K9 Kouture Buckle Styles:
Solid Brass Hardware
- When at all possible I try to use solid brass or solid brass plated hardware. This is because solid brass is MUCH more durable than any other metal for pet hardware.
-Brass hardware is gold in color and because of its composition (a combination of copper and zinc) will not rust. Brass will, however, tarnish/patina over time.
-Tarnish/patina is a thin layer of corrosion that forms over the brass as the outermost layer undergoes a chemical reaction with its surroundings and is inevitable. It often appears as a dull gray or bluish-green film on top of metal. Only the top few layers of the metal react, and the layer of tarnish seals and protects the underlying layers from reacting. Please continue below for instructions to remove tarnish!
“Pretty“ Hardware
- While our Rose Gold, Matte Black and Rainbow Hardware is aesthetically beautiful, please be aware that they will not be as durable as solid brass or silver hardware. Hardware purchased from K9 Kouture in our Rose Gold and Rainbow color options are made of strong zinc alloy, they hold on tight to the bold metallic finishes and resist rust and corrosion. Matte Black hardware will either be solid brass or zinc alloy. 2 layers of clear gloss will be baked on top of these specialty colors, for a super shiny finish!
-Please be aware that Rose Gold hardware will likely tarnish/patina (see information above) sooner than other hardware colors. But fear not, below are instructions to remove tarnish!
-While tarnish/patina is inevitable for all brass and rose gold hardware there are a few important things to be aware of, especially if you own a white dog. The tarnish that forms on brass can discolor your dog's white neck fur. This is most commonly seen with brass martingale chains. It will wash off, but some owners resent the extra maintenance involved.
How to Remove Tarnish from Hardware
-If you would like to remove this tarnish from your hardware, you can use several techniques to do so: lemon juice, a combination of lemon juice and baking soda, or a combination of lemon juice and salt; allow it to sit on the hardware for a few minutes, then rinse off to help restore brass' shine.
Matte Black Hardware
-Depending on the hardware, the Matte Black color option will either be solid brass or zinc alloy. When at all possible I try to use Matte Black hardware that is PVD coated.
What is PVD coating? Why is it more durable? Why is it more expensive?
-PVD = "Physical Vapor Deposition"
-PVD is a highly accurate plating process carried out in high vacuum environments at temperatures between 150 and 500 *C. It produces an extremely durable finish to prevent scratching. Typically, black hardware that is found in the marketplace is not PVD, and is generally considered a black spray paint causing it to chip and scratch off within days. PVD plating is the process used to plate high end watch hardware, golf clubs, etc., and the only successful way to make a black that will not wear off. The PVD process is more intensive and is thus reflected in the price per piece.
Thank you for taking the time to research the type of hardware that is best for you and your best friend(s). This will help you make the best choice when purchasing and keep both of you happier, longer, with your gear choices.