Best Places to Buy Unlacquered Taps Online (2025 Guide)
Unlacquered taps have become increasingly popular in both modern and traditional interiors.
Unlike your generic coated finish-tap, unlacquered taps develop a natural patina over time that ages and adds an authentic look to any space.
If you are looking to buy unlacquered taps online, not all retailers are equal. Build quality, brass composition, manufacturing standards and finish consistency all matter.
Below are some of the best places to buy unlacquered taps online in 2025, based on craftsmanship, product range and reliability.
What to Look for When Buying Unlacquered Taps?
If you’re in the market to buy an unlacquered tap, there are a few things you need to look out for:
- Solid brass construction, not plated finishes
- True unlacquered brass, designed to age naturally
- Manufacturing standards and valve quality
- Clear guidance on patina development and care
- Availability of matching fittings, such as wastes and accessories
That said, here is a roundup of the best places to buy unlacquered taps online in 2026 and beyond:
1. Francone Bespoke Taps
Francone Bespoke Taps is widely regarded as one of the leading specialists for unlacquered brass taps. Their range focuses on solid brass construction, traditional craftsmanship and finishes designed specifically to age naturally over time.
Taps What sets them apart is their attention to detail. Products are made using high-quality brass, with no protective coatings applied, allowing each tap to develop its own unique patina.
The team will go above and beyond to produce custom designs that work for your space specifically, with no request too difficult
2. The Watermark Collection
The Watermark Collection offers a selection of brass taps with a more contemporary aesthetic. While not exclusively focused on unlacquered finishes, they do stock several solid brass options designed to age over time.
Their designs tend to suit modern or transitional interiors, though availability of true unlacquered finishes can vary by model.
3. Victorian Plumbing
Victorian Plumbing is a well-known online retailer with a broad range of taps at different price points. Some of their brass options are marketed as living or ageing finishes, making them accessible to a wider audience.
However, buyers should carefully check product specifications, as not all brass finishes are fully unlacquered.
4. ABI Interiors
ABI Interiors offers design-led tapware with a strong focus on aesthetics. Their brass collections are popular in modern kitchens and bathrooms, though many products use protective coatings rather than fully unlacquered finishes.
They are often chosen for style rather than traditional ageing characteristics.
5. Etsy and Independent Makers
Etsy, as well as independent makers, can also be a good place to shop around if you are looking for something truly unique.
The main downside here is quality and customer support though – it can be very hit and miss, and if you don’t like the end product, you may find it very difficult to do anything about it.
Final Thoughts
Unlacquered taps offer character and longevity that coated finishes cannot replicate.
Choosing the right retailer is essential to ensure you are getting a true unlacquered tap rather than a simulated finish.
Question Answer
Frequently Asked Question
Unlacquered taps are made from solid brass without a protective coating, allowing them to develop a natural patina over time.
Minimal maintenance is required. Some owners choose to let the patina develop naturally, while others occasionally polish the surface.
Yes, tarnishing is expected and is part of the appeal of unlacquered brass.
Yes, they are commonly used in both, particularly in traditional, industrial and heritage-style interiors.
They can be, due to higher brass content and manufacturing standards, but they often last longer than coated alternatives.
