Akicon Natural Copper Beehive Hammered Sample

When you customize copper items - your faucet, sink, range hood, or bathtub - you'll want to make it last.

Copper Finish - "Living" or "Sealed"

In most cases, we recommend the "living" finish, which will allow the copper surface to develop an uninhibited patina that is completely unique to you. With a natural, "living" finish, copper will develop its own unique patina over time. It will look all the better if you protect it from harsh chemicals and perform some simple routine cleaning.

We do offer clear-coat gloss and matte finishes. These will preserve the original look of the copper pieces and protect against some wear, meaning all but the worst tarnishing will require only warm water and a mild detergent to clean it.

Please check the back of the samples to check if the finish is "living" or "sealed".

Akicon's products are made for longevity and utility in addition to aesthetic appeal. Copper products can endure heavy use, so long as it's cleaned well.

Akicon copper products have been treated with a clear lacquer sealant that is tarnish-resistant.

Do not use copper polish/cleaners, abrasive materials, acidic or abrasive cleaners, or harsh chemicals such as acetone, which will compromise the integrity of the lacquer finish.

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To Minimize Tarnishing Copper:
 
Copper is a highly reactive metal, and as such it's prone to tarnishing from water, harsh chemicals, and oxygen. Contact with human skin and its oils will also cause copper to tarnish over time, which is why copper jewelry and utensils can discolor quickly.

If your once shining copper surface is now a dull brown or even green, fear not, for nearly all discoloration can be turned.

To minimize the problem, there are several things to keep in mind.
* Reduce the amount of time your copper item is wet or exposed to chemicals(especially acids)
* Do not leave pools of water on it.
* Avoid direct acid exposure(such as lemon juice, ketchup, baking soda, vinegar, sauce, etc.)
* Avoid mineral oil.

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How to Clean your Copper

After some use, you notice that your copper piece has discolored or accumulated some grime. Here's how to clean it, according to a different kind of situation.

* Clear-coat gloss or Matte finish: these will preserve the original look of the copper pieces and protect against some wear.

* Living finish: allow the copper surface to develop an uninhibited patina that is completely unique to you.

While there are mild copper cleaners bought from stores that can work well, we have an easy and cost-effective way to make your own cleaner from household items.

1, Sprinkle salt over the tarnished copper.
2, Drizzle vinegar over the salt.
3, Add more salt on top of the vinegar.
4, Gently buff with a soft cloth until the tarnish is removed.
5, Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.

Items you will need:

* Cleaner(Buy or DIY)
* Soft non-abrasive cotton cloth 
* Warm water

Maintenance:

Use warm water, mild non-acidic liquid detergent or DIY cleaner, and a soft non-abrasive cotton cloth to remove any grease or grime.

** IMPORTANT: Do not use sharp objects like a steel wool scrubber to clean copper surfaces.**