How to Achieve Polished Copper

Keep your copper bright and shiny by polishing it regularly.

Numerous metal polishes, including polishes specifically intended for use on copper, simplify copper polishing. Some people polish copper with acidic solutions based on white vinegar or lemon juice instead of commercial polishes. Because copper tarnishes very quickly the hard part is keeping copper shiny. Newly polished copper is often sprayed with lacquer to preserve the finish. Lacquer should never be used on copper kitchen items, however. And sometimes even lacquered copper discolors, so before one of those pieces can be polished the lacquer has to be removed.

Things You'll Need

• Soft, clean cloth
• Copper or brass cleaner
• Baking soda
• Water
• Large pot
• Soap
• Sponge
• Clean, new shoeshine brush
• Spray copper lacquer

Instructions

1. Dip a soft, clean cloth into copper or brass cleaner. Rub the moistened cloth onto the copper. If the copper brightens it is not lacquered. If it does not brighten it is lacquered and the lacquer must be removed. You will know it has been lacquered because the tarnish on bare copper chemically reacts to copper polish, so if nothing happens when you apply polish there must be an invisible barrier between the tarnished copper and the polish. Since copper is often treated with lacquer you should assume the invisible barrier between the copper and the polish is lacquer.

2. Remove lacquer from copper by mixing 1 tbsp. of baking soda to 1 quart of water boiling in a large pot. Immerse the lacquered copper in the boiling water until the lacquer begins to peel.

3. Scrub peeling lacquer from copper with a soft, soapy sponge. Don't scrub copper with steel wool or abrasive sponges because the copper will scratch. Dry copper with a clean, soft cloth.

4. Apply commercial copper or brass cleaner to tarnished or discolored copper. Allow the cleaner to dry and buff off with a clean, dry cloth. The cleaner will dry in less than five minutes. Repeat as needed.

5. Remove copper cleaner residue from crevices in detailed copper pieces by buffing with a clean, new shoeshine brush.

6. Spray copper not used to prepare food with a light coating of copper lacquer to preserve the shine. Allow the lacquer to dry for 15 minutes before touching.

References

• "Copper Care"; The Copper Shop; 2005
• Common Bond,; "Technical Tips Maintaining Brass and Copper"; New York Landmarks Conservancy; December 1996, Vol. 12, No. 3, page 12
• "Copperlac Copper Lacquer 12oz Can Satin/Gloss"; Colorcopper.com
• "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)"; Copper.org
• "Copperton Lane's Tips on Removing Lacquer from Copperware"; Copperton Lane Antiques and Collectibles