What To Expect With Copper

Copper is a lot like a perfect pair of blue jeans or a comfortable pair of broken-in boots. With time and use, we break these things in and mold them to our shape. They remain strong and dependable as they react to our daily lives.

That’s because copper has a living finish that changes and evolves with how you use it. It’s what makes copper beautiful and raw. The living finish is called the patina, and it’s a natural protective coating that ensures copper won’t corrode. The patina of your copper sink will always change. Certain acidic foods or chemicals will strip it off, and time will bring it back. It will go from light to dark, from extreme to subtle, but one thing’s for sure: it will always be changing.

Just like with life, change is the only constant. And change is good.

Copper Sink Discoloration

Discoloration will occur with a copper sink; it’s the nature of the metal. There are many reasons why discoloration occurs: harsh chemicals, long exposure to acidic materials (lemons, ketchup, toothpaste, etc.) or other types of food, general heavy use, and more. But, don’t panic—it’s all part of the life of your copper product.

When discoloration happens, time and patience are typically all that are needed for your sink’s patina to restore its look and blend in with the rest of the surface. Here are a couple of tips from our team of Sinkologists:

- Wash your sink rigorously with hot, soapy water.

- Scrub hard enough to lighten the patina a few shades in problem areas.

- Rinse clean with hot water and dry with a microfiber cloth.

Simple Tips for Copper Care

Care is important, and we’ve gathered some easy tips from our Sinkologists for everyday maintenance of your copper sink:

- Clean after use with warm water, a gentle dish soap, and a soft cloth.

- As with any surface that comes in contact with food, avoid harsh and abrasive chemicals.

- Clear out food debris and dishes to prevent temporary discoloration.

- Apply Sinkology Copper Armor regularly to protect and shine your copper sink’s finish.

If your copper sink does develop spotting, water stains, or areas of stripped patina, be patient. Your copper sink’s natural patina will repair these spots over time and with use.

Beautifully Simple Maintenance

While the sink will never look the same as the day you installed it, it will always be a striking centerpiece in your room that you will use heavily. It’s a very unique looking and beautiful material, but it’s also a very strong and resilient metal. The patina helps protect the sink from corrosion, so you’ll never have to worry about rust or brittleness of the metal. Because of this, maintenance is very simple: just keep your sink clean.

Here are a few tips for maintenance of your copper sink:

- Clean after use with warm water, a gentle dish soap, and a soft cloth.

- Avoid harsh and abrasive chemicals.

- Clear out food debris to prevent temporary discoloration.

- Apply Sinkology Copper Armor regularly to protect and shine your copper sink’s finish.