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Restoring oxidized copper awnings

I have a Cafe which has copper awnings over the windows and doors. It is very oxidized and has a dark brown appearance. In fact when we bought the Cafe no one even noticed or knew it was copper because it has the appearance of dark brown just like the same color they painted the wood trim on the building. I know it has not been touched for over 20 years.

I have tried many copper polishes without much success. And I did try muriatic acid [affil links] which looked encouraging when applied but quickly faded and or turned green. I am at a loss and really want to get this copper to shine. What can you suggest.

Thanks,

Steve Frye
- Forestville, California
2002

Mild sulfuric acid or nitric acid solutions will do. Alternatively buffing or grinding will do trick as well. Make sure it is copper before you proceed.

Dianatkhah Kam
- Dallas, Texas
2002

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Use scotch bright and WD-40 [on eBay or Amazon] to clean the copper 1st. Then clean it with soap and water. Use a clean piece of scotch bright moving in a linear motion to produce a straight grain. After it has dried, coat the copper with clear sealer. This will keep the copper color for a couple of years. If you want it to turn a patina green, urinate in a spray bottle and mist it with water and spray the copper. The green color will last for years and everyone will notice the material is copper.

Bill Green
- Mobile, Alabama
2003