Each commercial hardware finish has specific characteristics affecting its suitability for different environments, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic properties. The following sections describe the most commonly specified finishes in detail.
US3 / BHMA 605: Bright Brass
Bright brass (US3/605) is a high-gloss polished brass finish with a clear lacquer or epoxy coating to retard tarnishing. The base material is solid brass or brass-plated steel. This finish is primarily used in interior applications where a traditional, formal appearance is desired, such as office lobbies, hotels, and institutional buildings. Bright brass requires periodic cleaning to maintain its luster and is not recommended for high-traffic areas where the clear coat will wear, exposing the brass to oxidation. It is not suitable for exterior or corrosive environments.
US4 / BHMA 606: Satin Brass
Satin brass (US4/606) has a brushed, matte texture achieved by mechanical abrasion of the brass surface before clear coating. The directional brush pattern hides fingerprints and minor scratches more effectively than bright brass, making it more practical for moderate-traffic interior applications. Like bright brass, satin brass is not recommended for exterior use because the clear coat degrades under UV exposure and the brass substrate tarnishes when exposed to moisture.
US10 / BHMA 612: Satin Bronze
Satin bronze (US10/612) is a brushed matte finish on a bronze base. Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin that develops a natural patina over time. Satin bronze hardware has a warm, muted appearance and is used in both traditional and contemporary interiors. The clear coating slows patina development, but bronze will still darken gradually with age. Satin bronze is suitable for interior applications and some sheltered exterior locations, though it is not recommended for coastal or highly corrosive environments without additional protective treatment.
US10B / BHMA 613: Oil Rubbed Bronze
Oil rubbed bronze (US10B/613) is a dark, aged-looking finish created by chemically darkening a bronze surface and then hand-relieving the high points to expose lighter undertones. This produces a two-tone appearance that simulates antique hardware. Oil rubbed bronze is one of the most popular architectural finishes for its visual warmth and ability to blend with wood doors and traditional interiors. Because the finish is a surface treatment rather than a plating, it will continue to age and change slightly over time. It is an interior finish and is not recommended for exterior exposure.
US26 / BHMA 625: Bright Chromium
Bright chromium (US26/625) is a high-gloss mirror-like chrome plating applied over a nickel undercoat on brass or steel substrates. Chrome plating provides excellent hardness and wear resistance. This finish is used in high-end interior applications where a clean, modern aesthetic is desired. Bright chromium shows fingerprints and water spots readily and requires frequent cleaning in high-traffic areas. It offers moderate corrosion resistance and can be used in sheltered exterior applications, but is not recommended for coastal or industrial environments without enhanced plating thickness.
US26D / BHMA 626: Satin Chromium
Satin chromium (US26D/626) is a brushed matte chrome finish that provides the corrosion resistance of chrome plating with better fingerprint concealment than bright chrome. It is one of the most widely specified commercial finishes due to its clean appearance, durability, and moderate maintenance requirements. Satin chromium is appropriate for interior commercial applications including offices, schools, healthcare facilities, and retail spaces. Like bright chromium, it offers moderate exterior resistance but should not be used in corrosive environments.
US32 / BHMA 629: Bright Stainless Steel
Bright stainless steel (US32/629) is a high-gloss polished finish on 300-series stainless steel, typically 304 or 316 grade. This finish combines the mirror-like appearance of polished chrome with the superior corrosion resistance of stainless steel. It is specified for high-end interiors and exterior applications where long-term durability is required. 316-grade stainless is recommended for coastal and marine environments. Bright stainless shows fingerprints and requires regular cleaning but will not rust, tarnish, or degrade under normal atmospheric conditions.
US32D / BHMA 630: Satin Stainless Steel
Satin stainless steel (US32D/630) is the most commonly specified finish for commercial exterior hardware and high-traffic interior applications. The brushed matte texture on 304 or 316 stainless steel hides fingerprints and scratches while providing the highest corrosion resistance of any standard hardware finish. Satin stainless is the default specification for hospitals, food processing facilities, laboratories, exterior entries, and any environment subject to frequent cleaning with harsh chemicals. For coastal, marine, or chemical-exposure environments, specify 316-grade stainless steel specifically.
US28 / BHMA 628: Satin Aluminum
Satin aluminum (US28/628) is a brushed matte finish on anodized aluminum. Anodizing creates a hard, integral oxide layer on the aluminum surface that resists corrosion and wear. Satin aluminum is lightweight and commonly specified for exit devices, push-pull bars, and continuous hinges, particularly in institutional and commercial applications. It is suitable for both interior and sheltered exterior use. In coastal environments, aluminum hardware should be specified with enhanced anodizing thickness or avoided in favor of stainless steel.
BHMA 689: Aluminum Painted
Aluminum painted (689) is a spray-applied aluminum-colored paint finish on a steel substrate. It is one of the most economical hardware finishes available and is commonly specified for closers, exit devices, and other hardware where function takes priority over aesthetics. The painted surface provides basic corrosion protection for interior use. Aluminum painted hardware does not have the corrosion resistance of true anodized aluminum and is not recommended for exterior applications or environments subject to moisture, chemicals, or abrasion.
BHMA 693: Black
Black (693) is a dark black finish achieved through paint, powder coat, or specialized coatings applied to steel or other substrates. Black hardware has become increasingly popular in contemporary commercial and architectural design. Durability depends on the coating method: powder-coated black finishes offer significantly better scratch and chip resistance than spray-painted finishes. Black hardware is primarily specified for interior use. For exterior black hardware, specify powder coat over paint for improved UV and weather resistance.
Powder Coat Options (Custom Colors)
Powder coating is an electrostatically applied dry finish that is heat-cured in an oven to form a hard, durable shell. Powder coat finishes are available in virtually any RAL or custom color, making them the standard choice for projects requiring a specific color match. Powder coat is significantly more durable than wet paint: it resists chipping, scratching, fading, and chemical exposure. It is suitable for both interior and exterior applications. Most commercial hardware manufacturers offer powder coat as a factory-applied option with lead times longer than standard finishes. Powder coat is commonly specified for exit devices, closers, and trim in custom colors to match architectural color schemes.
