English Heritage Lighting Finishes & Care

Each English Heritage Lighting fixture is handcrafted and hand-finished in England. Because the finishes are individually applied, slight variations in color, tone, and texture are natural and contribute to the character of each piece.

Some finishes will mellow, tarnish, or develop a patina over time. Their appearance may change more quickly when the metal is frequently handled, so fingerprints should be removed according to the care instructions below.

Distressed Antique Finish (AB)

The metal is degreased and soaked in a chemical solution that physically ages it. The fixture is then selectively polished to reveal portions of the metal beneath, creating the appearance of a naturally aged antique.

This finish will continue to mellow with age and is suitable for both interior and exterior use. It requires minimal maintenance to retain its intended appearance.

Care instructions: Do not use abrasive cleaners or cloths. Use a soft, clean, damp cloth to remove dust or sediment as needed. Avoid leaving fingerprints on the surface, as they may cause the exposed metal to tarnish more quickly and create an uneven finish.

Old Antique Finish (ANT)

The metal is degreased and soaked in a chemical solution that physically ages it. The resulting finish has a grey-bronze appearance designed to resemble metal that has naturally tarnished over many years.

This finish is suitable for both interior and exterior use and requires minimal maintenance to retain its intended appearance.

Care instructions: Do not use abrasive cleaners or cloths. Use a soft, clean, damp cloth to remove dust or sediment as needed. Avoid leaving fingerprints on the surface, as they may cause the exposed metal to tarnish more quickly and create an uneven finish.

Bronze Finish (BZ)

The metal is degreased and treated with a chemical solution that creates its bronze appearance. It is then cleaned and lacquered to protect the finish.

This finish is intended for interior use and requires occasional cleaning with a soft, damp cloth.

Care instructions: To protect the lacquered surface, do not use abrasive cleaners, metal polish, solvents, or rough cloths. Use a soft, clean, damp cloth to remove dust or surface residue as needed.

Polished Lacquered Finish (PB)

The metal is polished to create a bright, glossy appearance and then coated with a clear lacquer to help preserve the finish.

This finish is suitable for interior lighting and select exterior products. However, lacquered finishes are not recommended for exterior fixtures near coastal areas, as salt can quickly degrade the lacquer.

Care instructions: To protect the lacquered surface, do not use brass polish, abrasive cleaners, solvents, or rough cloths. Use a soft, clean, damp cloth to remove dust or surface residue as needed.

Unlacquered Natural Finish (PBUL)

The metal is polished but left unlacquered, allowing it to gradually tarnish, mellow, and develop a natural patina.

This living finish may be left to age naturally or polished periodically to maintain a brighter appearance. It is suitable for both interior and exterior use.

Care instructions: To allow the finish to age naturally, wipe it gently with a soft, clean cloth as needed. To restore a brighter appearance, use a suitable brass polish with a soft cloth. Apply the polish to the cloth rather than directly to the fixture. Avoid leaving fingerprints on the surface, as they may cause the metal to tarnish more quickly or unevenly.

Nickel — Unlacquered (N)

The fixture is carefully cleaned and prepared before being plated with nickel and polished to create a bright, reflective surface.

Because the nickel is unlacquered, it will naturally mellow and tarnish over time in a manner similar to silver.

Care instructions: Do not use abrasive cleaners or cloths. To maintain a bright, polished appearance, use a suitable metal polish with a soft cloth. Apply the polish to the cloth rather than directly to the fixture. Avoid leaving fingerprints on the surface, as they may cause the plating to tarnish more quickly.

Copper — Unlacquered (C)

The fixture is carefully cleaned and prepared before being plated with copper and polished to create a warm, reflective finish.

Because the copper is unlacquered, it will naturally tarnish and may eventually develop areas of green-blue patina. It may be left to age naturally or polished periodically to retain a brighter appearance.

Care instructions: Do not use abrasive cleaners or cloths. To maintain a bright, polished appearance, use a suitable metal polish with a soft cloth. Apply the polish to the cloth rather than directly to the fixture. Avoid leaving fingerprints on the surface, as they may cause the copper plating to tarnish more quickly or unevenly.

Antique Relief Finish (ANT/REL)

This special-order finish begins with the Old Antique finish. Selected details of the fixture are then relief-polished to emphasize the design and create a more distinctive, individually finished appearance.

Please contact us to discuss the availability of this special-order finish.

Care instructions: Do not use abrasive cleaners or cloths. Use a soft, clean, damp cloth to remove dust or sediment as needed. Avoid leaving fingerprints on the surface, as they may cause the exposed metal to tarnish more quickly and create an uneven finish.

Important Finish Notes

Hand-applied finishes naturally vary from piece to piece. Product photography and finish samples should therefore be considered representative rather than exact.

Unlacquered finishes are living finishes and will continue to change in tone and character over time.

Never use abrasive pads, harsh chemicals, household cleaning sprays, or solvents on these finishes.