Brass is an excellent material with which to make door knockers. This is not to demean cast iron, aluminum, wrought iron or other materials. Each of these have their benefits. Brass in my opinion has more.
Brass machines, casts and polishes well. In its natural form, brass polishes to a brilliant sheen. This shiny gold surface is beautiful in itself. This is not the only finish possible when using brass. A skilled worker can produce a wonderful satin finish on the surface. Applying an oxidizer and then polishing again an antique brass finish is achieved.
These are not the only finishing options. Brass also electroplates well. Nickel or copper plating can create many more possibilities.
We use all these methods in our your-door-knocker studio
Aside from the finishing options available brass machines and casts very well. Intricate patterns and shapes are possible by casting the molten metal in a mold.
One of the areas we are very concerned with in our studio is the engraving characteristics of brass. Brass cuts cleanly and evenly to create high quality engravings.
Of course the user would be curious about the life of the brass door knocker. Brass is a non-ferrous metal. This means that it will not rust. It will however oxidize if not protected from the air around it. In very little time the surface will tarnish with oxidation and turn dark.
The only way to prevent brass from oxidizing is with a protective layer. A clear weather proof lacquer is the preferred method. We apply our lacquer coating as one of the final steps. By applying the lacquer as one of the last steps our brass door knockers are protected entirely including the engraved area.
Brass door knockers in many forms have become a familiar site on our homes.
