FAQ's

Find a range of useful information below, covering frequently asked questions.

What is TradCo hardware made of?

The majority of TradCo products are made from high- quality, solid forged brass, however there are some products in the range that are made from cast iron, zinc alloy, porcelain and sheet brass.

Will my products rust?

TradCo products that are made from brass will not rust. Brass is an alloy made up of copper, zinc, and other elements and does not rust. While brass does not rust, it will over time (depending on the finish) begin to patina and develop unique depths of colour.

What are TradCo’s unique finishes?

TradCo’s range includes unique, hand crafted and unlacquered finishes, which may vary from product-to- product. The patina of these finishes will change with use over the life of the product, thereby adding character to the item. Other plated and powder coated finishes should maintain their original appearance.

What are unlacquered finishes?

Unlacquered Brass are natural living finishes that patina beautifully with use, creating a raw, unpretentious, rich and layered look. Dulled by age, and naturally polished from regular touch, these finishes are character-filled and perfectly suited to a TradCo restoration home. With no protective coating on the brass, depending on location and environmental factors, it can take as little as two days or as long as two years for the metal to age, darken and develop to this charming, aged state. The ageing process of Unlacquered Brass creates a distinct darkened colour and texture, continually evolving over time in your home.
This low-maintenance finish is ideal for those with a love for beautifully aged hardware.
Unlacquered Polished Brass and Unlacquered Satin Brass finishes are available on selected products in the TradCo collection.

Can there be variances across finishes?

TradCo utilises various methods to create a range of distinct finishes. Some of these finishes are processed individually by hand, creating something truly unique and special. While TradCo platers strive to provide consistency, variations are to be expected due to the complexity of the hand-ageing process involved in producing these unique finishes.

How do I look after my TradCo hardware?

To care for your TradCo products, regularly clean them with a damp soft cloth and dry immediately with a dry soft cloth, ensure to keep products dry where possible. To maintain the appearance of lacquered products, the protective coating needs to remain intact. To do so keep the product dry and do not let your product come into contact with paint thinners or masking tape, as these may compromise the finish. Never use solvents, scourers or abrasive cleaning products on TradCo hardware.

Caring for finishes

With proper care, TradCo products will last you for many years to come. TradCo products are made using the highest quality materials and leading-edge manufacturing and finishing techniques. Nothing quite offers the strength, beauty and versatility of brass. We utilise both sand casting and forging methods to create our distinctive range of products. Each manufacturing technique imparts its own character into the design. Sand casted brass, for example, offers a rustic hand-crafted appeal, making it a perfect choice for established homes.

What is the best way to install my hardware to protect my finish?

Do not allow products to come into contact with thinners or masking tape as this can damage or compromise the finish. We recommend removing your TradCo furniture prior to painting, whether it be a door, window frame or piece of cabinetry.

What is the warranty on my finishes?

Warranty covers any defects to our door furniture products (door levers, door knobs, pull handles, locks and latches) and any defects to a limited range of our finishes:
• Chrome Plated
• Satin Chrome
• Polished Nickel
• Rumbled Nickel
If a Warranty Product does not meet our high-quality guarantee as outlined in this warranty, we will, at our sole discretion, replace (or replace with the nearest matching product if the original Warranty Product has been discontinued), repair or refund the cost of the faulty Warranty Product, provided that your claim satisfies the conditions and requirements of this warranty.

Who should I contact if I have questions about my finishes?

The Southern Design Group Customer Service Team support our customer base of distributors, builders, architects and designers. We welcome queries from members of the public through our websites and provide phone assistance.
Contact us at [email protected]

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