How high is the proportion of black or dark fittings in the overall color spectrum at Basys?

Basys can now supply every common product in the “Combica” variable hinge systems for residential doors, “Objecta” hinge systems and concealed hinge and striking plate systems in black. New articles are added almost daily due to demand. I estimate the share of total sales at around three percent.

What surface treatments does Basys use to supply its hinge and striking plate systems in black?

We draw from the entire spectrum for the metals. In-house, we can dry and wet paint. For electroplating and PVD coating, we use external suppliers. Which process we choose depends on the mechanical wear to which the product is exposed and where it will be used on the door. In the visible area, we focus on a high-quality appearance.

When it comes to the color consistency of all hardware on a door, Basys is also concerned with matching the color and surface of its hardware as closely as possible to that of other manufacturers. Who follows whom, the hinge manufacturer to the handle manufacturer, the handle manufacturer to the hinge manufacturer, or does it vary from case to case?

As a rule, the hinge manufacturer adapts to the handle manufacturer, because the door handle is traditionally perceived more as a design object. Hinges have primarily a functional character. We sometimes see a change in design-affine projects, where architects resort to concealed hinges. Nevertheless, the handle remains the leader in terms of door design.

How important is it to customers to have a uniform color for all the hardware on a door, and why?

Basically, we welcome the development that the door is increasingly perceived as a design element. In fact, looking at all hardware components when they are not installed also leads to the claim that they should look absolutely identical in terms of color and surface structure. Realistically, however, handles and hinges are located at least one meter apart from each other and at a different elevation. The color tone should match, but the human eye cannot perceive a different surface structure in the installed state. In addition, technical restrictions often make it impossible to always supply all hardware parts with one hundred percent of the same surface – and here I am deliberately referring to color tone and surface structure.

In your opinion, is black just a passing trend or is the color establishing itself as a standard?

I think that black fittings are becoming established.

What makes black or dark hardware so special? What significance do they have on a door, what effect do they achieve?

While the typical “satin stainless steel” hardware surface no longer offers anything special, black hardware is advancing to become real eye-catchers. They set strong accents in combination with natural wood, but also with solid colors. Doors today are often still simply white. In this contrast, black fittings come into their own.

Caption: Jürgen Bartels, Managing Director BaSys. Photo: BaSys