For All Finishes
Easy Maintenance
- Wipe dry after each use with a soft dry cloth to prevent water-spotting and mineral build-up.
- Clean and wax regularly. We recommend Faucet Brite**, which contains both gentle cleansers and a fine wax coating. Otherwise, clean with mild soap and water, then apply a quality car wax or floor paste wax.
**For Living Finishes (see description below), we recommend Renaissance Wax instead.
And a few important cautions....
- Avoid all abrasive and aggressive chemicals (“SoftScrub”, etc.).
- Avoid ammoniated products (window cleaner, tile cleaners, etc.).
- Avoid bleach.
- Do not use abrasive cleaning pads.
- Do not allow water to come into prolonged contact with faucet surface, wipe down after each use.
- Do not allow water to collect at base of faucet.
Finish-Specific Notes
NICKEL FINISHES
(Satin Nickel)
These finishes are uncoated so as to allow the natural, subtle beauty of the metal to show through.
- Follow the “All Finishes” recommendations listed above.
- If not cared for regularly, Nickel finishes may oxidize and require a stronger cleaning agent. If this happens, simply use a mild metal polish such as Flitz or Semi-Chrome. It will restore your fittings’ natural luster.
24K GOLD FINISHES
(Polished/Satin 24K gold)
The name says it all. Treat 24K gold-plated faucets and fittings like you would fine jewelry.
- Follow the “All Finishes” recommendations listed to the left.
- Gold is soft. Avoid abrasive cleaning agents, rough cleaning cloths and vigorous cleaning action.
PVD FINISHES
(Polished/Satin Brass, English Brass, Black Nickel, Polished Nickel, Polished/Satin Rose Bronze, Lifetime Polished/Satin Gold, Mocha Bronze, Stainless Steel)
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) uses a state-of-the-art process that molecularly bonds the finish to the faucet, creating a super-hard surface that is by far the most durable available today. These cutting edge finishes are so effective we guarantee them for life against tarnishing. Although our PVD finishes have proven resistant to over 100 cleaning products, we recommend avoiding certain products (listed below) since they can harm even a PVD finish:
- Follow the “All Finishes” recommendations listed to the left.
- Avoid all products designed to remove tarnish or rust, and contain hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, and/or phosphoric acid or caustic agents.
- Avoid bleach
- Avoid Scouring Pads (such as Scotch Brite®).
POWDER COAT FINISHES
(Antique Brass, Pewter, Polished/Satin?Antique Copper, Espresso Bronze, White, Biscuit, Black, Matte Black)
These finishes are protected with a clear powder coating designed to allow the underlying color to show through and provide a layer of protection. Still, abrasives and harsh chemicals can damage the finish and expose the underlying fitting to tarnish and corrosion.
- Follow the “All Finishes” recommendations listed above.
- Avoid all abrasives.
LIVING FINISHES
(Weathered Brass, Weathered Copper, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Rustico Bronze)
These are unique artistic products, created so no two fittings look exactly alike. A remarkable characteristic of these finishes is that they age and wear over time, enhancing the rustic, antique look of the faucet. Because Living Finishes are by nature more delicate than other finishes, the only treatment we recommend is a high quality wax such as Renaissance Wax, available from your authorized California Faucets dealer. No other cleaning is necessary or recommended.
Additional Living Finish notes:
For Weathered Brass and Weathered Copper: Allow faucet parts to age in the open air for 1-2 weeks, and then re-wax prior to installation. This will help prevent dark water spots and allow the rich natural patina to develop evenly
For Oil Rubbed Bronze and Rustico Bronze: Areas that are touched frequently, such as handles, will lighten faster from contact and develop additional shine from your natural hand oils.