Lighting brands often reorder the same aged brass part months apart and need it to match fixtures already installed. We keep the color consistent with two controls: every batch uses the same grade of raw brass, and the patina solution is mixed to the same concentration every time.
Why aged brass can vary between batches
An aged (patinated) finish is a chemical reaction on the brass surface. The final tone depends on two things above all: the metal being treated and the solution treating it. If either changes, for example a different brass composition or a stronger or weaker solution, the color shifts even when the process looks the same.
The two controls we use
- Same raw material: each reorder uses the same brass grade as the approved batch, so the surface reacts the same way.
- Same solution concentration: the patina solution is mixed to a fixed concentration for that finish, so the reaction produces the same tone.
With both held constant, a batch made months later matches the earlier one.
Unlacquered (living) brass
Unlacquered brass has no clear coat, so it keeps changing after installation and darkens with handling and air. That is the look many designers want. Because the surface keeps aging in use, the controls above matter at the factory: parts should leave us at the same starting color, and then age naturally on site.
Tips when you order an aged finish
- Keep one approved part as your reference and send a photo with each reorder.
- Do not mix sand cast and lost-wax parts of different alloys in one fixture without checking the finish together.
- Tell us if the part will be lacquered after aging or left unlacquered.
Small-batch production and shipping
- Lead time: 50 to 200 pieces with existing tooling usually ship in about one week.
- Threads: machined on CNC after casting.
- Shipping to the US: we can ship DDP (duties paid, delivered to your door). Import duty depends on the product classification and the rates in force at the time, so we calculate it for each order and include it in the DDP quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep aged brass the same color from batch to batch?
We use the same raw brass grade for every batch and mix the patina solution to the same concentration each time. With the metal and the solution held constant, reorders match the approved color.
Does unlacquered brass change color after installation?
Yes. Without a clear coat it continues to darken with air and handling. We control the starting color at the factory; the natural aging continues on site.
How fast can you make 50 to 200 aged brass parts?
About one week to ship for repeat orders with existing tooling.
Can you ship aged brass lighting parts DDP to the United States?
Yes. We calculate import duty for each order based on the product classification and current rates, and include it in a DDP quote delivered to your door.
Written by the Gaton Brass team, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China. Published 2026-10-07. Customer names and drawings are withheld at the customer's request.