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-----Copper Countertop Scratches & Discolors
Q. Hi ... I have a copper countertop in my kitchen. Alas, a housekeeper scratched it with a scouring pad of some sort. Is there anyway to repair the surface, without resorting to sanding it down? Maybe some miracle compound?
Pat O'Brien- San Jose, California, USA
2001
Hi Pat,
I didn't know that modern kitchens had copper countertops. Ignorance is bliss. Thank heavens we don't, otherwise it would be me who would have to look after them!
I guess you could use S.O.S. pads duly laced with abrasive BUT always scour in the same direction to get a
'brushed' finish, s.v.p.
HAPPY scrubbing!
Freeman Newton [deceased]
R.I.P. old friend (It is our sad duty to
advise that Freeman passed away 4/21/12)
Q. I am currently installing a kitchen countertop covered with copper. I am seeking information about a clear sealer that will be non-toxic and protect the original color of the copper.
Can someone suggest a product? ⇦ Answer?
- Wichita Falls, Texas
2001
Q. I'm remodeling my kitchen, would like to hear about copper counters if any one has them. How do they look, wear. Are you happy with them? How do they look with stainless steel appliances? Any sources I should investigate?
Astrid Lacitis- San Francisco, California
2002
A. Hi Astrid,
One sees a lot of queries about 'scratched' countertops.
Aesthetically copper, ie. NEW copper will look nice. If it develops a patina over time, maybe it will still look nice but ONLY IF you never use it, i.e, slide pots and pans over it. It is a relatively soft metal!
You call the shots ... and you pays de price if it gets scratched and unsightly. De gustibus nihil disputandem est. ... it's all a matter of taste, eh?
Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).
A. Astrid,
Copper counters are something you should be prepared for. Since the metal is so soft and so reactive, it will definitely show marks, scratches, etc. is this a defect? It depends on your aesthetic. If you want something slick and perfect avoid it. If you can live with it while it mellows and ages, it can look warm and fantastic. I always use this analogy with clients: think of a copper top like a pair of jeans. Brand new they are awkward and uncomfortable, but with age and use they soften and take on a character all their own. scratches, discolorations, and other "defects" are what give it it's character.
Carson Maddox- Chicago, Illinois
A. Astrid,
I just received my custom copper backsplash which will install behind the range/micro hood. I needed something to brighten the room using copper, which I love, and it does! I was talked out of copper counters/sinks for functional reasons you have already heard, (easy to scratch, hard to care for unless finished) and I wanted a "rough" look. This offsets the green/pink/brown hues in my laminate countertop with easy care. Find a plumbing/builders showroom in your area which may display some neat ideas using copper.
Joyce Johnson- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Q. Following up on Jim's question, is there a good, non-toxic sealer for copper countertops?
Sarah R [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Dallas, Texas
2002
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Q. I also would like to know about a copper counter sealer. We have 5 counters with copper sheeting on them that look just great, but upkeep can be a problem. We would like to seal them if possible. Is it possible once they are in place?
Tara B [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Brighton, Michigan
2003
Q. I have a copper countertop which I love, but is not sealed. Can anyone suggest a sealant to cut down on the constant polishing required? The patina looks like but lifts off onto object that we place on the counter and is unsightly. Can these things be sealed permanently and how to do it?
Julie McDonald- Oakland, California
2003
A. Julie,
Lacquer is frequently used to protect copper counters. We have many customers who seal their counters with 4-5 coats of lacquer. We also have people that have great success using a commercial epoxy coating. This will give it a glossy look and it does protect the copper very well.
Spring Hill, Tennessee
March 13, 2010
Q. We recently built a new home and I had a local person fabricate copper counters for me, which I absolutely love. However, the constant upkeep is causing me to reconsider the decision. Is there a sealant or finish that I can use to eliminate the need for constant polishing?
Gretchen Harrington- Newbury, Ohio
2003
A. Incralac ⇨
will do the job. Good Luck
- Strasburg, Ohio
2003
Gretchen,
A high quality lacquer will do the job. Minwax makes a good brushable lacquer that does not leave brush strokes. You should be able to find that in any home improvement center. Make sure you purchase a good brush to use.
Don
Spring Hill, Tennessee
April 13, 2010
Multiple threads merged: please forgive chronology errors and repetition 🙂
Q. I have a copper topped cocktail bar what can I use to protect the finish.
Allen DanforthHomestead Kitchen, Bar, Bakery - Farmington, Maine, USA
2004
Q. I am remodeling my home and had copper countertops installed. They are beautiful but are tarnishing at a faster rate than I had anticipated so I am seriously thinking of sealing them. What can I use that is safe around food?
Nancy Ieradihome owner - Morgantown, West Virginia
2004
A. I have copper countertops and have had them for over 3 years. I absolutely love them! You need to get a copper that is at least 1/8" thick. We wanted an aged copper, so I had them put a black wax on them then wiped down to speed up the aging process. They get a nice brown color like a beautiful worn piece of leather. To clean them, I use either soap and water or Soft Scrub ⇨
followed up with an orange cleaner. Certain items, especially acidic foods will bring back that shiny copper again, but within a few days, they are back to the nice brown. We do not have scratches probably due to our finish and variations in color are what we like. We are building a spec home and are putting them in there.
Good luck,
Suzanne Kobel- Manhattan Beach, California
2005
Q. Hmm ... what is the finish that's keeping your counters from getting scratched up? Do you mean just the black wax that you used?
