.  Patinas may develop naturally due to age, weathering, and exposure to the elements.  Because the patina is part of a living surface, areas that are frequently touched may gradually lighten or change over time, contributing to the character often associated with a vintage brass finish or aged bronze.

H. Theophile patinated finishes include aged brass, light and medium antiqued brass and bronze, dark antique brass, dark antique bronze, statuary bronze with and without relieving, blackened bronze, all pewter variants, antique and French gold and blackened or antiqued silver 

The appearance and aging characteristics of these finishes can vary considerably. For example, when comparing an antique brass with satin brass, antique brass has an intentionally aged patina with greater tonal variation, while satin brass has a softer, more uniform brushed appearance when new. 

Routine Care and Cleaning for Living Finishes 

Living Finishes with a Patina 

To remove fingerprints or water stains, wax can be applied to protect the finish. Apply a thin layer of paste wax (such as Staples Brand Clear Carnauba Paste Wax) to a clean, soft cloth and gently work into the affected area. Take care not to rub aggressively, as this may alter or remove the patina. 

Allow the wax to dry for approximately 10 minutes and then lightly buff the surface using a clean, soft cloth. 

To remove dust and film, use a soft cloth first and, if necessary, very mild soapy water if needed. Lightly wipe the surface to remove dirt, then wipe with clean cloth to remove any soap residue. 

All H. Theophile brushed and patinated hardware is delivered with a light layer of wax already applied. 

NEVER USE HARSH CHEMICAL CLEANERS OR ABRASIVES

Living Finishes without a Patina 

A living finish without a patina doesn’t need to be maintained as delicately. For fingerprints, dust, and routine cleaning, the yellow polishing-compound side of a Double Brilliant Polishing Cloth may be used. 

If the polishing cloth is insufficient, Mr. Metal may be used for more persistent staining. Apply Mr. Metal to a clean, soft cloth and gently work it over the affected area. Once the desired appearance has been achieved, thoroughly buff the surface with a clean, dry cloth to remove all residue. 

Do not allow the product to dry on the surface, as it may leave a white residue. Once the hardware has been cleaned and buffed, a new thin layer of wax may be applied. 

H. Theophile living finishes without patinas are polished brass, burnished brass, satin brass, polished silver, burnished and satin matte and polished gold and rose gold 

POLISHING PRODUCTS SHOULD ONLY BE USED ON NON-PATINATED HARDWARE 

What About Nickel Finishes?

Nickel finishes or electroplated finishes required different care than that of living finishes. For proper cleaning and maintenance of electroplated finishes, please see How to Maintain and Care for Electroplated Finishes here. 

Professional Refinishing 

If your hardware has developed significant oxidation or staining that cannot be removed through routine care, please contact H. Theophile for refinishing to restore the desired appearance.

Materials 

Staples Clear Carnauba Paste Wax (available on Amazon):

For protecting living and patinated finishes 

Double Brilliant Polishing Cloths: 

For approved non-patinated living finishes only 

Mr Metal: 

For intensive cleaning of approved non-patinated finishes only