MAINTENANCE GUIDE
Properties of Copper
Copper is a living material that naturally evolves over time. Its patina develops gradually, giving each piece a unique and authentic character. It is completely normal for:
The patina color to change and mature with time.
Stains to appear from contact with food or acidic substances. These will darken and eventually blend into the patina.
General Care Instructions
To maintain the original appearance of your copper or brass product, avoid:
Leaving food residues on the surface.
Allowing soap, toothpaste, or other corrosive substances to remain in contact with the piece.
Prolonged exposure to acidic liquids or foods, such as vinegar, lemon, or tomatoes.
How to Clean Your Piece
Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe the surface, then dry it with a clean, dry cloth.
For your copper sinks: use mild soap, water, and a soft cloth or sponge.
To add a layer of protection, apply a thin coat of beeswax using a clean, dry cloth. Rub in circular motions for even coverage.
To revive the color of Aged Brushed Copper, Aged Copper, Brown, Natural Classic, and Rio Grande finishes, apply a small amount of olive oil with a soft cloth.
Recommended maintenance frequency: Once a month, or whenever you notice the patina changing faster than usual.
Aged Copper, Brown, Rio Grande, Natural Classic
Copper is a living material that naturally evolves over time. Its patina develops gradually, giving each piece a unique and authentic character. To maintain the original appearance of your copper product, avoid: 1) Leaving food residues on the surface. 2) Allowing soap, toothpaste, or other corrosive substances to remain in contact with the piece. 3) Prolonged exposure to acidic liquids or foods, such as vinegar, lemon, wine, or tomatoes.
For your copper sinks: use mild soap, water, and a soft cloth or sponge.
Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe the surface, then dry it with a clean, dry cloth.
To add a layer of protection, apply a thin coat of beeswax using a clean, dry cloth. Rub in circular motions for even coverage.
To revive the color of Aged Brushed Copper, Aged Copper, Brown, Natural Classic, and Rio Grande finishes, apply a small amount of olive oil with a soft cloth.
Note: We offer sealed finishes upon request.
Antique Patinas: Antique Green and Antique White
Copper is a living material that naturally evolves over time. Its patina develops gradually, giving each piece a unique and authentic character. To maintain the original appearance of your copper product, avoid: 1) Leaving food residues on the surface. 2) Allowing soap, toothpaste, or other corrosive substances to remain in contact with the piece. 3) Prolonged exposure to acidic liquids or foods, such as vinegar, lemon, wine, or tomatoes.
Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe the surface, then dry it with a clean, dry cloth.
To add a layer of protection, apply a thin coat of beeswax using a clean, dry cloth. Rub in circular motions for even coverage.
Note: We offer sealed finishes upon request.
Brown Patina
Copper is a living material that naturally evolves over time. Its patina develops gradually, giving each piece a unique and authentic character. To maintain the original appearance of your copper product, avoid: 1) Leaving food residues on the surface. 2) Allowing soap, toothpaste, or other corrosive substances to remain in contact with the piece. 3) Prolonged exposure to acidic liquids or foods, such as vinegar, lemon, wine, or tomatoes.
Use mild soap, a slightly damp cloth to wipe the surface, then dry it with a clean, dry cloth.
To add a layer of protection, apply a thin coat of beeswax using a clean, dry cloth. Rub in circular motions for even coverage.
Note: We offer sealed finishes upon request.
Brushed Finish: Aged Brushed Brass and Aged Brushed Copper
Copper and Brass are living materials that naturally evolve over time. Its patina develops gradually, giving each piece a unique and authentic character. To maintain the original appearance of your copper product, avoid: 1) Leaving food residues on the surface. 2) Allowing soap, toothpaste, or other corrosive substances to remain in contact with the piece. 3) Prolonged exposure to acidic liquids or foods, such as vinegar, lemon, wine, or tomatoes.
For your copper sinks: use mild soap, water, and a soft cloth or sponge.
Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe the surface, then dry it with a clean, dry cloth.
To add a layer of protection, apply a thin coat of beeswax using a clean, dry cloth. Rub in circular motions for even coverage.
Restore the shine on your brushed product.
Apply a thin layer of water to the surface, this helps prevent unwanted scratches.
Use very soft circular motions with the sandpaper (400-grit wet/dry sandpaper). You’ll see the brightness return quickly.
After sanding, clean the surface with water and a soft cloth.
Once it’s dry, you can apply olive oil or beeswax.
Note: We offer sealed finishes upon request.
Matte Finish: Matte Penny and Matte Brass
Copper and Brass are living materials that naturally evolve over time. Its patina develops gradually, giving each piece a unique and authentic character. To maintain the original appearance of your copper product, avoid: 1) Leaving food residues on the surface. 2) Allowing soap, toothpaste, or other corrosive substances to remain in contact with the piece. 3) Prolonged exposure to acidic liquids or foods, such as vinegar, lemon, wine, or tomatoes.
For your copper sinks: use mild soap, water, and a soft cloth or sponge.
Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe the surface, then dry it with a clean, dry cloth.
Restore the matte finish on your product.
Clean the surface with a damp cloth.
Use Scotch-Brite pads and apply soft linear movements to create a subtle, uniform brushed texture on copper and brass.
Clean the surface with a damp cloth and dry the surface.
Once it’s dry, you can apply olive oil or beeswax.
Note: We offer sealed finishes upon request.
Shinny Brass and Shinny Copper
Copper and Brass are living materials that naturally evolve over time. Its patina develops gradually, giving each piece a unique and authentic character. To maintain the original appearance of your copper product, avoid: 1) Leaving food residues on the surface. 2) Allowing soap, toothpaste, or other corrosive substances to remain in contact with the piece. 3) Prolonged exposure to acidic liquids or foods, such as vinegar, lemon, wine, or tomatoes.
For your copper sinks: use mild soap, water, and a soft cloth or sponge.
Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe the surface, then dry it with a clean, dry cloth.
Maintain the shine on your brass or copper products.
These finishes will patina over time. When you notice the brass or copper begins to patina:
Use a copper cleaner to polish the surface.
Once polished, we recommend applying a high quality wax, such as Flitz Wax.
Never use abrasive cleaners or hard pads, as they may affect the finish.
Note: We offer sealed finishes upon request.
Sealed Finishes
Most of our patinas and finishes can be sealed, Monte Grande uses sealers that are environmentally friendly and have low VOC concentration mandated by California law.
Sealing prevents the finishes from developing a patina over time..
Cleaning Tips
Clean with mild soap, water, and a soft cloth or sponge.
After cleaning, dry the surface with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
After cleaning and drying, we suggest applying high-quality wax, such as Flitz Wax.
To preserve sealed finishes, avoid the following:
Abrasive cleaners, metal pads, or steel wool that may scratch or compromise the surface.
Harsh chemical cleaners or metal polishes (such as Bar Keepers Friend or Wright’s Copper Cream) that can damage the protective layer
Harsh chemical cleaners or metal polishes (such as Bar Keepers Friend or Wright’s Copper Cream) that can damage the protective layer
Common household cleaning products not intended for finished metal surfaces
Sealed Finishes
Copper and brass are living materials that evolve over time, developing a patina that gives each piece its own character.
If you have any questions, we’re here to help.
Prefer to preserve the original tone? We offer sealed finishes upon request.