Also, why is 1/8" important? I was told 1/16 would be okay....
Thanks.
- Portland, Oregon
2005
Q. I was inquiring on the "black wax" method you used to patina your countertops. Is it just ordinary black wax or something specifically for aging copper? (i.e. brand, method) I love my copper island, however, it is tarnishing in an ugly and non uniform manner. Please let me know your trick to making it pretty.
Ann Derisehome maker - Lafayette, Louisiana
July 9, 2008
A. Hi, Ann. I'm not sure whether it's "food safe", but www.sculpt.com/catalog_98/patina/ColoredWax.htm offers brown, black, and other color waxes for copper, brass, and bronze. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
A. I purchased a house with copper countertops that have a dull kind of patina finish. They are absolutely beautiful. If I leave acidic food or water on them it turns back to its original shine but within a few days its back to its patina color again. It doesn't have any scratches on it but don't drop anything on it. I made the mistake of dropping a can on it and dented it. I read an article which stated that recent studies suggested that copper, not stainless steel, is a better surface to protect against certain bacteria such as E.coli and Listeria. Imagine that!
Angela Jones- Paradis, Louisiana
2005
Multiple threads merged: please forgive chronology errors and repetition 🙂
Q. I am going to install a copper kitchen counter. What can I use to finish the counter so it doesn't require constant cleaning or polishing?
Mike Fleminghome owner - Bradenton, Florida, USA
2006
Q. Same problem - we have a copper table top that being destroyed by everything that touches it... any info is helpful...
Chris K [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Albuquerque, New Mexico
2006
A. Hi, folks. The banner at the bottom of the page will direct you to some specialist lacquer and clearcoat suppliers, but we've combined similar threads, so there are additional answers on the page now.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
RFQ: I am trying to locate someone to do copper countertops and backsplash and can't find anyone. Can you tell me who installed yours?
Dana D [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Highland Village, Texas
2006
Ed. note: This RFQ is outdated, but technical replies are welcome, and readers are encouraged to post their own RFQs. But no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?).
A. Dana
You can try some local sheet metal shops in your area for help doing copper countertop. It is hit and miss but I have found some of the older shops are able to do them, just depends on your area.
Spring Hill, Tennessee
April 21, 2010
Q. For those who have gone before me - copper countertop in Kitchen - pros and cons?
I have had to fire a contractor and I am subbing the job myself. The 3-5 month job has turned into a 14 month ordeal! I desperately need some advice before making one of my last decisions. For those having a copper countertop, I would like to know the pluses and pitfalls of having the copper. From a professional fabricator, I ask about a recommended thickness of copper for durability; methods for achieving a mid-toned antique looking color; type of wax, method of application to seal and maintenance; type of construction and material recommended for under the copper; method to attach under counter mounted sink -- and any recommended fabricator in the Dallas, Texas area?
Any and all information would be greatly appreciated!
consumer - Dallas, Texas
2007
Q. We have a similar questions to several of the posts -- but didn't see the answers. We just purchased a home with copper countertops. Very pretty but a lot of work keeping them up with the constant tarnishing. Any suggestions on what we can seal them with that will prevent the tarnishing? Thanks for your advice.
Mike and Marilyn Weinberg- Chappaqua, New York
2007
Hi, Mike & Marilyn, re. "but didn't see the answers" --
We've combined several threads now so you will see a number of answers.
Gentle readers: we can't force people browsing the internet to answer, but when people capable of helping drop in and see, instead of a string of questions, a friendly community they'd enjoy being part of, they're more likely to take the time to help. So even if the other folks who have posted can't help you, simply engaging with them helps build the sort of community that will attract others who can 🙂
Good luck,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
A. Copper counter tops in the kitchen or bath are extremely beautiful but do have some ugly sides. Sealing a top for every day use is very difficult, it still requires anal upkeep and habits of use. I've made a lot of table surfaces and work surfaces and in most cases I want my customers to be 100% natural. I do use natural patina solutions and waxes when possible, but this is not always the best way. I have used an inhibitor lacquer system for tops that receive a lot of use, but even this will break down over time. I have several tops out that I applied a resin based finish over with excellent results, but beware when using acid base patinas. I just recently finished copper tops applying a catalyst type lacquer finish over a acid based patina but too soon to tell how well it will hold up. I recommend anyone considering copper tops that you either be willing to maintain the copper or just learn to accept the natural ways of the copper. I choose to use 16 oz or better especially if welding is involved and the use of 3/4 or better underlayment for support like mdf sheet.I do glue my lite sheet fabrications down, do not use silicon. I hope that I answered some questions.
Bernard Shelton- Clarkedale, Arizona
September 2, 2008
A. My husband is a roofing contractor who does standing seam metal panels, copper gutters, downspouts and the like. He recently made copper countertops for a friend, and they look great. Maybe you could try a roofer or ask a local building supply company in your area for a referral.
Michelle Dumsha- Pasadena, Maryland
August 17, 2017
Q. I'm making a basement bar with a copper top, and am planning on using 16 mil (26 gauge) copper. I want it to tarnish and make its own unique look, but I do not want water rings or fingerprints. Do I need to use a sealant, or will I be ok with just leaving it be? Any help would be much appreciated. ⇦ Answer?
Andrew Kollitz- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
November 10, 2018
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