Have you ever picked up two metal fittings that looked similar but felt completely different in your hand? The difference between tin, nickel and brass is evident in many ways – how they age, how they feel to touch, and, of course, what jobs they’re best for.
Tin is soft, subtle, and practical
Tin’s a soft metal that’s naturally corrosion resistant. You’ll often find it used as a protective coating rather than a structural material. You’ll see it in food packaging or older fittings where it offers protection from rust. “Tin” cans are actually made out of stainless steel rather than pure tin, with a thin tin coating on top. Here, you can read more about metal cans.
Nickel for durability with a modern edge
Nickel’s harder, tougher, and it’s the metal you’d choose when you need something to last. If you’ve ever handled bathroom fittings that still look good after many years of use, they’re probably made of nickel. Processes like electroless nickel plating are used when you need an even, controlled coating with excellent wear resistance. You’ll see solutions like this mentioned on websites such as //www.swmf.co.uk/surface-coatings/electroless-nickel-plating. You’d go for electroless nickel plating when you need precision and consistency.
Brass for warmth, character, and personality
Brass is a warm metal, slightly golden in colour, and full of character. Brass changes its appearance as it ages, as it develops a patina that tells a story, which you might love or hate. If you’re looking for character in a metal rather than perfection, brass is a good choice.