Matte Black Bathroom Fixtures Pros And Cons

Matte black bathroom fixtures are a fast-growing style that indicates no indications of faltering. This tapware design is practically as appealing as the conventional chrome or stainless steel bathroom fixtures with perennial aesthetics.

Matte black bathroom fixtures wood floor sink mirror countertop tub windows

Due to its versatility, the matte black finish is becoming increasingly popular in numerous homes. Nonetheless, though black bathroom fixtures such as sinks, faucets, toilets, and bathtubs are readily available, it is crucial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding.

Notwithstanding our newfound enthusiasm for these elegant fixtures, there are advantages and disadvantages to choosing this finish in your bathrooms and kitchens, which we will discuss here. We examined this topic to assist you in making the best option for your household, specifically your bathroom.

What Are Matte Black Bathroom Fixtures? 

Matte black faucet sink bathroom

Matte black bathroom fixtures are made with a deep and satin black tint. These colors are typically applied to brass, steel, or iron substrates. 

Powder coating is commonly used to obtain matte black surfaces. Matte is a texture that is midway between flat and glossy. 

Moreover, the matte black coating minimizes the tough impression of the shade and adds a distinctive notion to your bathroom.

Pros of Matte Finish

Spacious bathroom, black textured shower, tub, skylight and accent wall

We usually suggest reading a rundown of the pros and cons first for each development or renovation task. 

Before implementing any significant modifications or spending money, this will help you assess if the construction or renovation is perfectly suited to your preferences. 

Here are the pros of using matte black bathroom fixtures:

Aesthetically Appealing: Since we are so accustomed to viewing and using chrome or metallic bathroom faucet finishes, among other fixtures, we have started to become attracted and drawn to matte black options because they are distinct and sleeker than the conventional fixture designs and finishes. 

Incorporating this finish adds a contemporary touch to the bathroom. It is a trend that can drastically spruce up a dreary area.

Easy Maintenance: Another benefit is that they are uncomplicated to maintain. A matte black fixture is more impervious to smears, marks, fingerprints, and scratches than chrome or metallic finishes. Plus, the water will not end up leaving those unsightly water stains.

The matte finish also adds sturdiness and protection against scratches and dings. Furthermore, while they show dust and debris more visibly than traditional finishes, they are simple to clean. Simply wiping it with a microfiber cloth will often restore its luster.

Can be Matched Well in a Wide Range of Bathroom Color Palettes: Many bathrooms nowadays are created with a neutral color palette to maintain the aesthetic and permanence of the design. 

Well, these neutral colors complement the matte black finish. Most neutral color schemes contrast or complement nicely with the hue. 

Moreover, the best aspect about using this finish in a neutrally colored area is that it will shine through, and the faucets and hardware could become a focal point in your bathroom.

Affordable Value: One of the primary advantages of matte black fixtures is that they can be purchased in a variety of ways, are simple to obtain, and are reasonably priced.  

In comparison with chrome or oil-coated bronze, you can purchase this finish at a more competitive price. Matte black products are frequently less expensive than chrome faucets of the same design and quality.

Additionally, the cost of these faucets and hardware varies from extremely reasonable to high-end and exquisite to accommodate everyone’s budget.

Cons of Matte Finish

Matte finish black sink, tub, countertop and mirror

Although matte black bathroom fixtures have a lot of pros, they also have their cons. Here are some of them:

Fades Over Time: The color of your matte black plumbing fixtures will eventually fade, even if it looks like the best paint finish for bathrooms.

The easiest approach to prevent your finishes from fading is to wipe them down after each wash with a cotton or microfiber towel. 

This can be inconvenient, but we assure you it will increase the longevity of your faucets and hardware.

Can Easily be Damaged by Certain Plumbing Tools: Although the black coating is resistant to wear and tear, it will be scratched by basic plumbing tools used to hold the pipe in position throughout the assembly. 

When mounting your faucets and hardware, your plumber must take precautions to prevent dings and scratches caused by multi-grips or imprints. A towel should be put around the mixer to protect the tap’s interface from the fangs of the tools.

Requires Specific Cleaning Methods: The main tip to follow here is to avoid using any abrasive cleansers on your hardware finishes. 

Always use gentle, soapy water to wash and dry the tapware thoroughly so that the water does not form stains on the exterior surface. Harsh cleaning agents can damage the surface coating.

Easily Exposes Dirt and Dust Appearance: Unfortunately, this is one of the major drawbacks of matte black fixtures. 

