Many of our finishes are living finishes and are meant to age with time and use. We use wax* as a sealant to provisionally preserve most** of our finish types. If you prefer to retain the finish color of your hardware as received, please apply an appropriate wax on a frequent basis. We prefer the use of a suitable carnaubabased wax. Application frequency will depend on hardware usage and environment. The cessation of frequent wax application will result in the hardware developing a natural patina that makes every item we make one of a kind. A living finish develops a gentle patina and ages through regular use by reacting with the oils in your skin as well as the to the natural environment. Areas that have consistent and frequent contact will be become lighter and more polished, while areas that don’t have as much contact will mellow and potentially darken over time. *If you have specified that pieces be lacquered or powder-coated, please note that the application of wax is not necessary. **Wax application is appropriate for the following finishes: Burnished brass, burnished bronze, burnished copper, burnished nickel and burnished white bronze; light & dark antique brass, light & dark antique bronze, light & dark antique copper, light & dark antique nickel and light & dark antique white bronze. All polished finishes and all chrome finishes ARE NOT subject to wax application. When cleaning is necessary always use a non-abrasive cloth and never use harsh chemicals, solvent-based products, or soaps. To clean any hardware with a polished or burnished fi nish use a dry jewelers cloth. If spot cleaning is truly necessary, use a damp cloth. For hardware with all other finishes, use a dry, non-abrasive cloth. Click here for Metal Flooring Installation and Maintenance.