D'Vontz Copper Care:
Caring for our copper bowls is surprisingly easy. Rinsing your sink with clean water and drying with a soft cloth after each use will help keep your sink looking new. For cleaning use a liquid dish soap and hot water with a non-abrasive sponge or soft nylon brush. Do not use steel wool, Brillo pads or wire brushes. Never use abrasive cleaners. For tough stains use a paste of baking soda and water applied with a sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Copper sinks can be used for all normal household tasks but avoid prolonged surface exposure to acidic foods such as tomato sauce and citrus products. If these products sit overnight in direct contact with copper, the surface may discolor. Should the surface discolor, it will start to darken back down with used,. This darkening process time will depend on how much use the sink gets. The more it is used, the faster the process.
The natural patina process may also be affected by mineral content in your water supply. Removing any standing water with a soft cloth is recommended to prevent calcium staining and mineral buildup.
D’Vontz copper sinks are formed from the finest quality copper available today. The patinas are crated by a firing process and will change over time, developing more interest and variations, A copper finish is a living finish and never really stops changing in color. You can greatly reduce this change with the use of an auto (Paste) wax and or furniture oil such as Pledge Lemon Oil. Sinks can also be sealed with olive oil (oils will darken and enrich color somewhat). Use the auto wax a few times a year or the Lemon oil as often as you like.
Copper is more sanitary than any other sink material, because it is antibacterial. Science shows us bacteria can live for days on a stainless steel surface, but for only a matter of hours on copper.
Please be aware that all D’Vontz copper sinks and tubs have a finish that is by nature uneven and variable in color and pattern. In addition, the dimensions and consistency of shape can vary considerably,. We offer these sinks and tubs with the view that these variations are part of the rustic character and charm, and do not constitute defects.
Copper is also malleable. Materials that are malleable can be hammered or stretched or rolled into various shapes with relative ease, while still maintaining their strength. Some metals, like copper, are also ductile, which means they are flexible. Should your sink or tub happen to get a dent in the edge, it can be hammered back into position with little effort. Use a wooden or rubber mallet to straighten any edges that may have been altered in shipping.
Most copper sinks have what is considered a “living” finish, meaning the patina (finish) will changed over time. If you ordered the Dark Smoke finish, this patina will continue to darken over time as you use your sink giving and “Old World” look. Do not use copper cleaners, abrasive materials or harsh chemicals on this sink as this will remove the patina. If a chemical lightens the finish, don’t worry, time will return the darker patina. For maintaining the Shiny Copper finish, copper cleaners or lemon juice will restore it to its original luster. For added protection, paste waxes such as Flitz Fixture and Faucet Wax or any quality automotive wax will help maintain the beauty of your sink as well as help keep it clean.
To further age and patina a sink, dissolve a teaspoon of salt with ¼ cup ammonia and apply to sink, Let dry for half an hour, then wash with cold water and dry with a clean, soft cloth. Repeat process to further patina, This process also works in areas that may have been brightened or lightened.
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