Finish Care

CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE OF LIVING FINISHES
Many of the finishes sold by Alexander Marchant are LIVING finishes, with the exception of Chrome. These living finishes will naturally age, patina, and take on their own individual appearances as they are exposed to time, climate, environment, and handling. Unless sold as a PVD finish, it is the nature of the material to change over time.

CARE & CLEANING

The lustrous finish on your fitting, fixture, lighting, hardware or accessory should be treated with care as it is a living finish, meaning it will evolve over time. Most finishes will age gracefully and develop a unique patina depending on the climate, exposure, handling, cleaning, and waxing routine that is established.
For best results, please remember the following General Cleaning Guidelines:
• Wash surfaces gently with a soft damp cloth; use a neutral liquid soap* with water for daily cleaning.
• Rinse completely with water, dry any over spray.
• Never use an abrasive material such as a brush or scouring pad to clean surface. The use of abrasive cleaners, cleansers or disinfectants will alter the surface finish and void the warranty.
• Alexander Marchant recommends Dawn® dish-washing detergent and warm water in a ratio of 1 teaspoon of Dawn per gallon of warm water. Waterworks also recommends the general practice of spot testing all cleaning agents on an inconspicuous area prior to applying.
To preserve finishes as they look when new, follow our General Cleaning Guidelines and a semi-annual Wax Routine. Using a high quality clear carnauba paste wax, massage a small amount of wax and polish with a clean soft cloth. If a natural patina is desired, simply clean regularly using the General Cleaning Guidelines without waxing to allow the finish to take on its own aged look. Note that prolonged contact with certain items such as toothpaste, air freshener, cologne, shaving cream, nail polish remover, vinegar, anti-bacterial soap and wines will also alter all surface finishes and void the warranty.

Simichrome® may be used on Chrome, Nickel and Unlacquered Brass finishes only to remove the effects of age and patina, and to return a bright living finish to its original luster. Simichrome® is not an approved polish for any other finish and may not be used with unlacquered brass plated copper sinks. Use of Simichrome on any other finish may damage the finish and void the warranty. If a finish is described as “Antique” or “Burnished”, it has been aged from the factory, creating a patina that normally takes months or years to achieve. This patina will continue to develop and change with handling and exposure unless the Wax Routine is followed. Iron and Guilded Iron are cared for with a simple cleaning and wiping of the surface with a dry cloth. No cleaning agents should be used on these finishes.

LEATHER
Leather will patinate with use and as it ages. For general dirt, dust, and food, please wipe with a damp cloth, mild soap solution (1 part soap to 12 parts water), wipe off excess water and allow to dry naturally. Never clean leather with abrasives or solvents.

CARE OF GENERAL FIXTURES

ACRYLIC AND COMPOSITE BATHTUBS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR, CAST IRON WITH ENAMEL INTERIOR
In addition to the general cleaning guidelines, a non abrasive basin tub and tile cleaner can be utilized for regular cleaning and disinfecting.

BURNISHED BATH TUB EXTERIOR
General cleaning guidelines are recommended for this exterior finish. For our Burnished tubs, it is also important to ensure the interior enamel surface and the exterior surface do not get chipped or scratched; this can result in the rusting of the cast iron and will void the warranty. If the tub will be stored for more than 30 days, it is recommended that the tub be stored in dry, ventilated conditions in temperatures not exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.