PRIME-LINE J 4703 6 x 34 In., Aluminum, Door Kick, Brite Brass Plated

Why I chose this kick plate

I installed this kick plate on a painted steel entry door that takes daily abuse—groceries, muddy boots, the occasional impatient push with a shoe. My goals were simple: cover existing scuffs, prevent new damage, and keep the look cohesive with brass accents on the hardware. The Prime-Line kick plate checked the size box (6 x 34 inches), offered a brass look without the cost of solid brass, and promised an easy install with pre-drilled holes.

Installation experience

The install was straightforward and took about 20 minutes from unboxing to cleanup.

• I dry-fit the plate first to confirm the 34-inch width left the expected reveal on both sides of a 36-inch door. It did—about an inch on each side—which looks intentional and avoids catching on the jamb.
• With the plate centered and held in place using painter’s tape, I used the existing holes in the plate as a template to mark the door.
• On the steel door, I drilled small pilot holes before driving the screws. That kept the aluminum from puckering and the screws from walking.
• The included screws were color-matched closely enough to the brass tone. They’re not true brass; they have a brass-like coating. Once installed, the difference was barely noticeable.

One note: because the plate is lightweight aluminum, it can dimple if you over-tighten. Snug is plenty. I’d also recommend wiping the door surface first to avoid trapping grit under the plate, which can telegraph as tiny bumps.

If you’re installing on wood and don’t want to add screw holes, double-sided exterior tape (or a thin bead of construction adhesive) will hold a plate this size reliably. Just be mindful of future removal and finish compatibility.

Fit, look, and finish

Visually, the tone lands in the “polished brass” family, but in real life it reads more like a bright, brushed brass rather than a mirror-polished sheet. That’s a positive in my book: it looks refined without being overly shiny, and it hides fingerprints better.

The stamped edges are clean and consistent along the length. I didn’t encounter burrs, but if you do, a couple passes with 400-grit paper will knock them down. Because it’s aluminum with a brass finish, the plate keeps its color without the risk of rust. It pairs nicely with brass or brass-toned knobs and deadbolts and doesn’t clash with satin nickel if you’re mixing metals.

A small detail I appreciated: the hole spacing is even and aligned true—no wandering rows that make the plate look crooked once you step back. If you’re replacing an existing plate, there’s a chance the pattern will line up; if not, drilling new pilots is easy.

Thickness and day-to-day use

This is a light-gauge aluminum plate. That brings two realities:

• It’s easy to handle, doesn’t add weight to the door, and won’t stress hinges.
• It’s not the tank-like slab you’d choose for commercial storefront traffic or serious abuse.

For standard residential use, especially on a front or back door that sees shoes and bags but not constant cart impacts, it’s well-suited. It has held up fine to scuffs, and it dramatically reduces the visible wear that accumulates on lower door panels. The finish will scratch if you drag something sharp across it—keys, dog claws, or gritty grit—so if pets are constantly pawing at your door, expect cosmetic marks over time. Functional protection remains, but the surface won’t stay pristine forever.

Cleaning and care

Maintenance is simple:

• Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap as needed.
• Avoid abrasive pads, powder cleansers, or ammonia-heavy glass cleaners that can haze the finish.
• If you used adhesive, check the edges once in a while to ensure full contact, especially after large temperature swings.

Because it’s aluminum, there’s no rust to worry about, and fingerprints aren’t much of an issue thanks to the slightly brushed appearance.

Where the 6 x 34 size works (and where it doesn’t)

The 6-inch height is the most common residential size. It covers the high-traffic zone while keeping a balanced look on paneled doors. If your door already has deep scuffs higher up—or you want more protection for wheelchairs, strollers, or rambunctious pets—consider an 8- or 10-inch height instead. For a standard 36-inch door, the 34-inch width leaves a clean reveal and avoids the jamb. Measure twice, especially if your door is narrower or has raised molding close to the edges.

Also worth noting: this ships as a single plate. If you want protection on both sides of the door, plan to buy two.

Where it stands among alternatives

• Versus solid brass: Solid brass plates are thicker, heavier, and often have a true mirror polish with crisper edge chamfers. They also cost significantly more and require occasional polishing to stay bright. If you need premium heft and a heritage look, solid brass is the upgrade. For most homes, this aluminum version gets you the appearance at a fraction of the cost and with less maintenance.
• Versus stainless steel: Stainless is tougher and more scratch-resistant, but it won’t match brass hardware. Choose stainless for garages, utility doors, or modern interiors where durability trumps color coordination.
• Versus adhesive-only vinyl or plastic guards: Those can be cheaper and faster to apply but tend to look like temporary fixes and don’t hold up as well.

This plate hits a sweet spot for residential doors that see moderate use and where a brass look is desired without the premium price.

Small drawbacks

• Finish durability: The brass-look coating will show scratches under heavy, repeated abrasion. That’s expected at this price point and material.
• Screw color: The included screws are close but not a perfect brass match. From a couple feet away, it’s a non-issue.
• Gauge: The thin aluminum can dimple if you over-tighten. Take your time during install and you’ll avoid it.

None of these are dealbreakers if your expectations are set appropriately.

Practical installation tips

• Dry-fit and tape the plate in place before marking holes.
• Use a center punch or nail to dimple each hole mark; it keeps drill bits from wandering on metal doors.
• Drill pilots one size smaller than the screw shank; on steel doors, use cutting oil or light lubricant to extend bit life.
• Hand-tighten the last few turns to avoid dimples.
• If using tape or adhesive, clean both surfaces with isopropyl alcohol and apply pressure evenly along the entire plate for a strong bond.

The bottom line

The Prime-Line kick plate does exactly what a residential kick plate should: it protects the lower section of the door, cleans up the look of a scuffed panel, and ties in neatly with brass-toned hardware. It’s lightweight, easy to install, and inexpensive enough that replacing it down the line is not a major decision. The finish reads as bright brushed brass rather than mirror-polished, which helps it blend into a variety of entry setups. Just be realistic about durability: it’s aluminum with a brass-look finish, not solid brass, and it will show scratches if subjected to sharp, repeated contact.

Recommendation: I recommend this kick plate for homeowners who want a clean, brass-look upgrade and practical protection on a standard 36-inch door without spending on solid brass. It’s a good value, installs quickly with basic tools, and provides the right mix of appearance and function for everyday use. If you need a plate for heavy commercial traffic, pet-heavy environments, or a true mirror finish, step up to a thicker solid brass or stainless option; otherwise, this is a smart, budget-friendly choice.