Gunmetal Wastes

Choosing Gunmetal Wastes For Your Bathroom

So you're updating your bathroom. You've probably spent ages on the big things - tiles, vanity, the bath. But the little bits of hardware can make or break the look. The taps, the towel rail, and the drain plug, known as the "waste". A finish that's become really popular in Australia is gunmetal. It's a sharp, modern colour that adds a bit of an edge. Let’s talk about gunmetal wastes.

What is Gunmetal Anyway?

A waste is just the drain fitting. The gunmetal part refers to the colour. It's a dark, metallic grey. It isn't black, and it's definitely not chrome. Think of it as a moodier, more sophisticated option. It works well if you want something different from the usual shiny or black fixtures. It gives off a modern, slightly industrial vibe but isn't harsh. It’s a small detail, but it’s one you’ll see and use every day.

Why Bother with a Gunmetal Waste?

Gunmetal is surprisingly versatile. It can create a bold contrast in a simple white bathroom. Or it can blend in perfectly with a darker, industrial-style room that uses concrete or dark tiles. We see it in all kinds of homes, from minimalist apartments to regular family houses.

Basically, it’s a good choice for:

• Giving a bathroom a quick modern lift without doing a full renovation.

• Matching other gunmetal taps or shower fittings you might already have.

• Creating a focal point against a plain white sink or tub.

• Making the room feel a bit more custom and high-end.

Choosing a specific finish for your drain shows you thought about the details.

Waste Types and Sizes - The Important Bit

Okay, so you like the colour. Now you need to get the right part for the job. Getting the wrong one is a real headache.

For the Sink (Basin)

The old plug and chain is gone. Modern basin wastes are much cleaner.

• Pop-Up: These have a little lever, usually on the tap itself, that you pull up or push down. Have a look at some pop-up basin wastes here.

• Pop-Down: Even simpler. You just push the plug itself to close it, and push it again to open. It's a very clean look. We have a range of pop-down basin wastes.

• With Overflow: This is crucial. Look at your sink. Is there a small hole near the top rim? That's an overflow. It stops the sink from flooding. If you have that hole, you MUST buy a basin waste with overflow. No exceptions.

For the Bath

Same idea as the basin, just bigger. Check for an overflow on your bath, too.

• Pop-Up & Pop-Down: Both pop-up and pop-down wastes for baths are available and are much better than a standard plug.

• With Overflow: If your bath has an overflow hole, you need a bath waste with overflow to connect to it.

For the Shower Floor

These are the grates in your shower or wet room floor.

• Standard Floor Wastes: Usually round or square grates. Simple and they work. See our floor wastes here.

• Channel Wastes: These are the long, thin drains you see in modern walk-in showers. They look sleek and drain a lot of water fast. Check out our channel wastes and grates.

Size is also key. Wastes connect to either 32mm or 40mm pipes. Check what size you need before you buy.

Is Gunmetal a Good Finish?

Looks are one thing, but will it last? Yes, if you buy a good one. Quality gunmetal wastes are made of solid brass so they won't rust. The colour is applied with a method called PVD, which is extremely tough. It's not a paint that will chip off. This makes it very resistant to scratches and tarnish. They're also easy to clean - just use a soft cloth and soapy water. No harsh chemicals needed. It's an investment that saves you the hassle of replacing a cheap part in a few years.

Putting The Look Together

A few last things to think about.

Matching Hardware

For a really pulled-together look, try to match your waste with other gunmetal pieces. Taps, a shower head, towel rails. If the pipe under your sink is visible, a matching gunmetal bottle trap is a great touch. We stock plenty of options from great brands like Meir, Bounty Brassware, Fienza, Caroma, Phoenix, Turner Hastings, ADP, Clark, and Radiant.

Installation

Get a plumber to install it. Seriously. It seems like a small job, but a tiny leak can cause huge damage over time. It's worth the small cost for peace of mind.

Why Shop at The Blue Space?

Here at The Blue Space, we're focused on bathrooms. We're not just a massive online store; we're a team that has chosen a range of quality wastes, traps, and grates we'd use ourselves. That includes everything from sink wastes to bath parts.

We're here to help you get the right product for your home. We know this stuff, and we're happy to answer questions. If you're considering gunmetal, you're in the right place. We believe a great bathroom is made up of great products, right down to the smallest detail.