The Difference Between Solid Brass Eyelets And Plated Steel Eyelets

When using eyelets outdoors or in damp environments, the material is more important than the colour. Solid brass eyelets will not rust, while plated steel eyelets are prone to rusting once the plating wears or cracks. Do not be deceived by the finish of heavy-duty eyelets.

Solid Brass Eyelets – What They Are And Why They Last

Solid brass eyelets are made entirely from a copper-zinc alloy, which does not rust. Even if the surface finish is damaged, the brass underneath remains intact.

• Naturally corrosion-resistant in wet, salty, and outdoor environments
• Reliable in tarpaulins, banners, tents, covers, footwear, and industrial textiles
• Available in multiple finishes: natural brass, nickel-silver, black, antique brass, lacquered, and other decorative coatings
• If the finish wears, performance doesn’t drop off because the core is still brass.

Plated Steel Eyelets – What They Are And Their Limits

Most budget eyelets that are “brass-coloured” are actually steel with a thin decorative coating, such as brass plating, nickel plating, zinc plating, or oxy black. They may look good on day one.

• The coating is cosmetic and thin.
• Once the plating chips, cracks, or wears, bare steel is exposed
• Bare steel will rust in damp or outdoor use, which can stain fabric and weaken the eyelet.
• Fine for light, very temporary indoor jobs and low-duty decorative use, not for weather and hard service

Finish Colour Is Not The Base Metal

Finishes are available in silver, black, gold, and antique. Both brass and steel can achieve these finishes, but the base metal affects corrosion resistance.

• Solid brass with a nickel-silver or black finish is still brass underneath – won’t rust.
• Steel with brass-coloured plating will rust once the plating is breached.

Quick comparison

Choosing the Right Eyelet

When choosing materials for different environments, consider the following:

• For outdoor settings, damp areas, or situations where the fabric will be handled frequently, always opt for solid brass.
• For indoor use, especially in decorative and low-stress applications, plated steel can be a cost-effective option, but keep its limitations in mind.

If you’re looking for a silver or black appearance for outdoor use, request “solid brass, nickel-plated” or “solid brass, black finish.” This way, you’ll achieve the desired colour without worrying about rust.

CTA: Browse the market range for brass eyelets at Eyelets.co.uk

FAQs

Do brass eyelets ever rust?
No. Brass doesn’t rust. It can tarnish, but that’s cosmetic.

Can I get solid brass in silver or black?
Yes. The finish colour is cosmetic. The corrosion resistance comes from the brass core.

How can I tell what I’ve got?
A quick magnet test helps: steel is magnetic, brass isn’t. Weight and colour consistency are other clues.