How to Polish Copper Looking Plating

Polish copper plating to make it shiny and warm-looking.

Copper plating gives objects the look of copper without the expense of purchasing solid copper items. Unlike true copper, copper plating is really just iron covered in a copper sulfate solution, giving it the same warm sheen as the real thing.

Bright, shiny copper works well in modern homes because it blends well with industrial decors without looking cold or uninviting. The only trouble with copper plating is tarnish. Copper oxidizes quickly, turning dark brown or green. If you want to avoid this vintage look, you need to polish your copper plating regularly.

Things You'll Need

• Soft dusting cloth
• Large plastic tub
• Warm water
• Unscented liquid soap
• Soft cloths
• Soft towel
• Museum polish (gentle metal polish)

Instructions

1. Gently dust the copper plating with a soft, dry dusting cloth. Don't use dusting spray; the oils in these sprays may only make the tarnishing worse over time. A dry cloth works best for removing dusty buildup.

2. Fill a large plastic tub about 2/3 full of warm water. Add about 1/4 cup of unscented liquid soap and stir it with your hands until the water is nice and bubbly.

3. Slip the copper plated piece into the warm, soapy water and let it soak for about 5 minutes. Gently rub the copper plating with a wet, soapy washcloth. Most of the tarnish should rub right off.

4. Thoroughly dry the copper plating with a soft towel, reaching into all the corners, nooks and crannies.

5. Rub a thin layer of museum polish all over the copper plated piece. Museum polish is specially formulated to gently bring back shine on delicate metal pieces. Allow the polish to dry for about 15 minutes.

6. Buff away the polish with a clean, dry cloth. Your copper plating should be shiny again.

References

• House Cleaning Central: How to Clean Copper
• English Custom Polishing: Polishing Brass, Copper and Bronze
• Real Simple: A Guide to Polishing