Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
The finishes of metal accessories determine the colour, sheen and durability of items such as buckles, rivets, eyelets, rings, logo plates and zip pullers. The most widely used finishes are nickel colour (silver tone), gold, rose gold, antique brass, antique silver, gunmetal (dark graphite), black and painted colours. The choice depends on the style of the collection, the washing method and whether the accessories are in contact with the skin. Below you will see how each finish looks and which products it suits.
How finishes are applied to metal accessories
Most metal accessories are made of brass, zinc alloy or steel and then receive a surface finish. The most widespread technologies are:
- Electroplating – a thin metal layer (copper, gold etc.; at Polkom always nickel free) applied by electrolysis. It gives an even colour and a metallic sheen.
- Ageing (antique) – after plating, the surface is chemically darkened and partially polished, so that the raised areas stay light and the recesses dark.
- Oxidising – chemical darkening to a black or dark brown colour.
- Lacquer – a clear protective layer over the plating that protects against tarnishing and scratching.
- Painting – powder or wet painting in a colour matched to a sample, often with a matte surface.
Types of metal accessory finishes
Nickel colour
The classic silver tone that goes with everything. It is suitable for sports, casual and workwear. For items in direct and prolonged contact with the skin, European requirements on nickel release must be observed. At Polkom the nickel colour is nickel free, like all other finishes, so it is also suitable for such places.
Gold and rose gold
Gold tones are used on women’s bags, formal wear and luxury collections. Shades range from light yellow gold to warmer and richer tones. Rose gold is fashionable for women’s accessories and jewellery-like details. Polished gold shows scratches more easily, so lacquer is recommended for bags.
Antique brass and antique copper
The aged look is standard in denim and workwear. The dark recesses emphasise an embossed logo, and wear over time looks natural. Shades differ between manufacturers, so always compare samples.
Antique silver
A grey, slightly darkened silver tone with accentuated relief. Suitable for jackets, leather goods and collections in cool colours.
Gunmetal
A dark graphite colour with a metallic sheen. It looks modern and goes with black, grey and navy fabrics. It is preferred for jackets, backpacks and menswear.
Black – matte or gloss
Black metal accessories are almost invisible on dark fabrics and give a minimalist look. Matte black is popular in sports and technical collections.
Painted colours
When the metal accessories must match the fabric – for example a white eyelet on a white jacket – painting to a sample is used. With frequent washing and friction, the paint can wear off at the edges, so it is better suited to decorative elements.
Comparison of finishes
| Finish | Look | Suitable products | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel colour (nickel free) | Silver gloss or matte | Sports, casual clothing | Nickel free – also suitable for skin contact |
| Gold | Yellow metallic sheen | Bags, formal wear | Visible scratches |
| Rose gold | Warm pink tone | Women’s accessories | Shade to sample |
| Antique brass | Aged, with dark relief | Denim, workwear | Differences between batches |
| Gunmetal | Dark graphite | Jackets, backpacks | Compare with the zip |
| Black | Matte or gloss | Technical collections | Wear at the edges |
| Painted colour | Colour to sample | Decorative details | Friction and washing |
Which finish withstands washing best
Durability depends not only on the finish but also on the base metal. Brass does not rust, so even if the finish wears, no rust stains appear underneath. Steel accessories with a damaged finish can rust and stain the fabric. For products that are washed often or industrially, prefer a brass base and a proven electroplated finish. For denim treated with stones, enzymes or bleach, test the sample in the actual treatment process, because some finishes change colour.
Gloss, matte or satin
Besides colour, every finish also has a degree of sheen. A glossy surface reflects light and looks the most luxurious, but shows fingerprints and scratches. A matte surface is more restrained, hides small signs of use and suits sports and technical products. A satin (semi-matte) surface is a compromise between the two and is often chosen for bags and jackets. The degree of sheen should be the same for all visible elements – a glossy plate next to a matte buckle looks like a mistake, even when the colour is the same.
Caring for metal accessories
Recommend to the end customer washing inside out, with elements fastened and without aggressive bleach. Dry cleaning should not be a problem for metal parts, but painted decorative elements are best tested in advance.
How to choose a finish for the whole collection
- Start from the most visible element – usually the zip or the metal logo plate – and match the other metal accessories to it.
- Order all metal accessories in the same finish from one source to avoid differences in shade.
- Compare the samples in daylight, placed side by side on the actual fabric.
- Keep the approved sample as a reference for future batches.
- All our finishes are nickel free and suitable for skin contact.
Browse the available models in the metal accessories category, as well as the metal buckles and rivets, which are offered in various finishes.
Finishes to sample from Polkom
Polkom manufactures and delivers metal accessories to brands, factories and bag makers across Europe. In addition to the standard finishes from stock, for production orders we can coordinate the finish with the product’s other accessories and add your logo by engraving or embossing. Send a sample or a description of the desired tone via the inquiry form and we will offer a suitable option with a sample.
