Your copper sink may tarnish over time, either in places or over the entire surface. Depending upon how you care for and what it comes into contact with it, tarnishing may occur quickly or slowly. This green color or patina shows the wear and age of the sink.

But no worry!

It's normal and desirable.

However, if your sink got the green spots in places or the patina layer becomes too dark, you can remove it. Also, you can prevent your copper made sink from turning green and bring its brightness back.

Read this article to learn how to keep copper sink from turning green.

The Nature of Copper

I love the warm glow of copper made sink. Hope, you too!

A copper sink is a gorgeous focal point to any kitchen (bathroom as well). It exhibits extreme levels of resilience, longevity and durability. But it's a common anxiety of many people "If my copper kitchen or bathroom sink turns green!”

Copper is a different material and has some very unique qualities. Its finish may change with time. It tarnishes and turns green naturally. This layer is called patina that gives copper an excellent capacity to protect itself from the elements that would otherwise be damaged by weathering or corrosion. That's the part of the allure of copper.

Why does copper kitchen sink turn green?

Depending upon environmental conditions, the copper finish may change. At natural weathering patina may take many years to develop. Copper instruments in a salty environment or coastal area develop patina faster than any dry areas.

But what are the cases of a copper kitchen sink or bathroom sink?

Copper kitchen sinks change color or turn green due to the oxidation or other chemical processes.

The food particles, air, heat, cold, soap, hard water and the oil from your fingers, your copper sink may turn into green.

In a kitchen sink the trace minerals may leave behind by water in the bowl. Copper reacts with the oxygen of the air; and the copper surface naturally combines with these elements to create a patina. This layer gradually becomes darker.

Certain chemicals or acidic food will strip it off. The unwelcoming green spots may go from extreme to subtle, from light to dark, but it'll always be changing.

In short, over time the continuous contact of copper surface with trace minerals left by water cause copper to turn green.

Remember!

Copper is not infected by lead or other impurities that may discolor it in an undesirable way.