Brushed nickel and stainless steel often look very similar but the difference is in their underlying tone.
Brushed nickel versus stainless steel faucets.
It blends in instead of being a statement piece.
The satin finish.
Brushed nickel is manufactured by running a wire brush over the finish of the faucet.
Nickel whatever its finish is an inherently warmer tone than chrome or steel which skew toward blue and gray cooler tones versus the slightly yellow warm base to brushed nickel.
Stainless steel brushed nickel.
For instance hansgrohe s steel optik and brushed nickel are very similar to each other and could be easily interchanged without most people noticing.
As stainless steel is known for its resistance to corrosion it will last you a lifetime if you happen to use this finish.
The brushed nickel would give you a golden hue whereas the stainless steel will carry a moonlight hue to its finish.
The difference between brushed nickel and stainless steel can change depending on the brand you are looking at and this is where the decision process can get tricky.
Watermark s satin chrome is the go to finish for the stainless steel look.
Instead use a mixture made of equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water.
The finish of stainless steel is always shiny whereas brushed nickel has a matte or semigloss finish.
Does not coordinate well with stainless steel.
The best way to care for items made of brushed nickel is to avoid store brand cleansers which often cause more harm than good.
Regular maintenance of a stainless steel fixture includes cleaning the surface with water and a clean cloth and drying it with a towel.
Otherwise finish wont last long.
Brushed stainless will be the most forgiving barely shows fingerprints splashes or dirt.
Brushed nickel tends to have a golden or brownish tint while stainless steel has a faintly blue tone.
Unlike brushed nickel stainless steel is highly resistant to spots making it easier to clean.
If you go for a chrome finish make sure it s plated over cast brass.
As a result stainless steel will blend well if you have other stainless steel appliances and surfaces in a kitchen or bathroom such as sinks.
The stainless would match range top and hood brushed nickel would look too pink in comparison.