Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Lacquer Removal from Copper Cookware

Readers - I want to remove the lacquer finish on my copper cookware. I washed it in the dishwasher and it blackened due to the lacquer. I have tried toilet bowl cleaner [affil links], finger nail polish remover and am at present using white vinegar [in bulk on eBay or Amazon] heated; some success with this. I really need help my copper looks awful.

Sandy Sidock
- Fremont, Michigan, USA
2001

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I see you have experienced a range of chemicals in your cleaning project, so far. Actually all have possibilities. The typical toilet cleaner is a mixture of hydrochloric and phosphoric acids, the nail polish remover is a lacquer thinner [on eBay or Amazon], and the hot white vinegar is a dilute citric acid [on eBay or Amazon] . I believe you are getting some result from the latter because it softens the coating enough that the hot acid can penetrate beneath it, and mildly etch the copper clean. Wearing insulated rubber gloves, and gently scrubbing the item with a fine 00 steel wool [on eBay or Amazon] helps to get a uniform color. (I can picture your kitchen smelling like a pickle factory, though. Use with good ventilation.)

Bottom line is: you must remove the old coating completely to gain access to the copper surface, that then can be either chemically cleaned, or mechanically polished, or better, a little of each to promote uniformity. Remember that the copper is only a plating, and relatively thin, so don't etch or polish excessively, especially at the edges. If you intend to cook with these, do not recoat.

Good Luck.

W. Carl Erickson
- Rome, New York
2001