Comparison of Balustrade Coatings: Gold, Brass and Natural Leather
It’s no secret that the home interior and even its smallest details can determine the mood. You always want to come to a home where there is a cosy atmosphere and everything looks perfect. One of the most influential elements in a home is the staircase, which holds an important place. There are many ways to personalise the staircase based on your wishes.
The balustrade is an aspect that deserves special attention. Do not underestimate it. Why? The customised balustrade can make a big difference to the look of the whole structure. You can choose between different materials, including glass, wood, and metal. In addition to this, there is also the option to apply a custom coating to the balustrade. In this article, we would like to make a detailed comparison between the most common options for covering balustrades – brass, leather, and gold.
Main Benefits of Balustrade Coating
Undoubtedly, there are many projects with basic balustrades that look perfect. You can see for yourself by looking at the V.PSTAIRS portfolio. However, if you want your design to really stand out from the masses, you should consider the possibility of personalisation. Here are some of the positive aspects of the decision to cover balustrades with one of the materials:
- Additional level of protection. The coating prevents the metal elements of the balustrade from coming into contact with moisture, air, and aggressive substances.
- Aesthetic appeal. Properly selected coating helps to turn an ordinary construction into a stylish accent of interior or exterior.
- Ease of maintenance. Modern coatings have dirt-repellent properties and do not require complicated maintenance.
As a result, even a basic staircase can be significantly transformed through small changes to the balustrades. This is the main reason why many homeowners often order customised balustrades in the UK.
1. Plating with Real Gold
Balustrades coated in real gold are an expression of high status and impeccable taste. Gold gives the structure a refined shine and a luxurious depth of colour, instantly attracting attention and emphasising the premium character of the space. It looks particularly striking in combination with marble, glass, or dark woods. A little about the technical specifications:
- 24-carat gold is used to finish the balustrades.
- The technology applied is the soft electrolytic gilding method.
- An ultra-thin layer of metal with a thickness of 0.1 microns.
Gold plating is non-oxidising, resistant to moisture, and retains its lustre for decades with minimal maintenance. It not only adds visual luxury to the balustrade but also acts as an additional protective shell against micro-damage.
Learn more about gold balustrades
2. Brass Galvanic Plating
Brass plating is applied by electroplating – a metallic layer of copper-zinc alloy is formed in an electrolytic bath under the influence of current. The thickness of the coating is usually 3 to 5 microns, which makes it noticeably more resistant to mechanical damage than decorative plating.
Brass has a natural antimicrobial effect and high corrosion resistance, especially when given an additional lacquer or wax finish. The plating can be patinated to give ageing effects or emphasise texture. The technology allows brass to be used for both internal and external balustrades, especially in projects where the visual warmth of the metal needs to be retained without the excessive brightness of gold. In fact, it is a practical and durable solution with the possibility of restoration if required.
3. Real Leather Coating
Balustrade handrails are covered with genuine leather by hand using high-quality coarse-grained calfskin with a thickness of 1.5 to 2 mm. The material is pre-treated against moisture and UV radiation, which ensures durability even in conditions of variable temperature and light.
The leather is secured with adhesive and durable decorative stitching, and is available with closed or open seams, as well as customised markings or embossing. Unlike metals, leather provides a tactilely warm and non-slip surface, which is particularly important in high-traffic areas such as boutiques, galleries, and private homes with children. When worn, individual sections of the covering can be replaced without dismantling the entire structure, making this option not only aesthetically unique but also repairable.
Explore our article about personalising your staircase with a leather balustrade
What Solution is Best to Choose?
Now you know more about how you can create unique balustrades in the simplest of ways. However, many of the readers may be wondering which of the above options is the best solution. In fact, it all depends on your preferences and a variety of other factors.
For example, you should consider your budget, as all options differ in cost. The most luxurious and at the same time the most expensive solution is the application of real gold. Natural leather plating also differs, as the cost depends on the specific type of leather.
Also, don’t forget to take into account the overall interior of the room and the style of the staircase. If your staircase is in a loft style, the best solution is to cover the balustrade with dark or light coloured leather. For classic styles, gold plating and brass electroplating are more suitable.
V.PSTAIRS – Realisation of Any Idea
Still can’t make a final decision about the unique design of your staircase? No need to worry, because V.PSTAIRS already has some interesting ideas for your project. Our team consists of experienced professionals who can offer out-of-the-box solutions that will surprise everyone.
As the leading staircase installation experts in the UK, we help with the personalisation of any element of the staircase, including balustrades. What does this mean? You can get personalised help with solid gold plating, electroplated brass, and leather plating. All you need to do is contact us in any convenient way. Our manager provides free consultation. We will analyse your request, conduct research, suggest a unique solution, and bring it to life!
3 Comments
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Benjamin Ellis
A couple of years ago, we installed brass handrails in our Art Deco-inspired home. They’ve aged beautifully. But now I’m very tempted by leather for our next project. I hadn’t even considered it until today.
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Isla Northwood
Appreciate the honest bit about wear and fingerprints. Shiny finishes look gorgeous… for about five minutes in my house 😄
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Mia Graham
This was genuinely helpful. I’ve been debating between a polished brass look and brushed gold. The comparison of wear over time was exactly what I needed.