With the rich brown patina that pure copper counter tops achieve over time, your kitchen or bathroom can gain a warm friendly atmosphere. Pure copper will turn brown over time, yet will retain the antibacterial properties that this metal possesses. Tests have shown that bacteria will die faster on copper than other metals. Perhaps this is the main reason for the recent gain in popularity of copper counter tops.
This soft metal does not resist scratches or dents well, but copper counter tops will take less maintenance than other metal counter tops will. To retain the rich brown shades that copper ages into, use only a soft cloth and mild soap like most dish soap for cleaning purposes. More often than with other harder counter tops, you want to remember to always use a cutting board for food preparation. If your copper counter tops do get scratched, just buff the scratch out with a super fine grade of sandpaper or a plastic scrub pad and let the copper re-age naturally. The brown patina will return over time and you will never know there was ever a scratch.
Copper does not rust and only turns green with long exposure to the elements. The Statue of Liberty turned green from contact with the ocean air turning the outer surface to copper oxide. This can be achieved by leaving a weak solution of vinegar and salt on your copper, but will be removed by wiping it clean. Spilling acidic liquids like lemonade or orange juice will brighten the metal for a time, but the rich brown shade will return. If you find your copper counter tops turning other shades than brown fast or rusting, this is an indication that the copper may not be pure. Copper counter tops can be polished with a paste wax preservative or sealed to keep the color that you desire.
Copper counter tops are usually made of copper attached by adhesives to a substrate of other metal or thick plywood. This is done to assist the copper in resisting dents. Copper counter tops spread heat well, but have a low melting point. While contact with hot pans will not instantly harm the copper, leaving hot pans on your copper counter tops for extended periods of time may cause distortions in the metal. Using coasters or hot pads to absorb the heat can minimize this.
You can purchase copper counter tops with smooth surfaces or hammered patterns to add more individuality to your kitchen and bathrooms. By using a custom builder you can even design the pattern you want hammered onto your counter tops. With the antibacterial properties, the lovely brown patina and the patterns hammered into your copper counter tops, you can design a décor that is both friendly and healthful for you family. Choosing copper counter tops for your kitchen and bathrooms is a choice that will bring you years of satisfaction and comfort.
