How to Keep Copper from Tarnishing

Copper tarnishing is one of the biggest problems copper jewelry owners often run into. This tarnishing problems can lead your pretty copper jewelry appear dull and shine less. In such case it becomes inevitable to do proper jewelry care and find the perfect solution of how to keep copper from tarnishing.

In this article we are going to list down the multiple ways you can use as per your ease to keep your copper from tarnishing.

What is Copper Tarnishing

Copper tarnishing is a process in which copper jewelry reacts with carbon dioxide from air and forms a layer of less shiny material called copper carbonate over jewelry.

The function of this green or blue patina is preventing further corrosion. There are individuals who find its nature attractive, while another group prefers brightness. Understanding why copper tarnishes helps in maintaining its desired appearance.

How Often Will my Copper Tarnish?

Simple answer to this question is “It really depends”. Areas situated near ocean often contain greater amounts of humidity levels which cause copper to tarnish way faster than drier areas. Another thing affecting tarnishing process is the duration for which you expose it to outer air.

As a simple rule, it if you use your copper jewelry more or less everyday, it is better to polish it once every 2 months. Otherwise, a time period of 6 months is good to go.

Why Should You Protect your Copper Jewelry?

Copper is a reactive metal which forms its oxidative compounds whenever it is exposed to air for a long time. Since it is a natural process, so we can’t stop it. The only way to save your copper jewelry is to seal copper with some wax or oil.

If not protected from direct air contact, your copper jewelry will continue to lose its shine and copper carbonate layer will become more and more thick. So, it is really necessary to often clean your copper jewelry and take it to a jeweler tour for its betterment.

Apart from this, our copper jewelry is sometimes connected to our memories or people. This makes it sentimental for us. So sentimental jewelry must be kept save so it can connect us to the memories of the past.

Ways to Keep Copper from Tarnishing

There are multiple ways by which you can put a protective layer on copper to keep it away from tarnishing. Common materials used for this purpose are lacquer, copper polish or wax coating such as bees wax. Before doing it, you need to clean the metal first. Common way for cleaning uses salt and lemon juice.

Steps to Clean Copper Jewelry

The process of cleaning is:

Take 1 tablespoon of salt and an average sized lemon’s juice. Mix them together to form a thick paste.

how to keep silver from tarnishing after cleaning

Now take a tooth brush with soft filaments and start applying the paste gently. Make sure to cover all parts of the jewelry.
Let it there for 5-10 minutes.
Now take warm water and add some mild soap in it.
Put your copper jewelry in it and start rubbing it with the toothbrush.
Rub it until it is cleaned.
Lastly, clean it with a soft cloth.

Next step is to apply a protective layer on your copper jewelry which will act as a barrier between copper and air. There is a long list of materials which can be used for this purpose. Two of the main categories are:

1. Lacquer or Copper Polish

Applying lacquer or copper polish is rather simple. Just take a clean soft cloth and put on some lacquer on it. Now gently start applying it on your copper jewelry. Make sure to not have any sort of stain marks or impurities on your jewelry or it will lead to scratches.

Lastly remove an excess of polish.

2. Wax Coating

Wax coating is another way to do it if you are not comfortable with thin liquids and their strong smell. Wax coatings are generally less expensive way to keep copper from tarnishing. They form a strong coating over your metal. Common wax coatings are beeswax and copperwax. Average price for a handful amount is $20 – $30.

Applying procedure of wax coating is also the same. Take a clean soft cloth or paper and start applying wax on it gently. Once applied on all the places, just remove any extra.

Recommended Preventive Measures

To ensure the continual appearance of copper, take preventative measure for to keep it well-kept. When it comes to storing copper objects, they ought to be kept in a store that is cool and does not encourage the presence of atmospheric moisture thereby making soft cloths or felt pads necessary when separate items in storage so that they do not scratch each other.

Applying a protective coat like wax or lacquer would help create a barrier against oxidation. Use lemon juice mixed with salt for little copper items as a way to keep them shining clean. Rinse off any remains completely and later dry using a delicate rag.

1. Minimize Exposure to Elements

If you have different types of copper jewelry such as necklace, wedding rings or anklets, the best way to minimize tarnishing is to minimize the exposure to direct air and sunlight. Avoid wearing your copper jewelry in rain, direct sunlight and places with high humidity rates such as coastal areas.

2. Regular Maintenance Schedule

Maintaining a regular schedule for copper care ensures its longevity and makes sure that your copper items maintain their original look Maintain copper items by cleaning them with a soft cloth that has been soaked in mild soap solution starting from now on the method begins with cleaning copper items using a soft cloth soaked in mild soap solution followed by washing, rinsing completely then drying off with dry clean one to avoid any traces of water left on it.

Copper polish with a clean cloth, rubbing gently in circular motions. Buff until the copper shines brightly. For hard-to-reach spots, use a cotton swab or soft toothbrush. Applying a thin coat of wax or lacquer to protect the copper from tarnishing

3. Indoor Storage for Removable Items

Storing removable copper items indoors helps prevent tarnishing. Keep items in a cool, dry place away from humidity. Use airtight containers for extra protection.

Avoid direct sunlight, which can speed up tarnishing. Store items separately to prevent scratches. Regularly check and clean stored items to maintain their shine.

Extra Tips to keep Copper from Tarnishing

Do not put your copper materials under humid conditions.
Store them in places that are cool and have low humidity levels.
Use soft cloth while cleaning.
Use warm water for rinsing.
Clean your precious jewelry from time to time.

Other Tarnishing Metals

Copper is not the only metal which can be tarnished. Apart from this many other metals such as 925 sterling silver, 950 silver, brass and bronze can also be tarnished. As tarnishing is a natural process, you can’t stop it. The only thing you can do is to keep your metal from tarnishing.

Once the metal is tarnished, do cleaning process as soon as possible. This includes using baking soda to clean the tarnishing surface. Only the tarnish is cleared, just rinse it with warm water. Always use a soft cloth dedicated to jewelry cleaning for this purpose. This will save your jewelry from getting any scratches or abrasions during cleaning process.

Non-tarnishing metals include:

Conclusion

With regular care and attention, one finds it is not difficult to keep copper free from tarnish. You can effectively get rid of the tarnish on your copper items and get back the original color of the metals by washing them with mild solutions like lemon juice mixed with salt. After cleaning them thoroughly, drying them completely, and applying protective coatings.

In addition keeping copper in a cool, dry place that is far from direct sunlight and moisture is very essential if it is not to tarnish with time as well One should also avoid using abrasive detergents or strong chemicals on their copperware.