Brass brings more than just visual impact, it brings intention. With its timeless versatility, it’s long been a go-to material for interior designers looking to add richness and refinement to hospitality spaces, especially bar areas. That’s why Kegworks provides a range of brass and brass-appearing finishes across our architectural metal components, bar rail, drink rail, and bar shelving, and more, so you can execute your vision with confidence and consistency.

With competitive price and timely delivery, SUNSONG sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Many clients ask us about the differences between the various brass finishes, and it’s a common question for good reason. To help clarify any confusion, let’s examine the design options available when adding the look of brass and the differences between them.

Polished Brass

The gleaming classic. Polished brass embodies timeless luxury and dramatic shine. It’s perfect for designs that command attention, from the gleam of a curved bar foot rail to the elegance of bistro-style shelving. Kegworks carries polished brass tubing and components for 1.5” and 2” OD bar rail and bistro-style brass pipe shelving, as well as matching service rail and purse hooks. 

This finish is the most challenging when it comes to upkeep, as it is the most susceptible to showing fingerprints, scuffs, and tarnish. We recommend applying a non-abrasive car wax for a shine that lasts and metal polishing cloths to keep it clean. 

Polished brass will patina over time, a naturally occurring chemical process where oxidation occurs due to carbon dioxide and/or water exposure. For designers who want the brilliance without the patina, we offer a clear-coated version by special order, preserving that signature glow over time.

Brushed Brass

For a more understated expression of elegance, brushed (or satin) brass offers subtle warmth and texture that designers love for blending classic tones into contemporary environments. You can bring this softer style into your space with 1.5” and 2” OD brushed brass tubing, complete with matching service rails and purse hooks to finish the look.

The brushed finish can help hide imperfections that may be more visible on polished brass tubing, but it will still need to be wiped down with a wet cloth to keep it clean. Like polished brass, this finish will also patina over time. We can add a clear coat finish at your request to prevent oxidation from occurring. 

Antique Brass

A finish with story and soul. Antique brass is beloved by designers who seek to capture a sense of history and authenticity in their work. With its smoky, aged character, this darker finish evokes nostalgia and adds depth to vintage-inspired spaces or designs that aim for a sense of history and permanence.

Electroplated onto stainless steel for added durability, this finish is stocked in 2” OD bar rail tubing, components, service rail, and coat hooks. Special order options are available for drink rail and other applications.

Our electroplated antique brass finish will remain consistent throughout the lifespan of your fixtures and will not patina further. It can be easily cleaned with warm, soapy water and a cloth or sponge. 

Misty Brass

Misty Brass is a powder-coated finish applied to stainless steel designed to mimic the soft, satin feel of brushed brass with added durability and consistency. It’s an ideal choice for clean, contemporary spaces that want a warm metallic touch, without the upkeep or unpredictability of patina.

This is currently a special order option for all of our architectural metal products, including bar rail and drink rail. The only required maintenance is periodic cleaning with a cloth and warm, soapy water. 

Electroplated Brushed Brass With Cerakote®

For high-performance spaces where design can’t be compromised. Our Electroplated Brass with Cerakote® is crafted for hospitality environments where metalwork faces daily wear and tear but still needs to look flawless.

This is fabricated from stainless steel with either a polished or brushed brass electroplated finish. A protective ceramic-based, thin-film coating of Cerakote® is then applied to help protect the metal's surface from moisture and wear and tear. 

This is an excellent option for anyone who wants a brass finish for their drink rail because the Cerakote® prevents moisture from damaging it over time. Plus, since this is constructed from stainless steel and not brass, you can use this finish for custom radius drink rail, as it can be bent and welded to meet your design needs. Electroplated brass with Cerakote® finish is available by special order and can take 6-8 weeks for delivery. 

No matter which finish speaks to your vision, brass adds a layer of richness that elevates every space it touches. And with Kegworks, you’re not limited to just one element. We help you carry that finish across bar rail, drink rail, shelving, coat hooks, and service rail for a cohesive, curated look.

Designers, architects, and construction professionals are invited to reach out to our commercial sales team to request complimentary samples, get advice on finish matching, or schedule a free project takeoff. Let us help bring your next bar design to life, with every detail aligned.

The company is the world’s best brass finish stainless steel supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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Brass vs Stainless Steel: Which Should You Use for Your Project?

Selecting the perfect metal for your project can make all the difference in its longevity, aesthetics, and overall success. Brass and stainless steel are two popular choices, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. But which one is the better fit for your specific needs?

At MG Metals, we’ve supplied countless brass and stainless steel components for a wide range of projects. Our expertise allows us to confidently recommend the ideal metal for your application. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between brass and stainless steel to help you make the right decision.

