PROPER CARE FOR COPPER SOAKING TUBS
& COPPER SINKS
Mexican copper is made from solid sheets of recycled copper that have patina colors applied either through the natural fire and water method, or a chemical process to achieve specific coloration. The copper is hand-hammered to increase the strength of the copper and the beauty of the copper patinas.
Your copper soaking tub has been sealed with paste wax and high polished. To preserve the finish and to keep the copper sealed and protected against spills and oxidation, a thin coat of paste wax should be applied to the copper when water no longer beads on the surface. We recommend clear Briwax (available on Amazon). For the darker patina colors, use Briwax dark.
Recommended Care and Maintenance
Copper products are easy to maintain. The best way to keep your hammered bath copper tub as good as new is simply wiping up any water residuals left after usage and keeping it as dry as possible to prevent any water spots and protect the patina. This is especially important if you live in an area with hard water. Hard water can damage many different materials, so it is important to dry the sink or tub to avoid creating water spots. Use a mild soap and water and a soft cloth for drying. Since the tub is hand-hammered with a natural finish, do not use abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals or steel wool pads as these will scratch the surface and affect the patina of your product. Copper has antibacterial qualities so there is no need to disinfect the tub with harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners which can damage the copper surface.
Waxing
The finish of the tub will gradually change over time, as this is the nature of copper. To protect the original patina and to aid in water runoff, we recommend waxing on the outside every month or so depending on its usage. Olive oil is suggested for the inside. If you want your tub to age and develop its own greenish patina, use it as normal and do not apply the wax to the outside. The copper might get dark spots as it ages, especially with heavy water residuals. Because the copper is a “living” product, with oxidation it is bound to change over time. This gives your product its beauty and charm.
Apply a thin coat of Briwax; let dry for five to ten minutes. Then, buff to a glossy sheen using a clean, dry cotton cloth. There are also foam pads you can buy to polish. Every few months, apply multiple thin coats of wax. Waxing makes the copper look richer and more beautiful. If you have a larger copper tub, it might be wise to invest in a hand-held electric polisher.
Acid Spills
Acid spills (coke, vinegar, lemon, wine, etc.) can cause a color change if not removed within 10 minutes on a waxed surface.
Clean the area as quickly as possible with a damp cloth. Copper through natural oxidation will heal itself over time. The area will begin to recover its color gradually over time. The amount of time varies, but typically is between 2 to 3 weeks. It may not match the original color exactly, but will be close enough to blend with the natural beauty and characteristics of the top. Once the affected area has healed itself and the original color tones have recovered, the copper should be sealed again with paste wax to preserve and protect the finish.
While waxing protects the copper, not waxing the natural fire and water patinas promotes a more unique copper patina and brings out a beauty all its own through the natural copper oxidation process.
Your tub may patina green in areas of high humidity or in coastal areas. If you do not want the green patina to develop (it takes time), wash the green patina off, and keep the surface waxed.
NOTE: If your copper tub patina was achieved through a chemical process as in the Dark Brown finishes, you need to pay careful attention to acid spills. You have about 10 minutes to remove the spill on a well waxed surface. The chemically treated surfaces will not oxidize back to the chemically treated patina though it will darken. There are products available that will darken the stained area. Call the office for information.
Scratches
Copper is a soft metal and sharp utensils can scratch and gouge the surface. If your copper tub is scratched, the best thing to do is - nothing! As with stains, leave the affected area alone and let it be exposed to the air until the copper begins to regain its original. The amount of time required for this process varies, but it is typically on the order of a few weeks. Once the affected area has healed itself and the original color tones have recovered, the copper should be sealed again with paste wax to preserve and protect the finish. Though the scratch will not technically be removed, it will not be visible once it turns back to the original color.
Direct Sunlight
Do not allow your copper tub to be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time to protect the copper patina from fading. Copper, as with all metals, will absorb heat and when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time may get hot. In regions with hotter climates, copper tops would best be placed under covered areas or patios.
When you purchase through Custom Copper Works, you are not buying from inventory; you are buying YOUR made-to-order, customized, unique creation … delivered to your door! To learn more about our “quality for less” copper tables, table tops and copper soaking tubs with matching sinks, click here for more information.
