Consort-HW Care&Maintenance-ArchitecturalFinishes2025

We offer a versatile and complete range of access control to meet any requirement, highly customisable to purpose and scale. Our access control can also be retrofitted to be compatible with other third-party systems, such as your existing locking systems or apps.

Care & Maintenance of Architectural Finishes.

Our architectural ironmongery is built to last, but to keep it looking and performing its best, it’s important to follow the right care and maintenance routines. This guide provides general advice based on our expertise, industry best practices, and recognised maintenance standards. Below is a breakdown of how to care for different finishes to ensure longevity and durability. Stainless Steel Finishes (SSS, MSS, PSS) Recommended Care: Wipe with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, then dry thoroughly. Avoid: Abrasive cleaners or steel wool, as they tend to damage the surface. Extra Tip: For stubborn marks, use a stainless steel cleaner and follow the grain of the metal. Chrome & Nickel Finishes (PCP, SCP, SNP) Recommended Care: Use a damp cloth with mild soap. To prevent water spots, dry immediately. Avoid: Harsh chemicals, polishes, or excessive moisture, as they can cause tarnishing over time. Extra Tip: For polished chrome, a microfiber cloth can help maintain the shine without scratching the product. Anodised Aluminium Recommended Care: Wipe with a soft cloth and warm water. For lighter stains, use a mild detergent. Avoid: Acidic or alkaline cleaners, as they can damage the anodised layer. Extra Tip: To prevent dust build-up, regular dusting will keep the surface looking clean. PVD Coated Finishes Recommended Care: Use a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Dry thoroughly. Avoid: Abrasives, acidic cleaners, and excessive rubbing, which can wear down the coating. Extra Tip: PVD is highly durable, but cleaning with a microfiber cloth helps maintain its appearance.

Powder Coated Finishes Recommended Care: Clean with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive cloth. Rinse and dry. Avoid: Solvents, harsh detergents, or abrasive pads that can dull the finish. Extra Tip: If exposed to outdoor elements, rinse periodically to remove pollutants and prolong life. Electroplated Finishes Recommended Care: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. If needed, use a mild, non-acidic cleaner. Avoid: Ammonia-based or abrasive cleaners, which can strip the plating. Extra Tip: Electroplated finishes can develop a natural patina over time - this is normal and part of the ageing process. Lacquered Finishes Recommended Care: Wipe with a damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid: Solvents, alcohol-based cleaners, or excessive rubbing, which can degrade the lacquer. Extra Tip: Scratches or chips in lacquered finishes cannot be polished out, so regular dusting helps prevent debris build-up.

Waxed & Living Finishes (Polished Brass, Brushed Brass, Mid Antique, Dark Bronze)

Living finishes are designed to evolve over time. Unlike lacquered or plated surfaces, these finishes will gradually develop a richer patina as they react to handling, environment and natural oxidation. This is an intentional characteristic and not a defect. To help these finishes age evenly and maintain their appearance, follow the guidance below.

Recommended Care

First 4 Weeks After Installation:

• Wipe the hardware regularly with a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints, installation residue and dust.

• Apply a thin, even layer of clear natural wax (such as a high-quality beeswax or furniture wax) between once to twice a week allowing the protection to bed to the full surface. • Allow the wax to settle for a few minutes and buff gently with a soft, lint- free cloth. • This initial waxing period helps stabilise the finish and encourages a more uniform patina as it begins to age.

Ongoing Care:

• For everyday cleaning, simply dust with a dry cloth or lightly wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then dry immediately. • Reapply a light coat of wax periodically — typically every few months, or sooner in high-traffic environments. • Regular waxing helps reduce water spotting, fingerprinting and uneven colouration. Avoid • Abrasive pads, scouring sponges or metal polishes not intended for living finishes. • Strong detergents, ammonia-based products, solvents or heavy-duty cleaners, as these can strip the protective wax layer. • Excess moisture left on the surface — always dry thoroughly after cleaning. • Attempting to achieve a “fixed” or “uniform” colour; natural tonal variation is part of the finish.

Extra Tip

The ageing process will differ between items depending on usage, touch frequency and surrounding conditions. High-use components, such as door levers, will deepen in tone more quickly than lightly handled items. Regular light waxing helps the finish mature evenly while preserving the tactile quality of the metal.

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