Brass and copper care
Our brass and copper sinks are solid metal, 16-gauge (1.3 mm) and never plated, shaped by hand in Fez and left unlacquered. Most are finished with wax. Because the metal is solid, the finish can never be ruined: whatever happens to the surface, it can always be restored or changed. This guide covers polished, hammered, brushed and bronze patina finishes. For our aged finish, see the aged brass guide.
How the finish changes
Unlacquered metal is a living finish. Brass develops a golden-brown to dark-brown patina over time, and copper darkens to a warm brown. Unlacquered copper outdoors or in humid rooms can also develop green verdigris. Both can always be polished back.
- Keep it bright: polish when you want the shine back, then wax to hold it.
- Let it age: simply use it, and the patina deepens over months and years.
Everyday care
- Day to day: a quick rinse and a wipe with a soft cloth keeps the tone even.
- Cleaning: warm water, mild dish soap and a soft cloth. That's all it needs.
- Standing water: don't leave water sitting in the basin for long.
- Every 6 to 12 months: wax it, or whenever water stops beading.
How to wax
- Clean with mild soap, rinse and let the metal dry completely.
- Apply a thin coat of Renaissance Wax with a soft cloth, faucet and drain included. Let it haze a few minutes, then buff.
- One coat is enough. Add a second for a deeper sheen and more protection.
Carnauba wax or beeswax work too.
Bringing back the shine
- Brass: Brasso or a similar brass polish.
- Copper: Bar Keepers Friend or Wright's Copper Cream.
- Put a little polish on a soft cloth. Test it where it won't show.
- Rub in small circles, evenly all over.
- Rinse, dry, then wax. Polish removes the wax along with the patina, so always wax afterwards.
Prefer an aged look?
A polished brass sink can be left to age on its own, or aged faster with a brass ager, a brass aging solution, following the product's instructions. Then wax it to hold the tone.
Why we don't lacquer
On a sink used every day, lacquer scratches, and the metal darkens unevenly where it does. Wax renews in minutes and wears evenly.
What can change the finish
Brass and copper are built to last. These only change how the surface looks, and each is easy to put right.
| What | Why it happens | How to put it right |
|---|---|---|
| Acids left sitting, like lemon or vinegar | Acid lifts the patina, leaving a lighter spot. The metal is fine. | It darkens again with time, or polish lightly all over and wax. |
| Bleach, drain cleaner and harsh sprays | Strong chemicals can leave dark or patchy stains. | Rinse well, lift the stain with a little polish, then wax. |
| Steel wool and scouring powder | They scratch the surface. A soft cloth cleans just as well. | Light scratches fade as the patina grows back over them. |
| Hard water, or water left sitting | Dried minerals leave white marks, standing water green spots. | Lift either with a little polish, then dry and wax. |
Faucets, drains and plated finishes
- Unlacquered and aged pieces develop a patina. Care for them exactly as for sinks.
- Lacquered and plated pieces, such as nickel-plated or copper-plated faucets: just wipe clean. Don't polish them, as polish wears through the coating.
Questions about your sink?
Write to contact@terrafez.com and we'll reply within 24 hours, or call +1 (307) 533-6380. Brass and copper sinks are covered by our lifetime warranty.