The three options
Gold, champagne and rose-gold metal is usually achieved one of three ways: PVD (physical vapour deposition) on stainless steel or brass, electroplating (gold, brass or copper plating over steel or brass) or polished brass protected with clear lacquer. They look similar on day one and behave very differently after a year of use.
PVD
A thin, hard titanium-based layer bonded to the polished metal under vacuum. It does not peel, does not tarnish, resists fingerprints and household cleaners, and keeps its colour indoors for many years. Colour depends on the base finish: mirror, brushed or satin. It is the right choice for handles, counters, cladding, furniture frames and anything touched or cleaned daily. HOPE applies PVD in-house on the metalwork it fabricates.
Electroplating
A metal layer deposited by electrolysis. It is inexpensive and gives a bright finish, but the layer is soft and thin; it wears at contact points and can peel or discolour where the base preparation was poor. Suitable for decorative items that are rarely touched.
Lacquered brass
Real brass, polished and sealed with clear lacquer. Warm and authentic, but the lacquer scratches and yellows, and once it breaks the brass tarnishes unevenly. Best for pieces that can be re-polished, or where a living patina is wanted.
Choosing
- High-touch, high-traffic (hospitality, retail, lift lobbies): PVD.
- Consistent colour across cladding, furniture and hardware on one project: PVD from one workshop, batch-matched.
- Budget decorative accents, low contact: plating.
- Heritage or patina look, with maintenance accepted: lacquered or unlacquered brass.
- Exterior: 316 stainless brushed or powder-coated; PVD only under cover.
Questions
Does PVD chip?
No. It is bonded to the metal, not a coating that sits on top. It can be scratched by hard abrasives, so it is cleaned with a soft cloth and mild detergent.
Can PVD be repaired on site?
Not locally. A damaged part is re-polished and re-coated in the workshop, which is why cladding is made in removable panels.
Which colours does HOPE offer?
Champagne gold, gold, rose gold and silver on mirror, brushed or satin stainless steel and brass.