The beauty of your hand hammered copper sink is in its organic qualities. Copper is a metal that changes and evolves with time as it reacts with various elements and as it ages it becomes even more beautiful. Your sink is a unique, living and functional work of art. By following a few simple steps you can maintain it’s beauty for years to come.
Maintenance Basics
Maintaining the look of your new copper sink is easier then you may think. Basic cleaning after each use with a mild soap and water is sufficient. Other cleaners are not necessary. It’s important that you never use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on your copper sink.
You should also avoid leaving acidic foods on the sink for long periods of time. Foods like tomatoes, oranges or lemons can temporarily lighten the copper patina finish. If this happens simply wipe the surface with mild soap and water and wait. Before long the sink will “heal” on its own regaining its patina.
If you want to speed the patina process, you can apply this home remedy for darkening copper. Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt into 1/4 cup ammonia and apply the solution to light areas. Let dry for 30 minutes and repeat until the desired shade is acquired. Apply Micro-crystalline Wax to protect the new patina.
Whether your sink has a natural patina or an applied patina finish, copper never stops changing color. As the surface ages and mellows, it becomes more beautiful. If you wish you can reduce this natural aging process by using wax. Wax is also helpful if you live where the water has high mineral content. But, do not use Copper Polish on your sink unless you intend to maintain a bright and shiny “new penny” look.
A product such as Renaissance Wax may be applied periodically to a clean copper surface. This will help maintain the luster and provide quicker water runoff. Water in your sink will “bead” when the surface is waxed. When water ceases to ‘bead’ you’ll know the wax has worn off and its time to wipe the sink down with wax on a soft cloth. Use a cloth or rag to gently buff on a layer of wax all over the basin of the sink. Once covered, use the same cloth to wipe the wax off.
- Rinse the sink after use with water and a mild soap and dry with a soft cloth.
- Wipe off acidic food residue to protect the patina of your copper finish.
- Do not use any abrasive materials or harsh copper cleaners to clean the sink.
- If you have hard water, apply wax to create a shiny and protective coating.
Enhance Your Sink with a Grate
Think about adding the functional elegance of a sink grate. Sink grates come in several styles and provide greater protection from heavy pots and pans. Grates have a rubber base that prevents slipping and is available in many sizes to accommodate the variety of styles of SoLuna Copper Standard and Farmhouse Kitchen Sinks.
