Copper is one of the latest trends in the kitchen. However, do you know where to use copper in your kitchen? If you are wondering how to use copper for the kitchen, here is a quick guide to give you an idea. Some of the latest sinks, faucets, knobs, handles, and even pipes in kitchens are those made up of copper. They are not only gorgeous but offer a lot of benefits that no other materials can match. At the same time, the color of copper blends well with various kitchen themes, styles, and colors. If you worry about maintaining copper sinks and faucets among other copper materials in the kitchen, or perhaps you are worried about bacteria build-up, don’t fret. Below are more details about copper sinks and copper materials in general.
The Price
It’s true that the copper sinks are more expensive than the ordinary sinks. However, copper is a thicker material than the others. So, in reality, you’re just paying for what you’re getting. Add to that the lovely look copper sinks contribute to your kitchen, and then you have a sink that’s truly worth the price. On the other hand, you can choose how think you want your copper sink to be. The most common copper sinks have 18-14 gauge. Of course, the thicker, the more expensive it gets. You will need to choose thicker copper sinks because the thin sinks produce a tinny sound and can dent easier than the thicker ones. Expect to pay few hundred dollars to a thousand for the quality copper sinks.
The Finish
Most copper sinks are finished with a living copper finish. This means that the texture or how it looks will change after some time. However, you should not treat this as a defect of copper. It is in fact a quality of the material. The process of changing the appearance is in fact called “Patination” where the result is known as the copper’s patina. In fact, the same term is used for the aging of bronze. The copper’s patina is in fact coveted by manufacturers and homeowners. They even speed up the process to come up with various designs for their copper sinks.
The Maintenance
If you think copper sinks are harder to maintain, think again. All you need to clean a copper sink is to water and mild soap. Just use a soft sponge to clean the sink regularly. Don’t let dirt stay for too long on a copper sink because you need to avoid thorough cleaning. Copper is sensitive to chemicals or harsh cleaners. It can age your copper faster than normal. If you don’t want the aged look of copper, you can purchase a special wax that can slow down the patination process.
