How to Get Rid of Lacquer from Copper
From everyday copper pots and copper pitchers to decorative figurines and vases, industry manufactured copper products often come coated with lacquer to prevent them from tarnishing. While this makes it simple to clean and care them, sometimes it is good to remove the lacquer.
Why should you remove lacquer from copper?
If you plan to use your copper just as a decorative item, it is fine to keep the lacquer on. However, you may want to get rid of the lacquer in certain conditions, such as:
• When the lacquer coating on your copperware start bubbling or peeling
• When you want to use it for food prep, cooking or serving.
- If you prefer the natural appearance of copper instead of the polished one.
There are three ways to remove the lacquer coating from copper. You can either use acetone nail polish remover, washing soda or commercial lacquer thinner. While using all these products you have to use some elbow grease, the methods are very easy simple.
Before you start the procedure, make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands.
Method 1:
• Dip a clean cloth in acetone nail polish remover.
• Rub the copper item until all the lacquer comes off.
• Rinse thoroughly with hot water and soap.
• Wipe off the excess water with a soft cloth.
• Buff again with a dry cloth using circular motions.
• Clean and polish the copper piece as required.
Method 2:
• Boil water in a pan and add washing soda to it (1 tsp. washing soda for one cup water).
• Immerse the copper object in the water and allow it to boil for 20 minutes. You will start noticing some scum on the surface of the water. This indicates that the lacquer is softening and has started peeling.
• Now, carefully remove the object from the boiling water and start scrubbing it under warm running water with a dishcloth to get rid of the peeling lacquer.
• You can also use a nylon pot scrubber or a soft bristled brush to remove the lacquer from hard to crevices and stubborn spots.
• Rinse thoroughly with hot water and soap.
• Wipe off the excess water with a soft cloth.
• Buff again with a dry cloth using circular motions.
• Clean and polish the copper piece as required.
Method 3:
The above two methods do not get the job done for you, then you may have to use commercial lacquer thinner. It is similar to the nail polish remover but much more potent.
• Read and follow the instructions as mentioned on the commercial lacquer thinner box.
• Rinse thoroughly with hot water and soap.
• Wipe off the excess water with a soft cloth.
• Buff again with a dry cloth using circular motions.
• Clean and polish the copper piece as required.
But remember, once you have removed the lacquer your copper article with start tarnishing. With the passage of time, it will start turning different shades of brown, from light to dark. But with proper care, you can maintain the original color of copper.
