To maintain the polished finish of the copper, follow these care instructions.

POLISHED FINISH

Keep Copper Dry and Protected: To preserve the polished finish of the copper, keep the metal dry and avoid exposure to excessive sunlight, caustic or abrasive materials, and harsh chemicals.

Regular Buffing: Periodically, give the copper surface a thorough buffing using a clean, dry paper towel. This is especially important if you use the piece frequently. The buffing process will not only clean the copper but also enhance the shine. While we prefer paper towels for copper maintenance, a soft cloth will work just as well.

Touching: Don’t hesitate to touch the copper, as it will naturally become more beautiful over time with handling. Frequent buffing is crucial to maintaining it’s beauty as well. The more you do it, the better the results.

Patina: Copper has a natural tendency to darken over time (patina). If you wish to restore the original copper color, we recommend using one of the polishing products listed in the resource links. Plan on polishing your pieces every 3 months or as needed to maintain the bright copper color. The frequency may vary based on your environmental conditions.

Applying Polishing Cream: When restoring the copper color, apply the polishing cream sparingly and rub it in until you achieve the desired level of polish. To slow down the natural darkening process, seal the copper with the recommended paste wax or beeswax. (Refer to the information below about dripped wax removal for an easy way of sealing with beeswax).

Enjoying the Color Changes: Some may appreciate the color changes of copper…as we do. To allow the slight darkening without reaching an overly dark patina, spot polish and lightly polish areas with the polishing cream as needed. Focus on edges, fingerprints and other spots and discolorations that might occur. Use very little cream and gentle rubbing. Finish with an overall buffing using a clean dry paper towel or cloth. Seal with paste wax or beeswax if you wish.

Using Silver Polish: In a pinch, silver polish can be used, especially if you plan on letting your copper pieces develop a dark patina. However, silver polish may leave a whitish residue that may be difficult to remove. Use it to highlight edges and design details, and use very sparingly.

Avoid Abrasives: Never use abrasive or scratchy materials on polished copper. Many commercial cleaners, such as Bar Keeper’s Friend and Brasso, are too abrasive for polished copper and can scratch the finish.

Red Patina: If your design includes a red heat-applied patina, you may use the polish or paste wax on the red to brighten it up a little. The red patina is very stable and you will need to do this very infrequently if at all. Do not use silver polish on the red patina.

PATINA

Natural Patina Development: If you decide to not polish your copper, it will develop a beautiful bronze patina over time. This patina remains stable unless exposed to moisture or chemicals.

Minimal Maintenance: Once the copper achieves a deep patina, it requires minimal upkeep. This primarily involves periodic buffing with a dry paper towel and occasional detailing with polish.

Evening Out the Color: For an aesthetically pleasing patina, regularly even out the color as the copper darkens. Lighten dark spots and irregularities by applying a small amount of polish to a soft cloth or cotton tipped swab and dab onto those areas until they match the surrounding color. If you wish, you may enhance the design details and edges of the candle holder with the polish.

Buffing to Blend: Buff the entire piece with a clean, dry paper towel after using the polish to even out the patina. Any initial blotchiness will naturally blend in within a few days.

Sealing the Patina: At any point during the darkening process, you can seal the patina using commercial paste wax or melted beeswax. This slows down the natural darkening for years, preserves the patina and imparts a beautiful gloss to the surface. Maintain the gloss by regularly buffing with a paper towel or soft cloth.

Reapplication of Wax: Be prepared to reapply beeswax or paste wax periodically. Typically, this is done every year or two, but you can adjust the frequency based on the environmental impact on the wax. Consider wax application after polishing if you wish to slow down rapid darkening.

Buff for Best Results: Regardless of whether your copper is untreated or protected with wax, vigorous buffing with a dry paper towel is essential. Frequent buffing yields the best results.

Protection with Dripped Wax: Removing dripped wax from the surface, as explained below, leaves a thin layer of wax that contributes to the protection of the finish, whether the finish is polish or patina.

REMOVING CANDLE WAX

Use a Hair Dryer: To effectively remove dripped wax from your candle holders, use a handheld hair dryer set to the hottest setting. Apply the heat to the metal, which will soften the wax, making it easy to wipe away.

Dry Paper Towel: After warming the metal and melting the wax, use a dry paper towel to remove the softened wax. While the metal is still warm, perform an overall buffing with the paper towel.

Check for Residue: After wax removal, there should be no wax residue on the surface. The paper towel should glide smoothly over the metal without sticking to any residual wax coating. If it feels like the paper towel is sticking to wax, or if you see any wax, reheat the metal to melt any remaining wax and wipe it away with the paper towel.

Protective Layer: Once finished, you will not see or feel any wax, but a thin layer remains on the surface, contributing to its protection.

Safety Considerations: To melt the wax effectively (beeswax melts at around 145°F), ensure the metal is heated sufficiently. Wearing gloves is advisable for safety. Thin leather gardening gloves work well for this purpose.

Routine Maintenance: Despite the protective layer of wax, it is essential to periodically buff the metal’s surface with a clean, dry paper towel or cloth to maintain its luster and protection.

CANDLES

Beeswax Tapers: We have found the diameter of wax tapers can vary depending on the maker. However, beeswax tapers generally fit the best and always look and smell wonderful. It is beneficial for the fit of the beeswax taper if you gently twist the taper as you put it into the holder. You will find some of our favorite tapers linked in the resource section.

Candle Holders with Wider Tops: Votive candles in glass cups or pillars made from any type of wax, work very well on our candle holders with wider tops. For safety, make sure the glass cup or pillar is firmly secured to the copper with candle adhesive or Museum Wax. You will find our favorite candle makers linked in the resource section.

Do not allow the flame to burn down through the bottom of any taper or pillar you use.

There’s nothing as beautiful as copper in candlelight. Enjoy…

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