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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
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for Metal Finishing since 1989
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I used Tarn-X on my sink and the patina is ruined!
Q. First of all, how do I tell if this sink is brass or copper? When I used the Tarn-X it looks like a shiny copper underneath. I want to restore the patina that I took off. It is blotchy now. I also have green spots on the handles. Any suggestions? HELP! I am having about 60 ladies over this weekend!
- Lake Barrington, Illinois
November 3, 2009
A. Hi Lori, corrosive cleaners like Tarn-X will quickly strip the patina from copper sinks like yours and the acid will result in the cupric oxide (green corrosion similar to when pennies are left in water). You first need to strip the entire surface with an abrasive material or pad then apply a chemical patina to restore the brown/black appearance it once had. BarrysRestoreItAll, the makers of Scratch-B-Gone has a D-I-Y Copper Patina Repair kit just for this issue. You will be surprised at how many people have this problem so you're not alone. Care must be taken in cleaning this finish as it is delicate and highly reactive to traditional clears. Waxing your basin will greatly help protect the finish. We have this also. Good luck and have a wonderful Thanksgiving
Barry Feinman
BarrysRestoreItAll
Carlsbad, California
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