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Q&As since 1989


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Copper counter tops

I would like to consider applying a patina to a copper counter top in my kitchen. Would this be safe to use in a kitchen in contact with food? Should I seal it with something? If so, what should I use? What sort of options do I have for a patina? We live in a home built in 1923, so I am concerned about the bright copper finish not fitting in. We have a French Country kitchen. Thank you for any advice you may have for me.

Becky M [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Fremont, Nebraska
2002

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I am also interested in lining my kitchen counters and island with copper sheet, and have similar concerns about finishes that would keep the material 'food safe'.

Sharon O [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Hallandale, Florida
2002

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Becky, Sharon,

You can discolor and patinate the copper with vinegar [in bulk on eBay or Amazon], lemon juice, and salt--and then be confident that you've added no materials that are not food safe.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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We lined our kitchen counters with copper sheeting and find they stay up with minimum cleaning (15 min every 3 days) by using Barkeepers Friend [on eBay or Amazon] cleaner. They are food safe. We used copper flashing from a local hardware store did the work ourselves and saved 1000's.

Paul C [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Manteo, North Carolina
2002

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Dear Paul Charron -

What are the basics for using copper sheeting to line kitchen or bath counters? Is there an instruction guide we can use?

Thanks

Debbie E [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Pacific Palisades, California
2004

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I want to install copper counter tops in my kitchen. I would like to know they can withstand the daily use of a busy kitchen? is there a sealer that can be applied to the finish?

Thank you

James W [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
home improvement - Brick, New Jersey
2004

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James,

I think what you need is a lacquer that incorporates benzotriazole [on eBay or Amazon] anti-tarnish for copper, like Incralac [on eBay or Amazon] .

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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I want to cover my counter tops with copper flashing. What is the best way to secure the flashing (contact cement or tacks) and is it necessary to put a protective finish on it. If so what should I use? I understand that the copper flashing is food safe so a protective finish may not be a good idea.

Chris S [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
hobbyist - Vernon Hills, Illinois
2004

I am interested in using copper counters in my 1820's log cabin kitchen. Is this safe or advisable? Could I use a hammer and texture it myself? Thank you,

Candace C [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Murfreesboro, Tennessee
2005

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It's safe enough, I'd guess. It's probably more a question of the food (like tomato juice and lemon juice) discoloring the copper than the copper tainting the food.

As for whether you can texture it yourself though, I haven't tried it myself so I'm not qualified to answer, but how well it works out would certainly depend on how much effort you were willing to put into it -- even a baby with a hammer can texturize it depending on your taste :-)

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

We have copper in our kitchen on each side of the sink and stove. It gets water spotted a lot and is hard to keep clean. We were thinking of spraying it with something, but felt we would not be able to sit anything hot on it then. Do you have any recommendations?

Nancy R [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
personal use - Dover, Pennsylvania
2005

I am installing a copper backsplash from 1/64 copper sheeting. It says to add a patina finish. Any suggestions?

Sandra S [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
Hobbyist - Pueblo, Colorado
2006

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I am a long standing do-it-yourselfer and I would like to cover my bar in my game room with a sheet of copper. I am also a sheet metal manager for a large commercial roofing company in North Carolina. my questions are what is the ideal gage of copper to use and what can I use to stain the copper to make it change colors? I've seen one that I liked and it have several different shades to it. I think they used an acid of sorts and applied it in circular motions. then I think the clear coated it with something. in the end, it had a smooth finish and almost didn't even look like copper. can you give me some advise on this matter?

thank you

Denny Rutan
manager for a commercial roofing co - Raleigh, North Carolina
2007

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Denny,
We use a 24 gauge (16 oz.) copper for countertops and bar tops. It is quite durable and you can spray several coats of lacquer on it for protection. Alternately, you can go with light weight 36 gauge copper which is cheaper but you will need to put a coat of epoxy on it. This would give you the typical "restaurant bar" look. You can add several coats of epoxy to build up layers to get your desired thickness.

Don Angelo
Spring Hill, Tennessee
March 15, 2010