Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


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Returning mirror finish to pillowed copper backsplash

2004

I have installed a sheet of pillowed copper backsplash over my stove which was fairly mirror polished, but had some minor gunk and goo on it. My wife and I tried to "clean" this by using Brasso [on eBay or Amazon], and now the finish has a fine patina on it that looks streaky. Is there any way to manually polish the copper to bring back that mirror quality?

Many thanks in advance.

Mark Clarke
PACI - Decatur, IL, USA

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Elbow Grease.

Most likely the reason for the streaks was that there was some of the polishing compound left on the metal, polish it again and go over it with a dry cloth afterward to get any excess polish off, you should have that bright finish once you are done. With copper most people want the patina, but if you are after keeping it bright you will have to polish it at least once a week, or you can go over it with a clear lacquer once you have the finish on it you want.

Marc Banks
- Elizabeth City, North Carolina
2004

How can I clean the copper backsplash in my kitchen - as it is vertical, ketchup streaked. I've heard a cream of tartar paste works for copper-bottom pots, will it work for this purpose? If so, how do I make one?

Karen E. McCarthy (Schultz)
home owner - Chicago, IL, USA
2005