Tap finishes and their care

Our catalogue offers taps in ten finishes. They fall into three groups: classic chrome, contemporary black (matt and gloss) and warm metal tones: nickel, gold and copper, in polished, brushed or soft versions. A brushed surface has a fine linear texture, while the "soft" tones are gentler and less reflective.

• Chrome
• Brushed nickel
• Matt black
• Gloss black
• Gold
• Brushed gold
• Soft gold
• Copper
• Brushed copper
• Soft copper

How long a finish lasts depends on how it is applied. VitrA tap bodies are made of high-quality brass, a material that resists corrosion and is reliable in damp rooms.

• Chrome is electroplated onto the brass body. The result is a bright, corrosion-resistant surface that keeps its look in a humid bathroom.
• PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) creates a harder surface layer: it increases scratch resistance and supports long-term colour stability. Copper, nickel and gold taps are made this way.
• Matt surfaces are created at VitrA with a double-layer coating technology.

• Chrome is the universal choice. Its mirror shine suits any style, from classic to high-tech, and it looks right with ceramics, mirrors and accessories.
• Matt black is a contemporary, architectural accent. Fingerprints hardly show on its velvety surface, so it is easy to look after. It stands out especially well against white or light ceramics.
• Brushed tones (nickel, gold, copper) soften reflections and show fewer fingerprints and water marks.
• Gold and copper bring a warm, noble glow that suits classic, loft or country interiors.

When you choose, picture the whole bathroom: tap, shower, flush plate and accessories in one finish create a complete, finished look. Origin and Root flush plates also come in the finishes of their taps.

Three collections, three characters, and a wide choice of finishes in each.

• Origin The widest palette: taps, showers, traps and accessories in all ten finishes, from chrome to soft copper. See in the catalogue
• Minimax A minimalist form in Round and Square versions, in seven finishes: chrome, matt black, soft copper, soft gold, brushed copper, brushed gold and brushed nickel. See in the catalogue
• Root The soft lines of Root Round and the crisp ones of Root Square; Root Round comes in seven finishes, Root Square in chrome, gold, soft gold and matt black. See in the catalogue

Besides the finish, choose the height of the tap: it depends on the type of basin. The water should fall close to the waste outlet, not onto the rim of the basin.

• Inset or wall-hung basin: a standard mixer, usually 120–170 mm high overall, with a spout projection of about 100–120 mm.
• Countertop (bowl) basin: a tall mixer, often 250–320 mm high.
• Shallow basin: avoid a long spout, which can cause splashing.

Correct care is half the secret of a tap that keeps its looks. The rules are simple:

• Every day: clean with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water, then dry it to prevent water marks.
• In hard-water areas: dry the surface after each use to reduce limescale build-up.
• Never: use abrasive powders, hard sponges or harsh limescale removers, especially on coloured finishes, or products that contain acid, chlorine or acetone.
• Matt and PVD surfaces: only a soft microfibre cloth and neutral cleaners.
• Tile and basin cleaners: if they splash onto the tap, rinse it straight away with plenty of water.
• Steam: keep the bathroom well ventilated; steam damages surfaces.

Besides a durable finish, what is inside the tap matters too. VitrA taps contain a high-quality Spanish ceramic cartridge for smooth, precise handle movement, and every tap is tested for 2.1 million opening and closing cycles. VitrA basin, kitchen and bidet mixers, including the Origin, Minimax and Root ranges, carry a 7-year warranty, and shower, concealed and floor-standing mixers a 4-year warranty; the period is shown on each product page as well.

• 7 years warranty on basin, kitchen and bidet mixers
• 2.1 million opening and closing cycles tested
• 10 finishes in our catalogue