Originally, bathroom accessories were made with Brass for an aesthetic look and feel and also for corrosion resistance. However, there are two issues with brass brass.
They are:
1. Tarnishing tendency on exposure to moisture and air.
2. The cost of brass is high.
The brass is prone to catch dirt and forms mild oxide layer. Hence, it has to be cleaned periodically to maintain its lustre. People use lemon or tamarind or vinegar to clean the oxide layer to maintain its lustre. They also use soap solution to remove oil or grease or dirt. Some people attempt to provide a thin organic clear metal laquer to keep the brass metal to maintain its grand lustre.
Nowadays, the brass bathroom accessories are replaced with various metals or metal alloys or materials like stainless steel, Zamac, ceramics, ABS plasstics etc.
Let us compare brass and PVD coated stainless steel bathroom accessories.
| Factor | Brass | PVD Coated Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Corrosion-resistant, but may tarnish over time. Often lacquer-coated to prevent tarnishing. | Highly corrosion-resistant due to both the stainless steel and the PVD coating. |
| Appearance | Warm, golden hue. Can be finished in various ways – polished, satin, antique, etc. | Wide range of decorative finishes possible, mimicking various metals and hues. |
| Cost | Generally more expensive. | Often more affordable, but varies based on quality and PVD process. |
| Maintenance | Requires regular polishing if not lacquered. Some prefer the aged patina look. | Low maintenance, resistant to fingerprints and smudges. |
| Weight | Denser and heavier. | Lighter, making accessories easier to mount and handle. |
| Environmental Impact | Mining and refining have environmental impacts. Recyclable. | PVD process is eco-friendlier than electroplating. Stainless steel is recyclable. |
| Antimicrobial Properties | Natural antimicrobial properties. | Stainless steel doesn’t have the same antimicrobial properties but is hygienic due to ease of cleaning. |
Many of the bathroom fitting manufacturers use zamac to reduce the cost of the materials.
Brass and Zamac (an acronym referring to the alloy’s main constituents: Zinc, Aluminum, Magnesium, and Copper) are both utilized in the manufacturing of bathroom fittings. Below is a comparison between the two in a two-column table format:
| Factor | Brass | Zamac |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Alloy of copper and zinc. | Alloy primarily of zinc, combined with aluminum, magnesium, and a small amount of copper. |
| Durability | Corrosion-resistant and durable in moist environments. | Less durable than brass, especially in humid conditions. It can corrode over time. |
| Strength | Strong and can withstand high pressures. | Generally less strong than brass. |
| Weight | Heavier compared to Zamac. | Lighter than brass. |
| Machinability | Easier to machine and provides a smoother finish. | A bit harder to machine compared to brass. |
| Cost | Typically more expensive than Zamac due to material and manufacturing processes. | Generally less expensive, making it a popular choice for cost-effective production. |
| Finish/Appearance | Can be polished to a bright, shiny finish and can be finished in various ways. | Can accept a variety of finishes, but the base metal is not as lustrous as brass. |
| Casting | Suitable for both forging and casting. | Primarily used in die casting. |
| Environmental Impact | Mining and refining can have environmental impacts. Brass is recyclable. | Zamac is also recyclable, but the primary component, zinc, can have environmental impacts from mining. |
When deciding between brass and Zamac for bathroom fittings, one must consider the application’s specific requirements, budget, and aesthetic preferences. While brass offers a more premium feel and durability, Zamac might be chosen for its cost-effectiveness, especially in budget or mid-range products. However, for bathroom fittings that need to withstand significant wear and tear or where longevity and a premium feel are essential, brass would often be the preferred choice.