Our Copper Products Quality, Care and FAQ

WHY BUY OUR COPPER PRODUCTS?

Read testimonials and reviews about customer service, or delivery and shipping of our products.

We sell only quality hand-hammmered copper products. All of our copper products are personally inspected prior to shipment for quality and beauty. Every product is carefully packed to insure a safe arrival. Every product is 100% satifaction guaranteed.

The element copper is a completely natural material. It has been used for making jewelry, weapons, tools, and vessels for over 5,000 years. Our products are made of 98% -99% (1% zinc and trace amounts of iron) pure recycled copper in the Mexican state of Michoacán, where coppersmiths have worked this precious and useful metal for over 500 years. Very few products today are made from 100% copper as little new copper is mined and recycled copper is abundant and reusable. We have had our recycled copper professionally analyzed for content by Luvak, Inc of Boylston, MA. The results indicate that the recycled copper we use is 98%-99% pure with trace amounts of iron and 1.78% zinc.

Our products are hand-hammered by individual artisans from a sheet of recycled copper that has been forged in local foundries. The process combines prehispanic, colonial, and modern techniques to produce a product that is completely unique in color and hammer pattern. The hammered pattern of our products adds not only long lasting beauty but strength to each product.

The beauty of unpolished copper in a sink or other copper product is unsurpassed. Its colors are rich, profound, and varied. Climate, heat, and type of wood used in firing influence the natural resulting colors of our products. The colors of natural copper change overtime, as the "patina" ages. Our artisans do not use selenium dioxide or lacquer to produce or retard the patina of their products.

Copper has a natural aversion to bacterial growth (see: antibacterial qualities of copper). Its antibacterial properties kill dangerous bacteria such as E. Coli much more rapidly than do stainless steel or porcelain surfaces when cleaned regularly and as a supplement to routine cleaning and disinfection programs. The Copper Development Association has recently clarified that only copper products that are free of any sealant retain their antibacterial qualities (see: CDA clarification). This is why Mexican Home Art gives its customers a choice in finishes. If this quality is essential to you, you can choose a product that is free of wax, the only finish we use on our products.

Copper products are easy to maintain and last a lifetime.

COPPER PRODUCT CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Copper products are easy to maintain. Simply use a mild soap and water and a soft cloth for drying. Since our products are hand-hammered with a natural finish, do not use abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals or steel wool pads as these will scratch the surface and affect the patina of your product. Copper has antibacterial qualities so there is no need to disinfect a sink with harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Acidic foods can affect the patina leaving a shiny spot if allowed to sit for prolonged periods of time on your copper product. Should an acidic product such as tomato or citrus fruit affect the patina, there is no need to worry, as the original patina will return in time and with use. Should a shiny spot appear on your product, the best remedy is to do nothing but wait. Leave the area free of wax or oil so that the air can re-oxidize the spot. Remember that the finish of your product will gradually change over time, as this is the nature of copper. To protect the original patina and to aid in water runoff, you can use a paste wax product or furniture oil. Remember that your copper product is a “living” product. It is only natural that it change over time and with use. Every patina will vary from product to product. While we make every effort to give the customer what is requested, we cannot guarantee a request given the nature of copper and the patina process. This gives your product its beauty and charm.

Copper is also malleable. Should your sink arrive with a bent edge, it can be hammered back into shape with little effort. Protect the surface with a soft cloth and use a rubber mallet to GENTLY hammer the edge back into shape. Should the apron of a farmhouse sink arrive with waves, simply place a piece of 2X4 in between the apron and the well and GENTLY push up on the apron.

Some of our customers have asked how to make their product look shiny. Our coppersmiths do not use lacquer nor do they recommend using lacquer on their products. All of their finishes are created with wax products and heat. We recommend using a furniture paste wax or furniture oil.

We hope you will love your copper product and appreciate the ease of care and maintenance. Should you have any further questions regarding the care and maintenance of your copper product, please do not hesitate to contact us.

FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

*Can the counter top be cut before receiving a sink?

Since our sinks are hand crafted, they can vary slightly in size by a few millimeters from the original order. It is recommened that the counter maker have the sink for precise measurements.

*What is the difference between a drop-in sink and an undermount sink?

A drop-in sink sits on top of the counter. The rim of the sink is exposed. Most sinks tend to be drop-in. The rim of an undermounted sink will sit below the counter and not be exposed. Our drop-in sinks have a flat rim and can be undermounted.

*Are copper sinks noisy?

Like any metal sink, a copper sink will have a metallic noise to it. If this is a concern, sound proofing materials can be purchased from us to reduce the noise.

*Can the patina peel off?

Our patinas are not painted on. Each patina is created with heat which rapidly oxidizes the copper. It will continue to oxidize slowly over time.

*Will the patina of a copper sink change over time?

Because copper is a living material, the patina will naturally change over time. To retard the change and to aid in water run off, it is recommended that the sink be waxed or oiled periodically.

*Are copper sinks hard to care for?

In fact, a copper sink is easy to care for. Just clean it with a mild soap and water then pat it dry. Never use an abrasive cleaner as this will affect the patina and could scratch the surface.

*Are there any foods that will affect the patina?

Acidic foods that are allowed to sit on the product will cause shiny patches of uneven patina. Remember that copper is a living material and will naturally renew itself over time. Leave the area free of wax or oil to allow the copper to re-oxidize.

*Where can accessories be purchased that complement the sink?

Any plumbing supply store will have either readily available accessories or will have catalogs from which to order. Brass or weathered copper faucets, drain baskets, disposal flanges can be purchased through your local plumbing supply outfit. We now stock a sink drain, lavatory drain, and disposal flange and stopper, each in 2 patinas, which can be ordered online.

*Will a water glass leave a ring on my copper table?

A water ring will can be left on a copper table top if it sits too long on the table. Again, the ring will disappear over time.. It is suggested that after cleaning your table with soap and water that you dry it with a soft cloth.

*How can I make my copper table top look shiny?

Our coppersmiths do not use lacquer on their products. All of their finishes or patinas are created with a wax product and heat. If you would like to make your product shiny, you will need to use a lacquer made for copper. Also, please remember that lacquer should never be used on any food preparation or consumption surfaces.

*Do your copper sinks have overflow holes?

We can make your sink with an overflow hole for an extra charge because we specialize in custom design, we can make a sink anyway a customer prefers.