How to Remove Lacquer From a Copper Kettle

Remove lacquer to safely cook with copper pots and pans.

Manufacturers often coat decorative copper items with clear lacquer to prevent tarnish. Unfortunately, lacquer is unsuitable for copper dishes and cookware used for food preparation or serving. When exposed to direct heat or hot water, the lacquered copper item may develop unattractive spots or transfer chemical lacquer to food and drink. You can remove lacquer with baking soda.

Things You'll Need

• Stockpot
• Baking soda
• Tongs
• Nylon scrubber
• Soft sponge
• Commercial copper cleaner

Instructions

1. Bring enough water to a boil in a large stockpot to completely submerge the copper item. Add 1 tablespoon baking soda for every quart of water.

2. Submerge the copper item in the baking soda solution. If the item is too large to submerge, use tongs to dip one portion of the item at a time. Remove the item when lacquer starts to peel off and float to the top.

3. Scrub the item with a nylon scrubber and soapy water to remove the loosened lacquer.

4. Polish the item with commercial copper cleaner and a soft sponge.

Tips & Warnings

• If baking soda proves ineffective, remove lacquer with a commercial lacquer stripper or acetone.

• Copper without lacquer requires regular polishing to prevent tarnish. Use a commercial copper polishing product, never an abrasive cleanser.

References

• Copperton Lane: Copperton Lane’s Tips on Removing Lacquer From Copperware
• Kitchen Kapers: How to Remove Lacquer Coating From Copper Items
• Fantes: Copper & Brass Lacquer Removal