Apr 13
banarmPatina, copper sink care apron front kitchen sinks, bright copper, copper, copper apron sink, copper farmhouse kitchen sinks, copper patina, copper sinks, dry environments, environment, farmhouse sink, Finish, kitchen sinks, natural copper, patina, raw copper, sink, time
Copper patina is a description of the long-term effects of the atmosphere on copper. The environment attacks the surface of the copper, which causes it to oxidize. This is known as weathering. In time, the weathering creates a patina coverage that resists these corrosive atmospheric components. Weathering is dependent on the environment. Dry environments take much longer to react than moist ones. If an environment is too dry, the patina will not form. The bright copper appearance lasts only a brief time in most conditions. Over a period of months, the copper will darken and will remain this way for about five years. The “statue of liberty” patina does not develop around the 15th year or so.
Some manufacturers offer a lacquered finish which will wear off in time. Ultimately, the best finish is the patina, which is antibacterial and easy to maintain. In time, copper will darken to the color of an old penny. Keep in mind that copper never ages evenly. Copper kitchen sinks do not turn green, despite popular belief. If you are looking for a uniform patina in a copper sink, rethink your choice. To form an even patina in a copper sink is simply impossible. If you are considering a copper sink with no finish at all, or raw copper, be patient. Natural copper will not age overnight. It will take weeks or months for this process to occur. When the copper becomes caramel colored, it will look luxurious and be easy to care for.
They way you should take care of your copper sink depends on the kind of patina it has developed. For a natural copper finish, you only need to clean it with soap and water. If you want to keep the natural copper look without allowing a patina to form, you can buy special wax to apply periodically to seal the finish. Soap and water is also recommended for sinks that already had a patina when they were installed. Whether the sink already had a patina or you allowed it to develop one, acidic foods can remove a small portion of the patina. If this happens, just leave that section alone, as it will develop a patina to match the rest of the sink in time. Specially made cleaners are available for copper sinks that are polished but should not be used on other kinds of copper. A copper sink should always be kept dry after use. If you do notice water spots, don’t worry, as they will eventually disappear.
Never use an abrasive cleaner as this will affect the patina and could scratch the surface. Foods that are high in acid such as citrus fruits shouldn’t be left in the copper sink, because they will create shiny patches. Keep in mind that copper is a natural material and has the ability to heal itself. Keep the damaged area free of wax, allowing the elements to recreate the patina.You can find accessories for your copper sink at any home improvement store or online. Accessories such as copper fittings, faucets and drains can be purchased at a local plumbing supply store or online.
Mar 16
banarmGeneral apron, apron front kitchen sinks, apron front sinks, apron sinks, copper, copper farmhouse kitchen sinks, copper sinks, design, Don, E Lincoln, farmhouse kitchen sinks, farmhouse sink, kitchen, Memphis, Paradise Valley, Platinum, sink, Sinks
Copper apron front kitchen sinks have been admired for years for their classic elegance. Many home owners are choosing copper farmhouse kitchen sinks as the foundation for their new kitchen design projects. Updated kitchen front sinks combine both form and function: the charm and inviting look of a traditional country home with the best quality and durability available today.
Depending on your kitchen design preferences, you can choose from a variety of different styles including:
Copper Apron Front Sinks
The Kohler Apron Front Sink is one of the most popular brands, along with other top of the line choices.
Don’t be afraid to pair your copper apron farmhouse sink with the modern look of a stainless steel or faux copper refrigerator or other appliances; these style elements can complement each other very well. With the right flooring, countertops, backsplash, and cabinets, you’ll have an elegant, unique, and stylish kitchen. And while you’re shopping, don’t forget a faucet and a copper drain to go with that sink.
Related Blogs
Mar 14
banarmGeneral Brown, copper, copper sinks, custom copper, farmhouse sink, Finish, patina, renaissance wax, sink, time, water, water minerals, water runoff, Wright
Now that you have your beautiful copper sink, keeping all of your copper sinks looking beautiful is easy and in most cases maintenance free. How you use your custom copper sink, whether a farmhouse sink, apron copper sink or vessel sink – will help you decide how to care for it. Copper is a metal that changes and evolves with time as it reacts with various elements. You will find that your copper sink will age and look even more beautiful as time passes than the first time you see it. Here we provide you with a few guidelines and suggestions to keep your sink looking beautiful for many years to come.
