Silently Degrading: Why You Should Avoid Cheap Black Tapware

The boom in black tapware—and the problem no one wants to talk about

Black mixers and showers exploded in popularity for their minimalist, architectural look. But beneath the surface, many budget options use fragile coatings that fade, pit and peel long before the rest of your bathroom wears out. Understanding how black finishes are made—and what Australian standards and warranties actually promise—will save you from an expensive do-over.

Not all “black” is equal: how finishes are actually made

There are three common ways manufacturers make metal look black:

—  Powder coat/paint: colour sprayed onto the surface; cheapest, least durable
—  Electroplating: a galvanic metal layer; better than paint but still prone to wear if thin or poorly specified
—  PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition): a vacuum-bonded metallic coating that’s harder and more wear-resistant

For door hardware and tapware, PVD is widely regarded as the most durable finish; it resists wear better and doesn’t rely on a fragile clear top coat the way lower-end alternatives often do.

Why cheap black tapware silently degrades

Budget pieces typically use thin electroplate or paint/powder-coat to hit a price point. These finishes are more susceptible to:

—  Fading and colour shift from UV, abrasion and harsh cleaners
—  Peeling, pitting and corrosion where water stagnates (around handles, bases)
—  Premature wear from rings, abrasive pads and gritty limescale

Care guides from Australian tapware brands consistently warn that abrasive or high-pH chemicals (bleach, ammonia, cream cleansers, vinegar, tile cleaner) will damage matte and PVD finishes—damage that’s considered misuse and can void your warranty.

The Australian rules that protect you (and why cheap imports fall short)

Before a licensed plumber can install it, most plumbing products in Australia must carry WaterMark certification, confirming they’re fit for purpose and comply with the Plumbing Code and relevant standards (including AS 3718 for tapware). If a product lacks this mark, it isn’t legally installable—no matter the bargain price.

Warranty is a truth serum — read it closely

Finishes tell their own story in the warranty table. Many reputable brands publish longer coverage for PVD metallic finishes and notably shorter coverage for powder-coated or matte black. For example, one major Australian supplier offers 5 years on PVD, 3 years on PVD matte, but just 1 year on powder coat—a clear signal of relative durability. Others split finish warranties vs. labour to limit claims on coated colours. If the fine print is short for “black”, expect short service life. 

“How do I stop marks on black taps?”— the cleaning reality

Black finishes show soap residue and mineral spots more than chrome. The remedy is simple and gentle: wipe down after use, clean with warm water and mild liquid detergent, then dry with a microfibre cloth. Skip scourers, cream cleansers and acids/alkalis; these scratch or chemically attack the finish and shorten lifespan.

If you still want black — how to buy tapware that lasts

If your heart’s set on black, choose like a professional.

—  Prefer PVD over paint/powder-coat for significantly better wear resistance.
—  Check for WaterMark (and WELS where applicable) so a plumber can legally install it
—  Scrutinise the finish warranty: short coverage on “black” is a red flag
—  Follow the care card — mild detergent only; dry after use
—  Specify solid brass bodies and reputable cartridges; cheap alloys corrode faster and accelerate coating failure especially around joints. (General best practice; verify in spec sheets).

The bottom line

Cheap black tapware looks sharp out of the box, then quietly degrades: first the sheen softens, then the edges grey, and finally chips appear around high-touch points. Pay a little more for PVD-finished, WaterMark-certified tapware with a meaningful finish warranty and you’ll avoid the silent, costly cycle of replacements. If you’re researching “black tapware peeling” or “is black tapware durable?”, the answer is clear: buy once, buy right—or choose a more forgiving finish.