The Advantages and Disadvantages of Black Tapware
Black tapware’s appeal in bathrooms and kitchens does not seem to be waning anytime soon. According to market research, this tapware finish seems to be nearly as popular as classic chrome or stainless-steel taps, which have kept their timeless charm over the years. Despite our recent obsession with black tapware, there are definite benefits and drawbacks to using this finish in your bathrooms and kitchens, depending on your personal tastes.
What seems to be attractive upon installation may not always preserve its aspect or appeal after a few years. I’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of black tapware from a plumber’s viewpoint, as well as provide ideas for ensuring that your black tapware retains its beauty over time.
Because we are used to seeing chrome or metallic finishes on tapware, we find ourselves stopping to observe black tapware because it is more distinctive and streamlined than the prior mixer and hob-mounted tap designs. Black tapware lends a more modern air to bathrooms and kitchens. It’s a trend that instantly revitalizes a dreary environment.
It complements a broad variety of bathroom and kitchen color schemes and is quite versatile.
Nowadays, the majority of bathrooms and kitchens are constructed using a neutral color palette to ensure that the style and design will last for years to come. When paired with black faucets, these neutral hues look fantastic.
The majority of neutral color schemes benefit from the addition of black since it successfully contrasts or compliments them. The most tempting feature of incorporating black tapware into a neutral-colored space is that it will stand out, and the tapware itself may become a focal point of your kitchen and/or bathroom decor.
It comes at a fair price.
In comparison to chrome mixer taps, black mixer taps are less expensive. In comparison to less expensive mixers on the market, more expensive black tapware will have a better quality finish and a longer warranty on the hardware included therein.
When used with natural materials such as stone, marble, and wood, it creates a magnificent effect.
Natural materials have grown in popularity in recent years for usage in bathrooms and kitchens. When coupled with black tapware, these materials look amazing. Indeed, they have a clean, modern look that will never date.
Placing an order is a rather straightforward procedure.
While other faucet finishes – such as vibrant colors or specialist metallic finishes – are more difficult to locate and purchase, black tapware is readily available. Due to its ubiquitous availability, ordering or purchasing it is straightforward at the majority of plumbing supply stores.
It complements a broad variety of interior design styles.
Black tapware may be used in a wide range of home design schemes. Although it is most often seen in modern and contemporary settings, it has been successfully used in traditional and country-styled areas as well. It all comes down to matching the mixer shape to the interior design plan.
Fingerprints will be less visible than they are on chrome.
When compared to chrome faucets, matte black faucets may seem to have less visible fingerprints. To ensure durability and resistance to marks and scratches, the majority of black tapware is electroplated. Regardless of its shine, the tapware is still subject to damage if not properly maintained.
Now, let us consider the drawbacks of black tapware.
It will ultimately cease to exist.
Your black taps’ color will fade with time, regardless of how well they are maintained in terms of quality. This is something you should leave to the plumber since they will be the ones to replace it if the color has faded or it seems to be more grey than black.
After each wash, cleaning your black tapware with a washer or microfiber cloth is the most efficient method to keep it looking fresh. This may be annoying, but I can promise you that it will assist in maintaining the look of your black tapware for an extended length of time.
It is conceivable that it will sustain damage prior to installation.
Despite the fact that the black coating is resistant to scratching, the tap will be scratched during installation by the basic plumbing tools needed to secure the tap in place. When installing black tapware, your plumber will need to take additional care to avoid dents or scratches produced by multi-grips or floor impressions. A piece of fabric should be wrapped around the mixer to protect the surface of the tap from being scratched by the teeth of the instruments.
How do you choose faucets and basins that complement one another?
A free-standing basin will need either a wall-mounted faucet set or a high-rise/vessel on the stove (deck). A wall-mounted tapware set may be a great way to make more space on your vanity benchtop.
Take into account the spout length of the tapware you’ve selected in proportion to the basin’s size. Water may splash out of the basin if the spout is either too long or too short. In an ideal world, water would be diverted into the waste/drain.
Consider the size of the basin and tapware, or even better, combine them to ensure they are proportionately sized to match.
Cleaning it with chemicals or wax-based cleaners will be ineffective.
The critical point to remember here is to NEVER use ANY kind of cleaner on black faucets. This is particularly true with matte black faucets. Thoroughly clean and dry the tapware with mild soapy water to ensure that the water leaves no stains on the outside surface.
On this surface, dust and makeup powder will be apparent.
Even though it seems absurd, I’ve seen this on numerous older black-style tapware pieces. If you apply powdered makeup in the bathroom, some of the powder may fall on your faucets, causing them to seem murky after the powder is wiped away. Always have a microfiber towel on hand to wipe away any collected dust or make-up powder particles.
There are other factors to consider when selecting a finish for your tapware, but the drawbacks of black tapware should not prevent you from installing them if you genuinely like the look and are ready to invest the time and work necessary to maintain them. Click here to read about The appropriate tapware for your bathroom will nicely connect the whole area together!.
