Marsha asked: How do I restore the finish to a copper sink? Tilex was used to clean a bathroom copper sink. It left a definite stain on the finish. Can I restore the finish, or is it permanently damaged?
Table of Contents:
Tilex is a strong cleaning product and likely removed the protective coating or wax finish that was applied to the sink. What looks like a stain is actually the removal of the natural patinas that build up over time and give copper its look. Fortunately, with a little cleaning and time, the finish will darken and return to normal.
You Will Need:
- Commercial copper cleaner and polish
- Soft cloths
- Soap
- Water
- Sink wax
Steps to Clean and Polish Copper:
- Clean the sink with plain old soap and water.
- Use a soft cloth to scrub away any dirt.
- Once clean, apply a copper polish such as Brasso.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
- If no wax is on the surface of the sink, or if it has been removed, apply a wax sealant to the surface.
Additional Tips and Advice
- Olive oil is a natural product that can be used to buff copper sinks and really make them shine.
- Wipe out the sink daily to keep it clean and prevent water spots.
- To age and patina a sink, combine ¼ cup ammonia with a teaspoon of salt. Spread the mixture over the surface and allow it to dry for 30 minutes. Wash with cold water and dry with a soft cloth. Repeat if desired.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
brown/green spots on my copper
Yesterday 3/27/10 I cleaned a lot of my copper “things” with Tarn-X. I couldn’t get it ALL clean. As I used the Tarn-X, I placed them in the sink with Dawn and hot water. Things got busy later, and I forgot to take them out of the sink with the Dawn in it. Today it’s like I never cleaned it. I tried the Tarn X again and it’s almost impossible to get the stains off of all of it without major super elbow grease. There is a lot of dark spots I can’t get out now, and I was unable to remove yesterday either. PLEASE HELP ME!! I LOVE copper, and NEED your advice. If you get back with me, I would be forever grateful. Thanks again, Barbara