Brass rewards a little attention. Here's how to keep your DarMirror piece looking its best for years.
Lacquered vs. Unlacquered — Know Your Finish
Check your order confirmation or product listing to know which finish you have, since care differs slightly.
Lacquered: Sealed with a clear protective coat that keeps the bright, polished look and resists tarnishing without regular polishing.
Unlacquered: Raw brass that will naturally darken and develop patina over time — many customers choose this specifically for the aged, antique character it gains.
Do
- Dust weekly with a soft, dry microfiber cloth
- Wipe away moisture or condensation promptly, especially in bathrooms
- Use a dedicated brass polish occasionally on unlacquered pieces, if you want to slow patina
- Test any product on a small hidden area first
Don't
- Use ammonia-based glass cleaner directly on the brass frame
- Scrub with abrasive sponges or steel wool
- Use bleach or harsh chemical cleaners
- Hang in direct, prolonged contact with running water
Cleaning the Mirror Glass
- Spray glass cleaner onto a soft cloth first — never directly onto the mirror — to avoid moisture seeping behind the glass and affecting the frame or backing.
- Wipe in gentle circular motions, avoiding excess pressure near the frame edges.
- Buff dry with a clean, lint-free cloth for a streak-free finish.
If You Want to Polish Unlacquered Brass
- Dust the frame first with a dry cloth to remove loose debris.
- Apply a small amount of brass-safe polish to a soft cloth, not directly to the mirror.
- Rub gently in the direction of the metal's grain, working in small sections.
- Buff with a clean, dry cloth until you reach the shine you want.
Prefer the aged look? Skip polishing altogether — unlacquered brass left alone will darken evenly and beautifully on its own over months and years.
Placement Tips
Avoid hanging brass mirrors in spaces with constant high humidity without ventilation, like an unvented shower enclosure. Occasional bathroom moisture is fine, but prolonged damp exposure can accelerate uneven tarnishing on unlacquered pieces.