Unlacquered taps have become a favourite among UK homeowners and designers who love fixtures with a bit of character. Unlike taps that come with a protective coating, these (oten) brass pieces are left bare so they age and develop that unique patina you just can’t fake.
Finding high quality unlaquered taps is a harder task than you would imagine, as there aren’t many places that produce authentic unlacquered taps.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 4 best places where you can buy authentic unlacquered taps in the UK, and we’ll also explain the benefits of these unique types of taps.
Let’s jump into it.
1) Our top pick – Francone Bespoke Taps
Francone Bespoke Taps brings artisan-crafted Italian brassware with lots of customization options for kitchens and bathrooms. Paolo Francone, the founder, introduced traditional Italian craftsmanship to the UK market.
You can get taps in unlacquered brass finishes that develop a natural patina as they age. These “living finishes” change in tone and character, so no two fixtures look exactly alike over time.
The company works directly with artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations. You can order solid brass products online, which makes bespoke fixtures more accessible than you’d expect from a typical custom service.
Their line includes taps, fittings, towel rail radiators, and wash basins. Every piece blends heritage craftsmanship with quality materials, focusing on composition and durability.
2) Aston Matthews- premium unlacquered brass taps with authentic finishes
Aston Matthews has a wide range of unlacquered brass taps that are made to develop a natural patina. You’ll find both traditional and contemporary styles, so it’s easy to match your bathroom vibe.
They offer several collections with unlacquered brass finishes. The Original, Ambra, Astonian, Index, and Tradition ranges feature polished brass, while Acme and Industrial Index lean into a more industrial, scuffed look.
Their products are made in the UK and Italy from solid brass. The taps arrive raw and unprotected, so they’ll age and build character as you use them.
Aston Matthews coordinates their brass finishes across taps, showers, and accessories, making it straightforward to create a cohesive look. They’ve been around since 1823, so there’s a lot of experience behind their designs.
3) Samuel Heath UK
Samuel Heath has been a British manufacturer since 1820, working out of Birmingham. They focus on bathroom brassware – taps, showers, accessories – mixing traditional skills with modern techniques.
Their natural or unlacquered brass finishes are known for developing a unique patina. Over time, the golden hue deepens, giving that antique, lived-in look that’s hard to fake.
Samuel Heath’s unlacquered taps appear in several collections, including the Antique range, which channels Victorian style with curved spouts and cross heads. The finish lets the natural brass show its beauty as it ages.
You’ll find their taps at UK retailers and specialty showrooms. Pricing is on the higher end, reflecting the craftsmanship and British heritage. If you want brass taps that actually change and age instead of staying shiny forever, Samuel Heath is a solid choice.
4) Crosswater Bathrooms – luxury unlacquered brass tap collections
Crosswater offers a big selection of luxury unlacquered brass taps that blend traditional looks with modern quality. Collections come in both classic and contemporary designs, so you’ve got options for any bathroom redo.
The taps are made from solid brass, so they’re built to last. The unlacquered finish develops a patina naturally, adding personality as the years go by.
The Belgravia range stands out for unlacquered brass fans. It features crosshead taps and mixers that fit right into period homes or traditional bathrooms.
You can buy Crosswater taps from several UK retailers, like Victorian Plumbing, Tap Warehouse, and Drench. The prices are premium, but you’re paying for the look and the build.
Their lineup isn’t just basin taps – you’ll also find bath taps, wall-mounted mixers, and shower valves. This makes it easy to coordinate everything in your bathroom with matching finishes.
Benefits of Choosing Unlacquered Taps
Unlacquered taps stand out for a few reasons. Visual appeal is a big one, but there are practical perks too.
Aesthetics and Patina Development
Because they have no protective coating, unlacquered brass taps react with their environment. Over time, you get a patina that’s unique to every tap – no two age the same.
This is one of the main benefits of the unlacquered finish, because it means that no two taps are the same – it also means that maintenance becomes much easier.
Durability and Upkeep
Brass is recyclable and lasts for decades if you look after it. With no lacquer, you don’t have to worry about chips or peeling – just let the metal do its thing.
Caring for unlacquered taps is a bit different. Either embrace the aging, or polish regularly if you want them bright. For daily cleaning, mild soap and water is all you need.
Unlacquered brass lasts longer, so you won’t be replacing taps as often. Brass production is usually less harsh on the environment than a lot of other plumbing materials, so it’s a decent eco-friendly choice.
Material Quality and Finish Considerations
The base metal matters. Brass is the most common – durable, warm golden tone, darkens naturally. Copper gives a reddish hue that turns brownish or green as it ages.
Tap thickness is important too. Solid brass lasts longer and ages more evenly than thin or plated options. Thinner materials can wear unevenly or develop weak spots at joints.
Some brands offer pre-aged finishes, while others ship completely raw metal. It’s worth checking before you buy.
Material comparison:
- Solid brass: Most durable, even aging, warm golden patina
- Copper: Distinct color changes, patinas faster
- Bronze: Dark, earthy tones, ages more slowly
How often you use the tap matters too. Kitchen taps, for example, get touched more and develop patina faster than bathroom fixtures. That means more dramatic color changes in high-use spots.
