Are you seeking some touches in your home that will add warmth to it while also catching people’s attention? Well, we’re delighted to present something designed specifically for those looking for it — copper finishes.
As the name implies, copper finishes are made of copper, and the rich, reddish, friendly colors of copper are likely to warm your home.
However, because you want to add a touch of luxury and warmth to your home, you must choose the best manufacturers — and where better to go than classiccopper.com, a place where everything is crafted with passion and love.
In a modern world of endless choices, choosing the perfect copper finish may seem like a daunting task. However, being geared with the right knowledge will allow you to make a choice that you will feel confident about for years to come. Continue reading to learn why our company stands out when it comes to producing the greatest finishes available.
Different Copper Finishes to Choose From
We have a lot of surprises in store for you! Everything is meticulously designed to fit each home and add the finishing touches you’ve always wanted.
Copper is a unique metal, and owing to modern chemical treatments, you can choose from a wide range of colored copper alloys for your copper piece — not just light bronze!
We have patina copper finishes that may be used both inside and out, while polished copper must be kept indoors only.
Let’s have a look at a few of the patina alternatives we have for you:
- Green Verde Patina
- Blue-Green Verde Patina
- Blue Verde Patina
- Flemish Violet Patina
- Tri Brown Patina
- Rusty Red Patina
- Black Patina
- Polished Patina
- Brushed Lacquered Patina
- Distressed Lacquered Patina
- Antiquated Lacquered Patina
- Natural Patina
- Naturally Aged Copper Patina
Patina Finishes
Patina copper isn’t a type of paint. Copper patina finishes are chemical processes that age the copper in a matter of minutes, generating results that would ordinarily take months or even years if left to nature.
When used outside and unlacquered, these copper finishes will change over time, with the best results appearing several weeks following application.
Patina finishes are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and can be lacquered for inside use.
Lacquered Finishes
Paint products are included in lacquered copper finishes. In these sorts of finishes, a clear coating is put on the copper to keep the appearance of the original metal as well as any copper finish applied.
This finish will need to be maintained, just like any other paint product, due to environmental wear and tear, especially in exterior applications.
Today’s high-tech coatings, on the other hand, can provide years of stunning performance.
Why Copper?
The answer to this question is simple — because it is the best!
It looks fantastic all year and is a refreshing change of pace from all of the brass we’ve seen lately in homes. Copper has a warmer, softer appearance than stainless steel, chrome, or even gold’s brilliant sheen.
Copper, like its cousins aluminum and bronze, is prone to patina — a thin layer of tarnish that develops over time as a result of exposure to the elements.
Through oxidation, copper will eventually grow a greenish-blue coating, changing color tones as it matures. This is a natural process akin to iron corrosion, and the outcome is unique to each item, which is something no one can remain calm about.
Take a peek at the Berlin Cathedral to get a sense of what we’re talking about. It has a copper dome and numerous copper figures, and although being damaged, it still has its iconic green patina — which is something you might expect to see over time if you purchase one!
Copper Finishes: Techniques for Home Application
If you want your property to have the finest possible aesthetic, you should blend copper with other elements. If you’re not sure if it’ll work in your home, consider the following suggestions:
Play With Compatible Colors
For a balanced look, use copper accents against cold colors and whites. Creamy white, milky coffee browns, burnt orange, emerald green, and even turquoise are colors that work well with copper.
Copper is a versatile color that can be displayed all year, but it’s all about how you combine it. You can make it pop with bright colors, tone it down with neutrals and wood, or go for a more edgy industrial look by pairing it with concrete or black.
Don’t Be Scared to Experiment With Different Metals
Many people like to use only copper in their creations, but don’t be afraid to mix it with other metals. The perfect combination of copper and other metals can create an eye-catching appearance not found in traditional homes.
Copper is present in all three metals: copper, bronze, and brass. It is the primary source of warmth in bronze and brass, which is counterbalanced by cooler metals. When you apply a patina to either of those metals, such as antique brass or oil-rubbed bronze, the copper in the metal reacts with the elements to produce a lovely hue.
Ward is also an expert at combining metals — just make sure it matches your interior or outside.
Start in the Kitchen
Copper details are always a good choice for the kitchen, especially if you’re aiming for a farmhouse or industrial feel.
Copper accents look great in kitchens, and you don’t need a lot of metal to create a large statement. A copper sink, for example, will suffice!
It is such a fantastic metal since it patinas and changes its appearance totally — it can bring so much character to a kitchen.
Try It Out in the Restroom
The bathroom, like the kitchen, is a terrific place to start!
Copper is a material that is frequently ignored. Therefore, incorporating copper accents into your home design may have a huge impact.