Copper Sink Care Guidelines by Finish Copper Sink Finishes:
Dark & Clear Brown These finishes are achieved by accelerating the aging process that give some of our copper sinks their distinctive patina colors. We recommend you follow these instructions to keep these finishes looking beautiful.
Copper Cleaners – You don’t need any type of cleaners – in fact you should avoid using any abrasive materials or harsh chemicals on any of our products – these may harm the surface and the finish of your sink.
Hard Water – If you have hard water in your area, keep your copper sink and drain clean and dry by wiping it down with a soft cloth after every use to avoid spotting. Hard water will affect copper as it would any other type of metal, and it will be difficult to remove these spots after they etch the finish. You can also help protect your sink from hard water minerals by periodically applying “Renaissance Wax” to your sink which will help maintain its luster and provide better water runoff.
Acid Foods – Do not leave any acid based foods on your sink for a prolonged period of time such as tomatoes, oranges or lemons. If you do, the acid may produce a shiny spot on your finish. If this happens, we recommend you clean it with soap and water and wait for the finish to recover its patina – the copper will age with time and the spot will blend back with the rest of the copper.
Custom Copper Sink: Natural Reddish Color The finish of a bare copper sink is naturally reddish in color and will vary from one sink to another. Your custom farmhouse sink may present dark spots or streaks due to the nature of the copper itself and the finish of the sink depends on the copper sheet it is made from. The color of the copper will gradually change with time, and it will take on a warm medium patina as it ages. The maintenance for this finish is similar to the dark and clear brown copper finishes, however, we can also lacquer the sink to protect it and slow the aging process. If you want us to apply a protective lacquer coating, please let us know. You can slow down the patina process by applying a protective wax such as “Renaissance Wax” to the copper surface periodically to help maintain the luster and provide better water runoff.
Shiny & Washed Finishes for your Custom Sink These finishes are achieved by an acid wash to obtain a beautiful bright look, but will require more maintenance if you want to keep your sink shiny and bright all the time. To keep your sink bright and shiny, you will need to periodically clean and rebuff your sink with a copper cleaner such as Wright’s Copper Cream . After cleaning your sink, you should then protect the surface with a wax coating or you can also chose to lacquer it with a clear lacquer. If you want the copper finish to change with time and acquire its own unique patina, then all you need to do is wait and the sink will slowly age.
Mar 12
banarmGeneral apron, apron sinks, design, farmhouse, farmhouse sink, front, kitchen, modern sinks, sink, stubborn stains, water shutoffs, wood cabinets
Apron sinks, sometimes referred to as a farmhouse sink have a front panel built into the front of the sink, extending usually to the depth of the sink. These sinks originated in farmhouses, where kitchen sinks were often built against an outdoor wall, because they were also used to clean laundry. Its possible the apron itself was a place to squeeze moisture out of clothing, but it also has a protective quality that covered unfinished wood, preventing warping. The apronsink is unique from modern kitchen sinks in terms of both design and materials used. Traditional apron sinks have a distinct country feel and this design works well in kitchens decorated to resemble the look of 19th century farmhouse kitchens.
Originally, apron sinks did not have faucets attached. Instead, the pipes and faucets would be led through the cabinet, up behind and over the sink. The only part that was attached to the sink itself was the drain and that made it easy to replaces the sink if necessary. Valves or water shutoffs weren’t necessary to replace these kinds of sinks, making it a much easier job in times when power tools and electricity were nonexistent. The replacement apron sink would be put in position and the drain pipe reattached..
Apron sinks are traditionally made deeper than modern sinks. This was because the pots and other containers used for cooking were usually fairly large, so that meals could be made for large numbers of people. The deeper sink basin also allowed the pots to be filled with water and soaked, to remove stubborn stains. Apron sinks are now available in depths of 8”, which is easier on the back and accommodates the needs of modern use.
Apron sinks are easiest to identify by the front, or apron, that rides over the surrounding counter and over the supporting cabinetry. Some apron sinks have a bow front apron, that provides a rounded detail to the front of the counters. Aprons aren’t only attractive, they function as a protective surface for the wood cabinets. For modern day use, this is a good way to prevent mold and mildew buildup.
The apron sink lost its popularity with the decline of the agricultural era, but it is now finding a place in modern kitchen design. Today, you can buy an apron sink made of porcelain, stainless steel or even copper. You can get custom made aprons with a wide variety of embossing designs to choose from and your sink can have one or two bowls, depending on how much you use it. Apron sinks are a beautiful way to finish a traditional or modern kitchen to fit your style.
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