How to Keep Copper From Tarnishing in 8 Steps

To keep copper from tarnishing, clean it completely, neutralize any acid you used, dry it fully, and seal it with a thin coat of wax or lacquer. Skip any of those and the finish will fail, usually within weeks.

Copper is a reactive metal, so some change is normal. If you like the brown, aged look, you can stop here and enjoy it. If you want the bright, new-penny color, the steps below will get you there. For a shorter companion read, see our overview of preventing copper tarnish.

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Why does copper tarnish?

Copper reacts with oxygen, moisture and the oils on your hands. It first darkens to brown, and over a long time it can turn green (verdigris), like old statues. Sulfur compounds in the air, including those from cooking, speed up the darkening. A humid kitchen will tarnish copper faster than a dry hallway.

As an architect, I'd treat a copper sink or a pot rack over the stove as a working surface. Water, soap and heat will win against any coating eventually, so choose a finish that matches how much the piece gets touched and splashed.

How do you prepare copper before sealing?

You can't seal a dirty surface. Oil, dust or old tarnish trapped under a coating will keep reacting and can make the finish peel. The metal needs to be properly clean first.

Many commercial polishes contain strong solvents, so I like to start with a paste of flour, salt and white vinegar. The vinegar dissolves the tarnish and the salt adds light abrasion. Press gently, especially on mirror-polished pieces, which scratch easily.

• Skip steel wool. It can leave iron particles behind that rust later. Use a nylon pad or a soft microfiber cloth.
• Always rinse acid cleaners off. Leftover vinegar or lemon will re-tarnish the metal quickly.

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The 8 steps to a tarnish-resistant finish

1. Degrease

Wash with warm water and mild dish soap to remove dust and kitchen grease. A range hood may need a dedicated degreaser.

2. Remove the tarnish

Rub with your paste or polish. Follow the grain on brushed copper and use circles on polished copper. Stop when the metal looks bright pinkish-orange.

3. Neutralize

Rinse well, then wash again with water and a pinch of baking soda to cancel leftover acid. This is the step people skip most often.

4. Dry completely

Towel dry, then use a hair dryer on a warm setting to drive moisture out of crevices and engraving. Trapped water is what causes green spots under a coating.

5. Wipe with solvent

Wear cotton or nitrile gloves, since even clean fingers leave oil. Wipe the surface with a cloth dampened with denatured alcohol. Work in a ventilated room and keep pets out until the fumes clear.

6. Pick a sealant

Use wax for pieces you touch and clear lacquer for pieces you rarely handle (details in the next section).

7. Apply thin coats

For wax, rub on a very thin layer with a microfiber cloth, let it haze, then buff. Two or three coats is typical. For spray lacquer, hold the can about 10 inches away and apply light, even coats, following the can's drying times.

8. Let it cure

Leave the piece untouched in a dust-free spot. Wax needs a few hours to harden and lacquer can need a day or more, so check the product label.

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Wax, lacquer or a nano-coating?

I recommend wax for antiques, because you can remove it later without damaging the piece. Avoid lacquer on sinks and cookware.

Using copper in a farmhouse kitchen

Copper suits rustic farmhouse kitchen backsplash ideas and a vintage farmhouse backsplash because it warms up white cabinets and wood. Among country kitchen backsplash ideas, copper is one of the few that changes over time.

Behind a stove or sink, expect splashes. Unsealed copper there will develop a brown patina, which many people like. If you want it bright, ask the manufacturer about a factory-applied coating and plan on regular wiping. Stone counters nearby have their own care routine, covered in our granite cleaning guide.

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Styling and placing sealed copper

Copper reflects light, so it brightens a small room. Warm bulbs around 2700K to 3000K flatter it. Very cool daylight bulbs (about 5000K) make it look harsh against its orange undertone.

For contrast, try deep navy, charcoal or emerald green. For a softer look, pair it with terracotta and warm beige. Keep wax-sealed pieces out of the direct splash zone, since soap and tap water spot them. Upper shelves or the middle of an island work better.

Pet-aware placement

Copper is soft and dents. A tall, narrow copper pot on a low stand is a tipping hazard for a dog with a happy tail. I recommend heavy, wide-based pieces or keeping planters elevated.

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Quick checklist

• Old wax and oils removed
• Acid neutralized with baking soda water
• Piece fully dry, including crevices
• Sealant matched to how much the piece is touched
• Piece placed away from splashes and out of reach of wagging tails
• Re-waxing noted on your calendar for every few months

Frequently asked questions