When it comes to renovating your bathroom, choosing the right fixtures can make a significant difference in aesthetics, maintenance schedule and functionality. More often than not, I’m seeing the choice of bathroom fixtures being driven by celebrity and cost rather than considering how this one choice can impact the long term investment of a bathroom renovation. When budget is the main motivator, understanding what you’re actually going to get for that money is critical.

There’s a lot of misinformation being shared on social media about how certain coloured fixtures will scratch and end up looking like crap after a few years. Whilst I’m sure they are well-meaning, due to their own inexperience, lack of education and scare mongering, DIY influencers end up funnelling petrified homeowners down a particular path of blandness and gut wrenching McMansionism. After all, who wants to fork out good money on fixtures that are going to chip and scratch easily. In a similar vein, DIY influencers are being paid to endorse and promote products that, whilst they may look good, and they have all the marketing dollars behind them to make these products and spaces look glamorous and enticing, they’re really endorsing inferior products that will make your bathroom look like a piece of shit in a few years time (if you get that long out of the product that is!) Nevertheless, they themselves have made enough money to swap out those crappy fixtures for well-made ones without ever telling anyone.

What I’m trying to say, in a very polite way, is don’t listen to DIY influencers without then doing your due diligence. Talk to peeps in the know. Take advice from reputable, local manufacturers. Talk to your local showroom and ask them what the differences are between products. And if budget is your driving factor, read online forums and website FAQ’s to understand what your money is going to get you. Take advice from architects and interior designers whose job it is to understand and brief you on the ins and outs of these products without bias from one product to the next. Don’t take advice from someone who just happens to ‘like the look of’ something.

So, let’s take a look at the four common finishes that are currently on the market. From PVD to Organic, Electroplate to Powdercoat, there's a myriad of options available, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. In this guide, we'll delve into each type of finish, discussing their properties and providing a comprehensive list of pros and cons to help you make an informed decision for your next bathroom renovation.

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition): PVD finishes are created through a specialised process where the fixture is placed in a vacuum chamber and coated with a thin layer of metal vapor. This results in a durable and corrosion-resistant finish that can withstand daily use and maintain its appearance over time.

Pros:

Exceptional durability, resistant to scratches, tarnishing, and corrosion.
Wide range of color options available, including brushed nickel, polished chrome, and matte black.
Environmentally friendly process with minimal waste.

Cons:

Higher initial cost compared to other finishes.
Requires professional installation to ensure proper adhesion.
Limited availability of certain finishes compared to traditional plating methods.

Organic Finish: Organic finishes are derived from natural materials such as beeswax, oils, or plant extracts. They offer a unique, rustic charm and are often favoured for their eco-friendly properties.

Pros:

Natural and eco-friendly, ideal for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Develops a rich patina over time, adding character and warmth to the fixtures.
Easy to maintain with regular cleaning using mild, non-abrasive solutions.

Cons:

Less durable compared to metal finishes, prone to scratches and tarnishing.
Limited colour options as the material used is what you see.
Requires regular maintenance to preserve the finish and prevent deterioration.

Electroplate Finish: Electroplating involves depositing a thin layer of metal onto the surface of the fixture using an electric current. This process creates a smooth and lustrous finish that enhances the appearance of the fixtures.

Pros:

Wide range of finishes available, including chrome, brass, and gold.
Affordable option compared to PVD and other specialised finishes.
Resistant to tarnishing and corrosion with proper care and maintenance.

Cons:

Susceptible to scratching and wear over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
Quality can vary depending on the thickness of the plating and the manufacturing process.
May contain trace amounts of harmful chemicals used in the electroplating process.

Powdercoat Finish: Powdercoating involves applying a dry powder to the surface of the fixture, which is then cured under heat to create a durable and attractive finish. This method is commonly used for both metal and non-metal surfaces.

Pros:

Cost effective and budget friendly.
Wide range of colours and textures available, including matte, glossy, and textured finishes.
Environmentally friendly process with low VOC emissions and minimal waste.

Cons:

Limited availability of finishes compared to traditional plating methods.
Can be more prone to color variation and inconsistency during application.
Can be more prone to chipping and scratching depending on the manufacturer.

In summary, I would use PVD and Organic fixtures in projects where budget is not a concern and we’re looking for the best that money can buy in terms of aesthetic and long-term investment. For me, the biggest difference between the two is one stays the same colour and the other changes over time with use. I’d use electroplated fixtures when we’re looking for a cost effective option because this is where you’ll find the largest range at the best price. I’d use powdercoated fixtures only if my homeowner really wanted a coloured option.