Introduction
When it comes to renovating your bathroom or kitchen, choosing the right fixtures that align with your personal style and offer functionality is essential. Among the various styles and finishes available, matte black faucets have been gaining popularity. While these dark faucets exude a sleek and modern aesthetic, they may not be suitable for everyone. In this article, we will delve into the pros and cons of matte black faucets, helping you determine if they are the right fit for your space. From maintenance to compatibility with different sink materials, we will cover it all. Continue reading to discover if this trend aligns with your preferences.
What is Matte Black?
Matte black is an aesthetically pleasing, non-reflective finish applied to metal surfaces. It is created by a powder coating process that uses a high voltage electrical field to atomize the powder, which then becomes an even layer of pigment on the metal surface. The result is a matte finish that gives off little to no light reflection. The smooth and subtle appearance of matte black makes it perfect for accentuating sleek and modern designs in both kitchen and bathroom settings.
Pros of Matte Black Faucets
Having matte black faucets in your home can provide a number of advantages over standard silver-colored faucets.
Aesthetic Appeal
Faucets with matte black finishes make a bold statement and provide an eye-catching contrast against lighter colors in the bathroom. Compared to traditional chrome or metallic finishes, matte black fixtures have a sleek, modern look that instantly updates the space. The muted tone also helps to draw attention to other design elements within the room such as artwork and decorations. Matte black faucets are especially popular for bathrooms with white walls and minimal decor since they can help to create a high-end spa-like atmosphere.
Wide and Perfect Match
Another great pro of matte black faucets is that they are incredibly versatile and can match any type of neutral color scheme. This means that you don’t have to worry about mismatching colors or the need to repaint your bathroom when changing the design. Matte black tapware can easily be paired with a range of warm, cool, and neutral colors, from beiges and whites to grays and charcoals. The beauty of matte black is that it’s not too shiny or sleek, but still has an impactful look that adds character to any bathroom. With its wide range of applications and ability to perfectly match any color scheme, matte black tapware is definitely a great choice for any bathroom renovation project.
Easy Maintenance
Unlike conventional finishes like chrome plating, matte black fixtures are resistant to smears and fingerprints, allowing them to maintain their original appearance for longer periods. Water spots are unlikely to form on matte black surfaces, reducing the overall cleaning effort required. If any dirt or debris does accumulate, it can be easily removed with warm water and a gentle detergent, leaving little evidence behind.
The smooth finish also provides added protection against damage, eliminating the need for abrasive cleaners or scrubbing agents. A simple wipe down with a microfiber cloth is often sufficient. This makes matte black fixtures a great option for busy households that don’t have much time for extensive cleaning.
Cons of Matte Black Faucets
Like any product, matte black faucets have some drawbacks that should be considered.
Could Fade Over Time
One of the drawbacks to having matte black faucets is that they can fade over time. This can be a major issue for homeowners who invest in matte black plumbing fixtures because it can reduce the aesthetic appeal of their bathroom. The fading is hard to predict and can often occur unexpectedly due to environmental factors such as UV light exposure or chemicals found in cleansers and soaps. As a result, you may have to take extra steps such as wiping down your fixtures after each wash with a cotton or microfiber towel to preserve their vibrancy and prevent fading. Even then, this does not guarantee that the fixtures won’t eventually lose their color.
Can be Damaged by Plumbing Tools
Matte black faucets are more delicate and prone to damage from certain plumbing tools. When assembling the faucet, plumbers using tools like multi-grips or others run the risk of causing dings and scratches on the surface. Even minor contact with these tools can dull and scratch the matte black finish, leading to permanent damage. While matte black faucets offer an elegant and sophisticated look, their delicateness makes them vulnerable during the installation process. To minimize this risk, plumbers should use towels to protect the surfaces of matte black fixtures when assembling them.
Need Specific Cleaning Methods
Another main drawback to using matte black tapware and plumbing fixtures is that they require specific cleaning methods in order to maintain their beautiful finish. Since harsh chemical or wax-based cleaners can damage the surface, it is not recommended to use such products on matte black tapware. Instead, it is always suggested that gentle soapy water should be used when we are cleaning the matte black fixtures. Furthermore, once the surface is washed clean, extra care must be taken to thoroughly dry it so that no water spots are left behind. All of this requires additional time and effort and may be inconvenient for some people.
Expose Dirt and Grime Easily
Finally, matte black faucets are highly susceptible to dirt and grime buildup. Since the finish is non-glossy, dust particles stick to it easily and quickly, making them appear unclean more quickly than other types of finishes. Again, because matte black fixtures don’t have a gloss finish, it is difficult to wipe away dirt without smudging the finish, which can cause the black color to turn gray from the grime build-up. This makes these types of fixtures need regular and more intense cleaning even if they’re not used very often. Additionally, if you use makeup powder at your bathroom vanity frequently, this will be much more visible on matte black tapware than other colors and finishes as it will accumulate over time. Not only does this make your taps look dingy but it makes them harder to clean as well.
Difference Between Matte Black and Black Chrome
Matte black has a non-glossy texture that does not reflect light, whereas black chrome is highly reflective and glossy in appearance. Chrome also resists corrosion better than matte black and is easier to clean, as dust particles and skin oils do not stick as easily to the glossy surface. In addition, chrome black will last longer than a matte black finish since it’s more resistant to scratches and fading due to exposure from environmental factors such as water and air. Ultimately, It’s important to note that both finishes are aesthetically pleasing in their own way. Matte black might be trendy, but chrome is the more practical and long-lasting choice.
Check out Konstaa’s Black Chrome Thermostatic Shower Faucets.
Conclusion
Matte black faucets are perfect for your kitchen or bathroom to bring a modern feel to the space. In addition to looking trendier, there’s also less maintenance as it’s easier to hide any water spots and fingerprints. You can also find matte black faucets in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any budget. However, some people may prefer faucets with other surface treatments more often, matte black faucets are an excellent choice if you appreciate a modern look, want something with low maintenance that still looks luxe and chic, and can handle regular use without deterioration.
