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FAUCET FEATURE 2: Profile of the KB1601BX Heritage Lavatory Faucet
- Model Number: KB1601BX
- Brand Name: Kingston Brass
- Collection Name: Heritage
- Category: Faucet
- Sub-Category: Bathroom Faucet
- Sub-Category2: Centerset Faucet
- Material: Brass
- Number of Handles: 2
Centerset faucets are generally designed as a single unit, where the valves and the spout are sitting on a raised deck. Although most of the 4” center-to-center faucets come in a centerset or mono-block installation, you can also find them in a single handle or two handle configuration.
Pros: Ease of installation.
Cons: None
ABOUT THE CARTRIDGE – WASHERLESS:
The washerless cartridge is one of the most popular systems. A spring-loaded rubber gasket is pressed against a stainless steel plate which has a crescent shape cut-out. This allows an ease of controlling the desired volume of water to flow. A stainless steel plate is pressed against a spring-loaded neoprene seal. It is very durable, but with time the neoprene seal will wear out. The good news is that these seals are very inexpensive and easy to replace.
Pros: Easy and very inexpensive to replace the springs when they lose their strength. It is not as sensitive to dirt.
Cons: After some time, the springs will lose their strength, causing water to drip through the spout.
ABOUT THE COLLECTION – HERITAGE
Contrived with the beauty of a vintage early 20th Century touch, the Heritage collection provides a lavish spark of traditionally-styled glamour to your interior elements. From kitchen to bathroom faucets and more, the collection basks in traditional details and designs while offering an excellence of performance. Beautifully harmonized to offer elegant visual appeal and quality performance, expand your classical style, revitalizing the alluring details and designs of the European artistry.
ABOUT THE FINISHES:
Polished Chrome – This was a very popular finish, especially in plumbing and door hardware products globally, especially in Europe, Asia and South America. Part of the reason might be its durability. It is an electroplated finish, which is part of the reason it is very durable. Chrome is considered a cold color; it’s a stark silver color. Designers like it because it is very easy to work with and it fits into most décor depending on the style of the faucet or accessory. The biggest complaint is that it does show fingerprints and water spots.
Polished Nickel – Some people consider this an alteration of the polished chrome finish. In reality it is a totally separate finish, somewhat like chrome with a slight yellow tint, making it a warmer option to your décor. Although it gives a much richer look to your kitchen or bathroom, it is usually not immensely popular. It is priced at 25% to 50% higher than chrome, and unfortunately most end users do not see the value of paying a substantial up-charge for a finish that looks very close to chrome.
Satin Nickel – Without a doubt, this is one of the most popular finishes today.. It gained its popularity partly because of practicality. It is easy to maintain as it does not show fingerprints or water spots easily. From the designers point of view, it is easy to coordinate with most granite or marble colors. You may still have the risk of tarnishing, but if you follow common sense maintenance guidelines you should be able to maintain it for many years.
Oil Rubbed Bronze – This is by far the most problematic finish to most manufacturers because it is considered a living finish. Living is a code word for “forever changes.” The ideal scenario is that it will mature with age and give the room a rustic feel. In reality, it does not always mature the way you want it to. If the end user is aware of the characteristics of this finish and knows what they are getting into, it is fine. The problem originates when designers fail to educate the client and do not give enough “Caveat emptor” information.
Polished Brass – After the development of PVD technology back in the 90’s, the durability of the polished brass finish was no longer an issue. This finish was very popular in the 80’s and 90’s, but not long ago, because of the availability of so many finishes in the market, polished brass lost its flair–but then has popularized again. Its acclaim, affected somewhat by geographic trends, still has a great standing especially in the Northeast and Midwest. Polished brass will add a touch of rich elegance to any bathroom unsurpassed by any other finish.