Brass

Brass is a copper alloy, typically containing zinc, that has been used for centuries due to its attractive golden colour, excellent machinability, and good corrosion resistance. Here’s a breakdown of its advantages, disadvantages, and common uses:

Advantages of Brass

• Brass’s warm, golden hue adds a touch of elegance to any project. Over time, it can develop a unique patina, a greenish or brownish coating that adds character and value.
• Brass is easy to work with, making it ideal for intricate designs and components.
• Brass naturally forms a protective oxide layer that prevents further corrosion, making it suitable for outdoor and marine environments.
• The copper content in brass has antimicrobial properties, making it a suitable material for high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and handrails.
• Brass is an effective conductor of heat, making it useful in applications like heat exchangers and radiators.
• Brass is also a good conductor of electricity, making it suitable for electrical components.
• Brass has a low coefficient of friction, making it ideal for moving parts like gears and bearings.
• Brass is fully recyclable.

Disadvantages of Brass

• Brass is less durable than stainless steel and can scratch or dent more easily.
• Brass can be more expensive than other metals, such as steel or aluminium, due to the higher cost of copper.
• While malleable, brass can be relatively soft compared to some other metals, which may limit its use in certain applications where high strength is required.
• Brass can discolour over time, especially in environments with high levels of moisture or pollutants. While this can add character, it may not be desirable in all cases.
• Some individuals may be allergic to copper, which is a component of brass. This can cause skin irritation or other health issues.
• The mining and processing of copper, a key component of brass, can have negative environmental impacts, such as habitat destruction and water pollution.

Common Applications of Brass

• Musical instruments (e.g. trumpets, trombones)
• Plumbing fixtures (e.g. water taps, pipes)
• Decorative objects (e.g. door knobs, lighting fixtures)
• Electrical components (e.g. connectors, terminals)
• Industrial machinery (e.g. gears, bearings)

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a metal alloy primarily composed of iron and chromium, known for its exceptional strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Here’s a summary of its advantages, disadvantages, and common applications:

Advantages of Stainless Steel

• Stainless steel is strong and durable, making it a durable choice for many applications. It maintains its strength even under heavy loads or extreme temperatures and doesn’t scratch easily.
• The presence of chromium creates a protective oxide layer on the surface, preventing corrosion. It can withstand exposure to various elements, including moisture, air, and many chemicals.
• Some grades can withstand high temperatures.
• Stainless steel has a smooth surface that prevents bacteria and other microorganisms from adhering. It can be easily cleaned and sanitised, making it ideal for environments where hygiene is paramount, such as food processing facilities and healthcare settings.
• Stainless steel often has a shiny, reflective finish that adds a contemporary look. It can be used in various finishes and styles to match different design aesthetics.
• Stainless steel is fully recyclable and its durability contributes to a longer service life, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Both benefits reduce its environmental impact.

Disadvantages of Stainless Steel

• Stainless steel can be more challenging to work with compared to brass.
• The production of stainless steel can have environmental impacts, such as energy consumption and emissions.
• Stainless steel conducts heat less efficiently than brass, which can be an issue in applications where heat transfer is important.
• Some grades of stainless steel are magnetic, which can be a factor in certain applications where non-magnetic properties are required.

Common Uses of Stainless Steel

• Kitchen appliances (e.g. sinks, refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers)
• Architectural components (e.g. structural beams, railings, and cladding)
• Industrial equipment (e.g. machinery parts, tanks, and pipes)
• Medical instruments (surgical tools, implants, and equipment)
• Automotive parts (e.g. exhaust systems, trim, and fasteners)
• Marine products (e.g. ships, boats, equipment)

Which Metal Should You Choose For Your Project?

Whether you should choose brass and stainless steel for your project depends on several factors. Here are some questions to ask:

• Do you prefer the warm, golden colour of brass or the sleek, modern look of stainless steel?
• Do you need a highly durable material or can you compromise on strength for aesthetic appeal?
• Will the material be exposed to harsh environments or corrosive substances?
• How much are you willing to spend on the metal?

If you’re unsure which metal is right for your project, consider consulting with a metalworking professional who can provide expert advice and guidance.

Find the Perfect Metal for Your Project with MG Metals

Looking for the ideal metal for your project? At MG Metals, we specialise in custom-cutting metals to meet your exact needs. With decades of experience, our team are here to help you find the perfect material – whether it’s stainless steel, brass, or something else entirely. We’ll make sure it’s ready for your project with our comprehensive finishing and prefabrication services.

Let’s bring your vision to life. Get a free quote online or call us on today!

Contact us to discuss your requirements of mirror polish brass. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.