10 Considerations for Buying a Copper Sink

1. Will it scratch? Hammered copper is quite hard (that’s why we hammer it). It can be scratched intentionally with a steel knife or fork. However in normal use, and cleaned with non-abrasive cleaners, copper sinks do not scratch.
2. Will it stain? Copper sinks do not stain easily either, since liquids do not soak in to this metal.
3. Will the copper patina change? Yes, the copper patina will change very slowly over time. If you want to retard this change, keep the sink waxed with Johnson’s Paste Wax. We send our copper sinks out waxed unless otherwise requested.
4. Can copper be dented easily? No. If you knock it with a hammer or drop heavy steel pots into it, it can be dented slightly, but this would be very unusual.
5. Are copper sinks antibacterial? Hundreds of copper compounds have been certified by the EPA to be antibacterial. The mix in our recycled copper always varies by tiny amounts, so it is not eligible for testing.
6. Will hammered copper be a good color match for my kitchen and bathroom? All four of our copper patinas are earth colors, and thus match well with many other color schemes.
7. Is there a good color match for faucets and drains? We have found that faucet and drain colors advertised as ‘Oil Rubbed Bronze’ usually provide the best color match for our copper sinks, especially the 'Somber’ and copper drop-in sink be used in an under mount application? Yes. We prefer the drop-in application, since it shows off the beautiful hammered copper sink rims. However, for the copper under mount application, the copper rims are hammered quite flat, and the rim surface makes a good seal when it is overlaid with granite or other counter-top materials.
9. Is a copper sink easy to maintain? Yes, it is. We recommend that, after use, it be washed out with a mild soap and a soft rag. Change in the copper patina can be retarded if it is dried, and very occasionally waxed. See our section 10 Easy Steps to Care for Your Copper Sink and Table Top.
10. Will my copper turn green? Our experience has been that this patinaed copper does not turn green at all. We have copper ladles in our house, which we bought decades ago in the Philippines. They turn green quickly, after being washed in the dishwasher. This does not happen at all to our copper sinks.
11. Where can I get further information on copper sinks? Call us at 866-216-1595. We work with copper every day, and enjoy talking with customers.