Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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What will protect my copperware from tarnishing

How can I keep my freshly-polished copperware from tarnishing so soon?

Major Richard Starke
- Burlington, North Dakota, USA
2001

if you are using nickel lined cookware and are planning to use it in the future for cooking, do nothing to treat the ware. I use a product that removes the oxidation almost immediately with a slight scrumming the a cheap nylon scouring pad, the cleaner is called Zap Restorer [on eBay or Amazon] and comes in a purple spray pump.
If the copper ware is purely decorative the you can clean it throughly, dry it with a soft cloth that will not scratch and apply a thin coating of clear polyurethane, that is easily removed with an acetate solution. The polyurethane can be diluted with a 1/3 mixture of mineral spirits [on eBay or Amazon] and the drying time is greatly reduced and goes on much smoother.

carla wilmes
- clinton, Indiana, usa
2003