What Is Brass?
Brass is a copper alloy that is composed of 70% copper and 30% zinc. Because of its brighter, yellowish color, this specific alloy is sometimes referred to as “yellow brass” to distinguish it from other copper alloys such as Muntz metal, architectural bronze, and commercial bronze.
Brass is popularly used across many industries, including architectural projects, interior design, elevators and escalators, hardware, and machine parts.
Available Products
Brass is available in a wide range of shapes, each suited to different structural, functional, and decorative applications.
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Sheet Metal – Thin, flat brass sheets are commonly used for decorative panels, wall coverings, backsplashes, enclosures, and custom fabrication projects where flexibility and finish quality matter.
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Plates – Thicker than sheet metal, brass plates are often specified for structural components, heavy-duty brackets, base plates, and machined parts requiring added strength.
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Round Tubes – Frequently used for railings, furniture components, plumbing accents, and architectural features where a smooth, continuous profile is desired.
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Square Tubes – Ideal for frames, supports, partitions, and modern design elements that benefit from clean lines and geometric consistency.
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Pipes – Commonly used in plumbing, marine, and industrial applications, brass pipes offer corrosion resistance and durability in fluid-handling systems.
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Flat Bars – A versatile shape used for trim, supports, brackets, edging, and decorative metalwork in both structural and aesthetic applications.
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Angles – L-shaped brass sections are well suited for corner reinforcement, framing, edge protection, and architectural detailing.
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Channels – U-shaped brass channels are often used for framing glass, guiding panels, edge trim, and structural supports in construction and design projects.
Brass Properties
Yellow brass generally has good corrosion resistance, moderately high strength, and good ductility. It is typically available in a variety of forms, including rods, bars, and sheets. Products frequently made from yellow brass include door handles, locks and hinges, and some architectural, plumbing, and electrical components.
Cleaning Brass
Brass can be cleaned by using a solution of 50% lacquer thinners and 50% water to remove dirt, grime, fingerprints, and traces of oxidation. When cleaning brass, clean only with the direction of the grain, rather than against the grain. Use a lint-free cloth to clean the surface, then rinse the metal, and finally wipe dry with another clean, lint-free cloth.
Leading Polished Brass Suppliers
Pride Polishing is a leading supplier of polished brass products, providing beautiful metal finishes on brass sheet, plate, and extrusions across the West Coast. No matter the needs of your product, our team can provide the exact finish you need with the same consistency from the first piece to the last.
If you’re ready to get started or have questions about custom finishing options, contact our team today.
