Copper sinks are a lot easier to take care of than you might think. They are said to have a living finish because the color continuously changes due to chemical reactions that take place at the copper surface. One kind of chemical reaction that takes place is called patination. The patina is the colored film that results from patination, and is what gives copper its rustic, aged appearance. Therefore, the care of copper sinks is geared towards maintaining the patina, slowing the patination process down, or speeding the patination process up. Below are some tips for achieving these results.

Rules for maintaining the patina…

• Never use abrasive, acidic, or alcohol-based cleaners.
• Do not use abrasive pads, such as steel wool, Brillo pads, or wire brushes.
• Clean with soap and hot water, and scrub with a soft cloth, sponge, or nylon brush.
• To remove stains, clean using a paste of baking soda mixed with water. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a soft cloth.
• Do not let acidic substances, such as toothpaste, tomato-based foods, or citrus products, sit in the sink for extended periods of time. These items can strip and discolor the patina. If discoloration does occur, there is no need to worry because the patina will eventually return over time.
• Do not let water stand in the sink basin because the mineral content in some water can alter the patina. It is best to wipe the sink dry after each use.

To preserve the original patina finish (slow down patination)…

To reduce any color change, you can apply a wax made specifically for copper, such as Renaissance Wax, or you can apply furniture oil. Olive oil is also effective for this purpose; however, it may darken the color slightly.

To accelerate the aging process (speed up patination)…

Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in ¼ cup of ammonia and wipe onto the sink surface. Let the solution dry for thirty minutes, rinse with water, and wipe dry. Repeat if desired.