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Mustard Stripped the Copper Plating from Tart Pan

Q. Hello. My copper tart pan that hangs above my sink had some mustard shot up on it accidentally and since I was not the culprit -- I didn't see for a day or so. it completely took the finish down to the stainless in one spot.

copper plated tart pan kitchen knick-knacks

Any ideas on how to refurbish that? It's an aesthetic issue and not a functioning issue and was a good teaching moment with my 7 year old.

Thanks!

Kimberly Moreira
- Modesto, California
April 22, 2024

A. Hi Kimberly,
Unfortunately I don't think there is a great and easy solution. Doing spot plating on that is never going to work, and a plating shop would probably charge more to re-plate it than the replacement cost -- re-plating is doable if it is precious to you, but it's costly.

There are copper-tone metallic paints [on eBay or Amazon (adv.)] that would it make the mark less obvious. Better than paint, if you want to try a new hobby, might be copper leafing the bare spot (same idea as gold leafing except with super-thin copper foil. I haven't done it myself but I believe you need the adhesive [on eBay or Amazon (adv.)] , the copper leafing sheets [on eBay or Amazon (adv.)] , and a special super soft brush to apply the leafing [on eBay or Amazon (adv.)] . Sounds like fun if you have the time. If you are successful, a very light coat of lacquer would be good. If it's not as successful as you hope, then a little re-arranging so something is in front of the spot :-)
Luck & Regards,

pic of Ted Mooney
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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