I received my plates but they don't look right. Is there a film that needs to be removed?
Yes. Most of our polished brass faceplates have both a protective film and a cellophane wrapper to protect them during shipment.
When your plates arrive, first remove them from the wrapper.
Note that the matching polished brass installation screws are also included in the outer plastic wrap - be sure not to throw them out when removing the plate.
You will find that most polished brass plates also have a protective film to further protect the surface. (One exception to this is oversized plates that are 2-gang and larger. These plates are made completely by hand: plates must be hand cut, formed, welded, then sanded, polished, and lacquered. The resulting look is a bit different from the standard size polished brass plates which are machine cut from polished brass material that has a plastic liner on it.)
Until you start to peel it back, you probably won't even notice it's there. You will, however, notice that the plate isn't as attractive as it should be.
Carefully peel back the film starting from one of the corners.
This will reveal the nice polished brass finish that you're looking for.
Some specialty configurations and oversized plates do not have this, as the film is removed when they are custom cut and welded. But the majority of them do.
Do I need to buy new switches when I remove my old white cover plates and install these decorative plates? Not necessarily. You can use this picture to get a feel for how your shiny new brass wallplates will look with your old white switches. The white is the least desirable of the 3 options shown, but if you're looking to save money, you can keep your current outlets and switches. If your prefer less contast, our ivory switches blend better with the tone of these switch covers. and the outcome of this combination is beautiful. A similar look can be found wth our almond light switches, which are darker than white but lighter than ivory.
Are these polished brass switchplates really made of solid brass?
Yes. These durable American-made light switch covers are made from heavy .040" solid brass, U.S. Bureau Standards Symbol #3, with a mirror finish surface and a shiny lacquer coating. Clean with a soft cloth treated with dusting spray; avoid chlorine and cleansers.
We have started to restore our Victorian house and would like to retain its character as much as possible. Are polished brass switch plate covers a period-authentic metal finish for Victorian homes and decor?
Yes. Brass, whether antiqued or polished, was the most popular metal for switch covers during the Victorian era. This finish would enhance the authenticity of your Victorian home and decor and would also work well for anyone who decorates with Mid-Century, Art Deco, Vintage or Baroque furnishings.
Are polished brass light switchplates too bright to use in a kitchen or or bathroom?
Not at all. While polished brass may be a more complimentary finish for some decor styles rather than others, it really all depends on the furnishings or your home. If your bedroom, office, living room or dining room already has brass fixtures, installing polished brass wallplates would be suitable. Some modern or contemporary homes also use polished brass fixtures as well, so it really would depend upon your particular preference.
Are polished brass switch plate covers ever used in commercial settings?
Absolutely. Polished brass switchplates are a popular choice for financial institutions, upscale restaurants, boutiques, and antique stores.
I will be repainting my dining room and would like to find a color that will match my June Day wall color. What would be the best finish for my room?
Our polished brass collection is a superior choice for dining rooms. This color is very classic and looks well with wall colors in the yellow, brown and cream family. It accentuates all these tones and looks sophisticated and timeless. It is a highly recommended finish for rooms that have been painted in a Sunbeam Yellow, June Day or Afternoon color, or are accessorized with gold.
My new kitchen has a hideous countertop made out of Amarelo Real stone. Since we currently can't afford to replace it, are there any switch plate finishes that might help distract from the countertop or make it look more custom?
Polished brass switch covers are an ideal finish for kitchens with countertops that may or may not be very pleasing to look at. We recommend this finish for homeowners who have any surface made of Amarelo Persa, Amendoa Capixaba or Giallo Antico Plus stone.
Device Options for Polished Brass Plates
Polished Brass & Antique Brass Device
