Stop Using Plastics for High End Finishes

We’ve grown so accustomed to the constant presence of plastic that we rarely question it anymore.

From packaging to finishes, it’s simply become the default—so much so that alternatives can seem almost unthinkable. But just as glass, aluminum, and cardboard offer viable substitutes for plastic packaging, there are also worthy alternatives when it comes to finishes.

Let me explain what brought this to the surface for me. Earlier this year, a well-established designer asked me to spray-paint solid brass hardware to match a faux finish for a custom piece of furniture. The reference sample came from a well-known brand featured in a showroom at the SF Design Center. It looked attractive enough when it arrived—but the moment I handled it, it began to break down. The sheen dulled, the surface became grimy with minimal contact, and within a few weeks of sitting untouched in my studio, it was already showing signs of wear. The finish? A sparkly, sprayed-on layer of plastic.

Yes—on high-end furniture, sourced by a professional designer, showcased in a respected design space.

I understand the appeal of such finishes. Such a finish can be very reliably reproduced. It can be adhered to any surface. It could be used on steel, brass, copper or zinc and look the same. I'm sure you could even spray it on wood or stone with a very similar result. There are endless options when it comes to plastic finishes. Getting an exact color match is incredibly easy compared to patina or other finishes that require careful application, often needed specific time and temperature. Plastics are easy to apply, they always look the same and you have endless options. In my opinion that is where the benefit ends.

Paints with a sparkly luster might look impressive at first, but they tend to pick up oils easily. The shiny plastic particles begin to break away, and before long, the paint starts to chip. It’s a short-term solution—perfectly suited to mass manufacturing, and just as disposable in its longevity. In general paint that is handled chips, it wears off with every touch, every cleaning. It loses its two main selling points fast: the color changes with use, and that pristine, machine-made uniformity fades quickly. What’s left behind is a deteriorating plastic veneer, shedding into microplastics as it breaks down.

So what’s the alternative?

Honestly, there are many. Patina and finish work is an entire profession in itself—and a highly skilled one at that. I know some truly talented artists who do nothing but finish work for a living. It takes time, precision, and an eye for nuance. But let’s start with one of the more common options.

Patina is my personal favorite. While the term “patina” is often used interchangeably with “finish,” it actually refers to something much more specific. Patina is a chemical reaction that happens within the metal itself, typically through oxidation. It can be encouraged with chemical solutions or naturally through environmental exposure—but either way, it’s not a surface application. It’s a transformation, not a coating.

Because patina is inherent to the properties of each metal, the range of results is somewhat limited. Most steel patinas fall into deep reds and blacks. Bronze tends to develop browns and blues. But with the right combination of heat and chemicals, it’s possible to coax out a full spectrum of colors—especially with bronze, which is incredibly versatile in experienced hands. The possibilities are impressive. Still, they’re nowhere near as endless as plastic.

Waxes are one of the most common finishes for steel or bronze. Metals can be quite lovely as forged. A little wire brushing and a hot coat of wax can be a beautiful, natural finish for most metals.

If you need more color variation, oil paints and waxes open up a wider palette and offer much greater control. Oil pigments can be blended into wax—similar to encaustic painting—and applied to the surface with a high level of detail. The result needs to be properly sealed, and like most finishes, it can still chip or discolor over time with handling or exposure to light. But when you're aiming for a very specific finish, this combination offers a flexible and effective solution.

These are just a few options—there are many more. When it comes to steel, though, most of these finishing techniques are only suitable for indoor use. For outdoor applications, I prefer a galvanized dip rather than using heavy-duty urethane paints or powder coating with plastic paints. That said, I’ll admit that my own faux finishes often end up involving paints—and yes, more microplastics. Sometimes, it’s the only option that fits the budget. I get the practicality of it.

I understand why it’s used so often. But I’m doing my best to make it my last resort.