How to Clean Lacquered Copper

Copper, with its rich hues ranging from rosy pink to deep brown, is a timeless metal often used in jewelry, home décor, and kitchenware. To preserve its shine, most copper items come with a protective lacquer coating, preventing tarnishing and oxidation. This lacquer acts much like a clear nail polish, creating a barrier against the elements and making cleaning simple.

Wondering if your copper is lacquered? If it looks dusty and grimy but hasn’t tarnished, it’s likely lacquered. To clean lacquered copper, use only warm water and mild soap to maintain its brilliance without damaging the protective coating.

Cleaning Lacquered Copper

When cleaning lacquered copper, it’s important to be gentle to avoid damaging the protective coating. Here’s how:

1. Avoid harsh scrubbing – Scrubbing or using abrasive cleaners can damage the lacquer, leading to tarnishing underneath.
2. Use mild cleaning solutions – Stick to warm water and a mild soap for regular cleanings. Lacquered copper requires minimal maintenance and will remain shiny for years with just basic care.

Simple Cleaning Solution

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 2 tablespoons mild dishwashing detergent
• Cleaning Process:
  1. Mix warm water and dishwashing detergent in a spray bottle.
  2. Spray the solution onto the copper surface.
  3. For heavily soiled areas, allow the solution to sit for a few minutes.
  4. Wipe the item with a soft cloth to remove dirt and grime.
  5. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Addressing Tarnish on Lacquered Copper

If the lacquer is scratched or damaged, tarnish may form underneath. In these cases, you may need to remove the lacquer entirely to restore the original beauty of your copper piece.

Older copper items may also appear blotchy as the lacquer wears off unevenly, requiring removal and reapplication.

Tip: Lacquered copper should be kept away from heat and moisture—like stoves and bathrooms—because exposure can cause tarnishing beneath the lacquer.

Lacquer Removal Solution

• Ingredients:
  • 1 gallon of boiling water
  • 1 cup of baking soda
• Removal Process:
  1. Combine baking soda and boiling water in a large pot.
  2. Using tongs, carefully immerse the copper item in the solution.
  3. The lacquer will start peeling off, or you’ll notice a white, scummy material floating on the surface.
  4. Remove the item and polish immediately to remove any residual lacquer.
  5. Repeat the process if necessary until all lacquer is removed.

Dealing with Stubborn Lacquer

For tougher lacquer removal, you can use acetone (nail polish remover) or lacquer thinner, which are both effective for dissolving stubborn coatings. These are readily available at home improvement stores.

Once the lacquer is removed, your copper piece will need regular polishing and care, as it will tarnish naturally like untreated copper.

By following these steps, you can keep your lacquered copper pieces looking their best and enjoy their rich beauty for years to come.