Though these finishes are resistant to prints and watermarks, when dust accumulates on them, it seems drastic and unpleasant. They’re not recommended if your bathroom is frequently dusty.

Are These Faucets Hard to Keep Clean?

Matte finish faucet, white sink in bathroomSee this bathroom faucet at Amazon [sponsored link]

A matte black surface is somewhat easy to clean and maintain, but it mainly depends on the quality and substance of the fixture. Stubborn moisture marks are typical, and a quick wash with soapy water will not solve it. 

Avoid using anything abrasive when cleaning off these plumbing fixtures, as this may damage the finish.

How Do You Clean A Matte Surface?

Spacious open concept bathroom with large format wall tile and black vanity and tub

Matte black bathroom fixtures, such as some types of bathroom sinks and faucets, can be relatively easy to clean and will retain their lovely matte surface for a lifetime.

When maintaining your shower or grabbing the handrail, the finish is a bit rough. This rough finish deflects and reflects light, giving the surface a genuine matte look. This implies that the surface is vulnerable to harm if not properly maintained. 

Thus, in addition to examining the dos, you should also keep in mind the essential don’ts when cleaning your fixtures. Provided below are a few basic Dos and Don’ts that you must follow:

The Dos When Cleaning a Matte Black Bathroom

โ€ข Using warm, foamy water or a pH-balanced soap-based cleaning solution with a soft, moist cloth is the most recommended cleaning approach.

โ€ข We recommend using a clean microfiber cloth. These are inexpensive, washing machine-friendly, and, most significantly, will not damage your surfaces.

โ€ข Wipe off your fixtures after every usage to minimize chemical buildup and water spots.

โ€ข Before beginning any cleaning procedure, always read the manufacturer’s directions.

The Don’ts When Cleaning a Matte Black Bathroom

โ€ข Abrasive cleaners, ammoniated products, rubbing alcohol, detergents, antiseptics, bleach-based cleaners, intense chemicals, abrasive cleaning pads, or aggressive waxes should not be used.

If you are unsure regarding your cleaner and it contains ingredients that you cannot identify, then do not use it.

โ€ข Allow no soap residue or toothpaste to accumulate on the surface. These will progressively tear away the coating and may reduce the finish’s durability.

Do These Black Fixtures Fade?

Modern bathroom with sleek black handles, faucets and sink

Matte black fixtures will fade over time, but only the color will be the one that is going to fade, not the finish itself. There is no definitive timescale for this, although the deep tone will gradually lose color eventually. Unfortunately, these fixtures may fade quicker than other finishes. 

However, that will depend mainly on the overall quality of the matte finish. Nevertheless, the color of your finishes will fade with time, regardless of the type. Trust the plumber since they are the ones who always come to replace it if the color has faded. They are convinced that all types of finish fade after a while.

Does This Finish Scratch Easily?

White wall bathroom with black sconces, toilet, vanity, mirror and tub

Numerous customers are concerned that black fixtures would turn lackluster, damaged, or difficult to maintain. Luckily, this is not the case here. These fixtures are simple to clean and cannot be quickly damaged, making them ideal for families. But still, it will depend on the quality of the finish.

Matte black plumbing fixtures that have undergone such a rigorous coating procedure will not have the surface accidentally scratched or corroded from contaminants such as soaps and detergents. Consult your contractor to see if the fixture is properly coated or if it will require ongoing maintenance.

Aside from that, even though the coating is difficult to scratch, it can still be damaged by plumbing equipment securing the tap during installation. Hence, to avert damages or scratches, your plumber should take extra care when working with your fixtures.

Are Black Faucets In Style?

Pink wall bathroom with contrasting black coated fixtures

Black bathroom fixtures were formerly popular but are still recognized as a well-known design option in the majority of interior design forums. Consider if black fixtures in your bathroom and throughout your house will complement your present design mood. In terms of aesthetic appeal, though, there is no correct or incorrect. 

It all boils down to what you enjoy and what works best in your house for you, your family, and your way of life. 

See more related content in our article about the best black and white bathroom ideas on this page.

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2 Comments

  1. WE updated our master bathroom with matte black fixtures and were very pleased. However, the shower wand holder is wearing the paint off the flexable metal hose down to the bare metal. It appears that the holders sharp edges is the cause. Do you have any advise on fixing that?

    1. That’s an unfortunate problem and one of the downsides of this finish. I can only think of using touch-up paint or to cover that section with a protective sleeve to stop it from rubbing against it. Or possibly reposition the wand so it doesn’t come in to contact with the hose. Hope this helps.

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