If you've ever ordered commercial door hardware and been confronted with a string of numbers and letters like "US26D," "US10B," or "630" and had no idea what they meant—you're not alone. Hardware finish codes are one of the most confusing aspects of specifying door hardware, yet they matter a great deal for the final look of a building.

Choosing the wrong finish can result in mismatched hardware across a building, costly re-orders, and unhappy customers. This guide breaks down the two main finish code systems used in the commercial hardware industry and gives you the practical knowledge to select and communicate finishes with confidence.

The Two Finish Code Systems

There are two standards you'll encounter when specifying door hardware finishes:

• ANSI/BHMA Finish Codes – These are three digit numbers preceded by "6" (e.g., 626, 630, 613). They are the current industry standard used by most major hardware manufacturers.
• US Finish Codes – These older designations use "US" followed by a number and sometimes a letter (e.g., US26D, US10B, US3). Many manufacturers still reference these, and they're commonly used in the field.

Most finish charts list both codes side by side. If someone hands you a spec that says "US26D," a quick reference will tell you that's the same as BHMA 626—satin chrome.

Common Finish Codes and What They Look Like

Here is a breakdown of the most common finishes you'll encounter in commercial hardware:

US3 / 605 – Bright Brass

A shiny, polished yellow-gold finish. Common in older buildings and traditional aesthetics. Less popular in modern commercial construction but still found in hospitality and historic renovation projects.

US4 / 606 – Satin Brass, Clear Coated

A matte, brushed version of brass. More subtle than bright brass and holds up better to fingerprints and wear. Still used in mid-tier commercial and institutional buildings.

US10B / 613 – Dark Oxidized Bronze, Oil Rubbed

One of the most popular finishes in commercial hardware. It's a dark, oil-rubbed bronze appearance that works well in both traditional and contemporary settings. Commonly specified for schools, churches, government buildings, and office lobbies.

US26D / 626 – Satin Chrome

This is the most widely used finish in commercial hardware. It has a brushed, matte chrome look that is clean, modern, and relatively easy to maintain. You'll find US26D on the majority of commercial panic bars, door closers, locksets, and exit hardware. When in doubt, this is usually a safe default choice.

US32D / 630 – Satin Stainless Steel

Similar in appearance to US26D but made from actual stainless steel rather than plated chrome. This finish is more durable, highly corrosion-resistant, and preferred for exterior applications, coastal environments, healthcare facilities, and food service areas. It typically costs more than satin chrome but offers a longer service life.

US28 / 628 – Satin Aluminum, Clear Anodized

A light silver-gray anodized aluminum finish. Commonly found on aluminum-bodied hardware like some electric strikes, surface closers, and access control devices. It has a slightly warmer tone than chrome.

US19 / 652 – Bright Brass, Chrome Plated (US10)

A polished, shiny silver finish. It's bright and reflective and used in formal or upscale settings. High maintenance due to fingerprint visibility.

Black (US19B / 722) – Flat Black or Matte Black

Black has become increasingly popular in commercial hardware, especially for modern, industrial, or high-design environments. Matte black finishes are now available on a growing range of hardware from brands like Von Duprin, Sargent, and others. However, not all products are available in black, and lead times may be longer.

Why Finishes Matter Beyond Aesthetics

Choosing a finish isn't just about how it looks it also affects durability, cost, and product availability.

• Corrosion resistance – Stainless steel (US32D) outperforms chrome plate (US26D) in high-moisture or exterior environments
• Lead times – Standard finishes like US26D are typically stocked; specialty finishes like dark bronze or black may require factory orders with longer lead times
• Cost – Stainless steel and specialty finishes typically carry a premium over standard chrome or aluminum
• Consistency across brands - Finish names are standardized, but actual appearance can vary slightly between manufacturers. Always try to use the same brand across a door when exact matching is required

Mixing Finishes: When It Works and When It Doesn't

In commercial hardware, all components on a single opening—lockset, closer, exit device, hinges, kick plates, and push/pull hardware should ideally match in finish. Mismatched finishes on a single door look unprofessional and can create problems during inspections on certain project types.

That said, there are practical situations where mixing is acceptable:

• A door closer in US26D paired with exit hardware in US26D is fine
• Hinges are sometimes specified in a slightly different finish when exact matching isn't available or necessary
• Access control readers, intercoms, and electronic components often come in limited finish options and are generally not expected to match precisely

The key rule of thumb: match across visible mechanical hardware (closers, locks, exit devices), and don't stress about electronic devices and readers.

Finish Codes for Electrified Hardware

When specifying electrified hardware like electric strikes, magnetic locks, or electrified locksets, finish availability is more limited than with mechanical hardware. Many electrified products are manufactured in standard finishes only (often US26D or US32D), and custom finish orders may have long lead times or minimum quantities.

Always verify finish availability at the time of specification especially for projects with tight schedules. When you're selecting a full hardware package, browsing by product type first and then filtering by available finish is the most efficient approach.

Quick Reference: Most Common Finishes

• US26D / 626 – Satin Chrome (most common, great default)
• US32D / 630 – Satin Stainless Steel (best for exteriors and high-moisture areas)
• US10B / 613 – Dark Bronze, Oil Rubbed (popular in institutional and traditional settings)
• US3 / 605 – Bright Brass (traditional, formal)
• US28 / 628 – Satin Aluminum (common on aluminum-body hardware)
• Black / 722 – Matte Black (growing in popularity for modern aesthetics)

Final Thoughts

Door hardware finishes are one of those specification details that are easy to overlook until something arrives and doesn't match. Taking a few minutes to understand the finish code system and confirming availability with your supplier before ordering can save a significant amount of time and money on any commercial hardware project.

Whether you're spec'ing a full building, replacing a single closer, or upgrading to electrified panic hardware, always call out the finish explicitly using both the US code and BHMA code to avoid any confusion. And if you're ever unsure which finish code applies to a specific product, our team at SNTRY Supply is happy to help you confirm before your order ships. Learn more in our guide to types of electronic locking hardware for commercial properties.