The Main Differences Between Satin Nickel and Brushed Nickel

PDF download Download Article
An in-depth guide on satin and brushed nickel to help out on your next home renovation
PDF download Download Article

So you’ve chosen to use nickel for your next kitchen or bathroom remodel, but now you have to decide which finish you’d like to use. Should you go with satin or brushed? The finish of your faucets, light fixtures, and doorknobs is like the icing on the cake when tying together the overall feel and aesthetic of a space. We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about these two finishes so you have all the information you need to craft the perfect space that fits your taste and style.

Things You Should Know

  • The finish on brushed nickel is rougher and has a more rustic aesthetic.
  • Satin nickel has a consistent and non-reflective texture that makes it appear very smooth.
  • Satin nickel is more durable than brushed nickel, but pricier.
  • Nickel is a popular metal used in faucets , showerheads , and doorknobs in residential areas and commercial areas as well.
Section 1 of 7:

Appearance

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Thanks to its smooth texture and the lacquer treatment, satin nickel appears especially shiny and lustrous wherever it’s placed. Meanwhile, brushed nickel has a rougher texture and doesn’t reflect light as well. You can usually see the lines where the wire brush was run across its surface. Though, if you're going for a vintage style, that might be just what you're looking for. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Given that they’re made of the same metal, no matter whether you choose a satin finish or a brushed finish, you’ll still be left with a lustrous silver color with a subtle gold tint. So if you’re thinking about interior design, they will both likely pair with similar color schemes. [2]
    3. Advertisement
Section 2 of 7:

Cost

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Because of the more complex process used to make satin nickel, it’ll usually cost you more to finish whatever metal piece you’re working on with satin nickel as opposed to brushed nickel. For example, a nickel doorknob with a brushed finish will cost you around $10, while a satin finish will be something more like $13. [3]
Section 3 of 7:

Durability

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In this case, “durable” refers to its ability to stand against corrosion, general wear and tear, and becoming deformed after being exposed to certain elements. Thanks to the lacquer treatment it’s given at the end of the manufacturing process, satin nickel possess all of these properties and isn’t as likely to tarnish as easily as brushed nickel. [4]
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 7:

Upkeep

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A milky white tarnish can form on brushed nickel over time, especially when it’s placed where there’s lots of humidity, such as in a bathroom. To avoid this tarnish from building up, you’ll have to clean brushed nickel platings more often. On the other hand, the lacquer treatment given to satin nickel greatly slows down this tarnishing effect, so you won’t have to clean it that often. [5]
    • Fingerprints and scratches will also show up a lot more obviously on brushed nickel.
    • Brushed nickel fixtures should be cleaned with a soft, damp rag daily.
    • Satin nickel can be treated just with a soft cloth that’s either dry or slightly dampened, and only ever really needs to be cleaned when you see big smudges or spots that need to be polished.
Section 5 of 7:

Manufacturing Process

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The term “brushed” refers to the rougher looking finish the nickel is given. The metal is swept over with a wire brush or other tool and then treated with abrasive chemicals that really bring out the more rugged and rough quality of the finish. [6]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the process of plating one metal on top of another. In this case, nickel is being placed on top of another metal piece. The electroplating process is then followed by a lacquer treatment, leaving the finished nickel smooth and even looking. [7]
    3. Advertisement
Section 6 of 7:

When to Choose Satin vs. Brushed Nickel

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The lacquer treatment given to satin nickel makes it more durable than brushed nickel and less susceptible to tarnishing. For things like showerheads , faucets , and bathroom door knobs that are exposed to humidity and used more often, satin nickel might be your preferred choice. [8]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The brush marks and rougher texture of brushed nickel give it a certain rustic charm, and it’s a very aesthetically pleasing finish to use in places like your kitchen sink faucets and door knobs . Both satin and brushed nickel have a very traditional look to them, but the brush strokes on brushed nickel just work to emphasize its super eclectic feel. [9]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Since they’re both nickel, the two types are similar when it comes to color. So there’s no need to worry about picking out a separate color scheme for each type or worrying that they’ll clash with one another. If one area of your house would benefit more from satin nickel and another from brushed, feel free to utilize both. [10]
    4. Advertisement
Section 7 of 7:

Popularity in Interior Design

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Satin-Nickel-vs-Brushed-Nickel-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Chrome is one of the most popular choices today for faucets , light fixtures , and showerheads since it has a very sleek and modern look. However, that doesn’t mean that satin and brushed nickel are going out of style. It’s simply a matter of what kind of feel and look you want to give your space. [11]


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Hang a Valance
      How to
      Check a California Licensed Contractor
      How to
      Write a Contract for a Home Renovation
      How to
      Renovate a Home
      How to
      Stain over Paint
      How to
      Install Crawl Space Insulation
      How to
      Tell if Your Home Has Code Violations
      How to
      Get a Building Permit in Florida
      How to
      Restore Furniture Veneer
      How to
      Obtain a Building Permit in California
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about interior design, check out our in-depth interview with Garrison Hullinger .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.hunker.com/13411889/the-differences-between-brushed-chrome-brushed-nickel
      2. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/home/tips-for-mixing-metals
      3. ↑ https://coredifferences.com/difference-between-brushed-nickel-and-satin-nickel/
      4. ↑ https://homedecorbliss.com/can-mix-satin-nickel-brushed-nickel/
      5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/chrome-vs-brushed-nickel/
      6. ↑ https://homedecorbliss.com/can-mix-satin-nickel-brushed-nickel/
      7. ↑ https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(Analytical_Chemistry)/Electrochemistry/Electrolytic_Cells/Electroplating
      8. ↑ https://coredifferences.com/difference-between-brushed-nickel-and-satin-nickel/
      9. ↑ https://jane-athome.com/mixing-metals-in-bathroom/
      1. ↑ https://homedecorbliss.com/can-mix-satin-nickel-brushed-nickel/
      2. ↑ https://www.homedit.com/brushed-nickel-vs-chrome-faucet/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 15,154 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement