Copper Kitchen Counters

A. Hi Astrid,

One sees a lot of queries about 'scratched' countertops. Just have a gander in the archives.

You might want to go and see # l0932 in the archives.

Aesthetically copper, ie. NEW copper will look nice. If it develops a patina over time, maybe it will still look nice but ONLY IF you never use it, ie. slide pots and pans over it. It is a relatively soft metal!

You call the shots ... and you pays de price if it gets scratched and unsightly. De gustibus nihil disputandem est. ... it's all a matter of taste, eh?

A. Astrid,

Copper counters are something you should be prepared for. Since the metal is so soft and so reactive, it will definitely show marks, scratches, etc. is this a defect? It depends on your aesthetic. If you want something slick and perfect avoid it. If you can live with it while it mellows and ages, it can look warm and fantastic. I always use this analogy with clients: think of a copper top like a pair of jeans. Brand new they are awkward and uncomfortable, but with age and use they soften and take on a character all their own. scratches, discolorations, and other "defects" are what give it it's character.

A. Astrid,

I just received my custom copper backsplash which will install behind the range/micro hood. I needed something to brighten the room using copper, which I love, and it does! I was talked out of copper counters/sinks for functional reasons you have already heard, (easy to scratch, hard to care for unless finished) and I wanted a "rough" look. This offsets the green/pink/brown hues in my laminate countertop with easy care. Find a plumbing/builders showroom in your area which may display some neat ideas using copper.

A. Dear sir,

I have copper countertops and have had them for over 3 years. I absolutely love them! You need to get a copper that is at least 1/8" thick. We wanted an aged copper, so I had them put a black wax on them then wiped down to speed up the aging process. They get a nice brown color like a beautiful worn piece of leather. To clean them, I use either soap and water or Soft Scrub [affil links] followed up with an orange cleaner. Certain items, especially acidic foods will bring back that shiny copper again, but within a few days, they are back to the nice brown. We do not have scratches probably due to our finish and variations in color are what we like. We are building a spec home and are putting them in there.

Good luck,

A. I purchased a house with copper countertops that have a dull kind of patina finish. They are absolutely beautiful. If I leave acidic food or water on them it turns back to its original shine but within a few days its back to its patina color again. It doesn't have any scratches on it but don't drop anything on it. I made the mistake of dropping a can on it and dented it. I read an article which stated that recent studies suggested that copper, not stainless steel, is a better surface to protect against certain bacteria such as E.coli and Listeria. Imagine that!

A. Hi, Ann. I'm not sure whether it's "food safe", but www.sculpt.com/catalog_98/patina/ColoredWax.htm offers brown, black, and other color waxes for copper, brass, and bronze. Good luck.

Regards,

A. Julie,
Lacquer is frequently used to protect copper counters. We have many customers who seal their counters with 4-5 coats of lacquer. We also have people that have great success using a commercial epoxy coating. This will give it a glossy look and it does protect the copper very well.