There are a wide variety of copper sinks that are sold today which have different finishes like the dark bronze color, stainless or hammered by hand. As the time passes by the copper sinks will develop susceptible change in quality and color. The change that the copper sink undergoes depends on the environment where it is used. The most important appeal of the copper sink is that the living finish it possesses changes its color to medium coppery brown as the years go by. But to maintain the fresh look of the copper sink a special wax of copper can be applied whenever necessary. Copper sinks are maintenance free. Copper sinks are built to last a lifetime and grow more and more beautiful as it ages.

The maintenance of copper sinks is very simple and it only requires a thorough wash with mild soap and water regularly. Copper sinks have natural antibacterial elements and hence the copper surface will not be affected by the attack of bacteria. It is also proves that copper sinks are more sanitary than all the other types of regular sinks made of porcelain, ceramic, vitreous china etc. Also germs like E-coli cannot survive on the copper surface for more than a few hours. Most of the copper sinks available in the market are hand hammered. This technique along with its natural living finish will prevent it from exhibiting the dents and scratches it develops with regular use. Copper sinks are so natural and elegant that it brings the antique and classic look to any bathroom or kitchen. Most of the copper sinks available are made by hand and hence will be costlier when compared to the other varieties of sinks available.

It is of utmost importance that the homeowner takes great care in choosing the perfect copper sink and a genuine one of that. Some of the cheaper varieties of copper sinks available in the market are made from recycled copper and are only 90 percent pure, which are generally made from melted down computers, machines and other electrical and electronic equipments. But homeowners are advised to be bewaring of these cheap copper sinks that are available in the grey markets all over the world. The demand and the rise in sales of copper sinks have brought down the rates of the copper sinks considerably. Also because of the huge demand, a vast range of newly designed and crafted copper sinks are now readily available in the markets which gives a homeowner the option of going for a unique design of copper sink that suits his needs and will reflect the personal sense of décor of the homeowner.

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When applied to plumbing fixtures, the question comes up most often regarding copper sinks. Faucet and drain hardware manufacturers generally address this issue with certain coatings that protect the metal surface from the environment, thus preventing patina or changes in the finish. However, these types of coatings (PVD or other types of clear protective finishes) are more difficult to apply to a larger surface area such as that of a sink and require a more “production” like manufacturing process. Thus many of the artisan crafted copper and bronze sinks are not sealed and will have a true living finish.

Metal products with a chrome finish or stainless steel products are often referred to as “non-living”. This is only partially true. The surfaces of these products can, in fact, dull over time depending on the environment and how well they are cared for. We have also heard nickel referred to as “non-living finish” but the fact is that nickel will patina or “tarnish” as well. However, this process is significantly slower than unprotected copper or bronze.

With unprotected brass, bronze or copper, the patina process occurs more quickly. What happens to the metal finish over time? The answer to this question depends on whether or not a patina was applied artificially when the sink was made, the environmental factors present when in use, how much the product is used (wear) and the type of maintenance or care employed.

If you are purchasing a copper sink that has a finish (i.e. it isn’t a “shiny copper”), heat and/or chemicals have been applied to accelerate the aging process. You will see such terms as “oil rubbed bronze” or “weathered copper”. To create these finishes, the metal has been exposed to a chemical bath and possibly heat as well, that reacts with the metal and changes the color. The darker the finish, the less the metal will patina or age after it’s installed. In a way you are “shortcutting’ the patina process. Regardless, you still have a living finish that will evolve, but generally speaking, the darker the patina is to start with, the slower the change over time.

Environmental factors specific to your home and chemicals that may be exposed to the surface of your sink are the great unknown. Every application and environment is different. Humidity, airborne salinity, pollutants and oxygen work together with time to coat the metal surfaces with a signature patina. If you have a kitchen copper sink and expose the metal surface to certain acids such as those found in a lemon, you will actually dissolve some of the patina. The constant changes due to these myriad factors are treasured by some and not welcomed by others. Personally I like the rich hues and earthy browns that occur over time. I see this as “character” and appreciate the uniqueness in color and tone between two identical products in different environments.

If you appreciate a living finish, the care and maintenance of your sink will be fairly straightforward. If you wish to prevent it, this is possible to a certain extent. There are several different ways you can slow down the patina process. Applying a brass or furniture wax that does not contain polish or cleaners can slow the change in patina much the same way an automotive wax protects the finish of your car. If desired, patina on a sink can be removed with a metal polish or mild acid such as lemon juice or vinegar. Waxing the surface will preserve the shine, or the sink can be left untreated to develop a new patina.

Oftentimes we sense that our customers are fearful of a living finish. …or that this type of finish will require more maintenance. Our answer is always the same – if you don’t like the patina that you eventually end up with, you can always start over! Any copper or brass cleaner will revert the patina back to a shiny surface if you like. If left unprotected, the aging process starts over again and within a few weeks you will begin seeing the metal surface darken. In addition, you can always buy a sink with a darker finish and keep the surface waxed. This will ensure the least amount of change over time. As for maintenance, occasional cleaning with soap and water is really all you need to do. If you opt to wax your sink, this is generally something you will need to do only every 3 – 6 months depending on the amount of use. You can read more about the care & maintenance of copper sinks at Copper Sinks Online.

A product with a living finish isnf’t for everyone. If you are still concerned about purchasing something that might change over time, there are many alternatives. Sinks made of glass, stainless steel, ceramic, stone or even certain types of sealed wood will not change in appearance over time. If you have any further questions, please call Sinks Gallery – 1-877-320-0800. Or visit the website at Sinks Gallery

Jack Healy is a principle of Functional Art Gallery, LLC – Functional Art Gallery – a growing family of online resources for the designer, architect, builder and discerning homeowner. The company focuses on handcrafted functional & architectural works of art for both residential and commercial projects. The Functional Art Gallery family includes Glass Artists Gallery, Sinks Gallery, Copper Sinks Online and Art Lighting Gallery. Together these resources provide the largest collection of artisan and designer products available in North Americ