The Quick Guide to Matte Black Tapware: How to Care
MAINTENANCE & CARE
We've chosen to use electroplated finish on all our matte black tapware, which is why we’ve designed our matte black products to be electroplated finish as oppose to other matte black finishes available. Here we’ll answer some FAQs about matte black tapware, and guide you through the basic principles on caring for your black tapware.
What is electroplating?
Electroplating is a process that uses electric currents to dissolve metal to form a metal coating. Electroplating is harder wearing than powder coating or painting, which is why we have chosen this for Felton Matte Black products. Although electroplating is more durable than powder coating or painting, it is not scratch proof and care should be taken when cleaning and handling the products – just like chrome tapware.
Will it scratch easily?
Any metal coating can scratch; as with chrome or a polished car, if you scrape something sharp or hard on the surface, it will leave a mark and may remove some coating. All that should touch tapware and showerware is skin, cloths and towels. Rings on fingers can be a risk – but it takes some force to do much damage. As you know, the main risk of scratching is in the installation and building phase. Once installed, fittings need protection until the renovation or build is finished. We recommend leaving the cloth bag (supplied with the product) over it until all work is finished.
Caring for your matte black products:
A soft or microfibre cloth and warm soapy water is all that’s needed to clean Felton matte black products. Avoid waxes, solvents, abrasives, acids and other chemical-based cleaning products and don’t use any rough cleaning materials such as scourers. Over time, you may find light staining on your black tapware due to silicone grease from the O-ring. You can remove this by using a clean soft/microfiber cloth with methylated spirits (denatured alcohol) to remove any silicone grease stain. Overall, with a little TLC the more you care for your black tapware, the longer they will last.
Check out our full range of matte black tapware for more inspiration.