This makes it an excellent choice for bathtubs, sinks, and even worktops, providing a timeless and warm-glowing appearance.
Bring It Outside
While copper is ideal for the kitchen and bathroom, it is also suitable for the exterior.
Copper lanterns on a house’s facade are a timeless look. It’s a more classic metal than gold or brass, yet it’s warmer than black or silver.
How to Clean Copper Finishes
If you’ve been asking if this metal is simple to clean and maintain, we have the answer. Surprisingly, it’s very simple and convenient to clean, and it only takes a few minutes!
Here’s one of the most straightforward methods to clean your finish:
- Prepare lemon juice and salt — Slice a lemon in half and season the cut surface with coarse kosher salt. To remove unwanted tarnish, use the cut side of a lemon to scrub your copper finish. As needed, season the lemon with salt.
- Rinse and dry — Continue to clean the copper with lemon and salt until it is free of tarnish. Under running water, rinse the copper piece. To polish the surface, use a clean, soft cloth.
Other copper treatment methods exist, such as using carnauba wax, acetic acid, or lemon oil, or washing with a cleaning solvent. The process mentioned above is by far the simplest and most efficient. Whatever option you choose to implement, remember that copper requires frequent cleaning to keep its shine.
How to Get a Variety of Patinas
Now that we understand that there are so many shades of color in copper patina, we are happy to inform you that you can control the patina color and how quickly it occurs!
Before treating your prized copper possessions, such as a cluster of copper metals or finishes, test the treatment potency on little objects like coins. Here are some options for achieving your desired patina:
Copper Salt Solutions and Ammonia Vapors
After spraying the copper with a saltwater solution, place it in a container filled with non-detergent ammonia so it can make a chemical reaction.
The copper should be elevated above the ammonia liquid, not contacting it. Ammonia vapors will be trapped in the sealed container and will come into contact with the copper.
You’ll know you’re on the correct track when you notice your finish changing color.
Use Miracle-Gro
Copper oxidation is aided by Miracle-Gro plant fertilizer — an excellent chemical that aids in creating your desired patina.
Make a blue patina by mixing one part Miracle-Gro with three parts water and spraying or wiping it over the copper.
To make a green patina, use one unit of Miracle-Gro with three portions of red wine vinegar.
Incubate With Hard-Boiled Eggs
A brownish copper patina can be achieved using the hard-boiled egg process.
Hard-boiled eggs are smashed while still hot in a resealable plastic bag or container. Depending on the desired shade of brown patina, the copper is then placed in the bag and sealed for minutes to hours.
The brown color turns into a darker background as the incubation time increases.
Protective Coatings — A Method for Maintaining the Highest Level of Quality
Coatings are put over copper metals that have either been mechanically or chemically treated. Coatings are often applied for protection, but they can also have visual effects in specific circumstances.
Clear, organic coatings are what we recommend — they can prevent the production of film and retain the inherent hues of metals by acting as physical and/or chemical barriers to atmospheric chemicals.
However, here are some other coating options:
- Acrylic coatings
- Alkyd coatings
- Epoxy coatings
- Nitrocellulose coatings
- Silicone coatings
- Metallic coating
- Laminated coatings
Most chemical finishes can be enhanced with these coats to give them a richer sheen and greater depth of color. All of them are excellent corrosion protection.
Oils and Waxes
Lemon oil, lemongrass oil, paraffin oil, and castor oil are the most prevalent oils. Carnauba wax and beeswax are the other two popular waxes that can be used in a mixture with wood turpentine.
For the first month, oil newly installed metals once a week to provide a solid foundation. Apply oils and waxes by rubbing them in with a well-saturated cloth, then rubbing off the excess finish with a clean cloth.
The frequency of application is determined by the severity of the service.
Last Thoughts
Copper finishes, without a doubt, will bring a sense of warmth and commodity to your home or even outside your property — especially during the winter and autumn!
It offers antimicrobial properties that are beneficial to every homeowner, in addition to its warm appearance.
As previously stated, classiccopper.com is the place to go if you’re seeking the greatest copper finishes of 2022 — a place where you’ll find a range of finishes in a variety of colors and designs that will look fabulous in your home.
There are finishes that cater to every taste, ranging from rusty red and turquoise blue through to aged and antique patina, and you can find them all on the site.
Choosing the perfect copper finish for the interior or exterior of your home can determine your house’s overall appearance. A lack of copper can create a boring and cookie-cutter feel, while excess copper finishes can seem chaotic and overwhelming. If you don’t see what you’re searching for, simply ask — our staff will be pleased to assist you.
Find your perfect finish and finish the work you’ve been putting off for years!