This copper item has not been coated with lacquer. If you wish to maintain the initial copper luster, you will need to apply an exterior lacquer to it before installation and then again every 6-12 months. Exterior lacquer can be purchased in a convenient spray can, or brushed on with a paint brush.

The first part of the patina process is the copper turning to a dull, blackish color. If this happens before you are able to apply lacquer, and you want to get the new look of the copper back, use mineral spirits or paint thinner with fine steel wool to remove this blackening color and expose the copper again. Once dry, apply the lacquer as directed above.

Without the application of exterior lacquer, copper will begin to age to a beautiful, rich, green patina. But, it takes time for copper to patina to that antiqued finish. If you prefer to speed up the process towards an aged look, use mineral spirits or paint thinner with fine steel wool, but do not apply any lacquer afterward. To hasten this progression even further, take a full lemon, cut it in half, and rub the juices from both halves on the exposed copper. The lemon juice reacts with the copper to accelerate the patina process.