Joe Szabo Scottsdale Real Estate for Sale
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Copper sinks can be the lowest maintenance sinks on the market. They can also be the highest maintenance sinks on the market. It all depends on the manufacturer of the sink. Many require drying after each use and regular waxing. OneUSAmanufacturer requires only cleaning with dish soap – no drying and no waxing. So if you have heard that copper sinks are difficult to care for, it all depends on whose sink it is. Copper can be easier to care for than stainless steel, much more durable than fireclay, granite, composite and cast iron.
Did you know that recent laboratory research performed under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved protocols demonstrated that copper surfaces kill more than 99.9% of several bacteria known to be human pathogens within two hours?
Copper in a polished state is unstable. Merely touching it will cause the copper to turn brown due to the acids in your hands. Copper stabilizes through time by oxidizing the outer layer, which turns a medium to deep reddish brown. Take a look in your purse or pocket. Find an old penny. You will instantly see the natural color of copper. Now, you may have seen old buildings with copper roofing, or even the Statue of Liberty. Likely all of these are a greenish blue. Copper will turn this color only when subjected to the outdoor elements for a period of many years.
The timeline for copper patination in an outdoor environment is something like this: First 6 months – the copper will start out a pink color (like a new penny) and will begin getting spots of brown. 6 to 18 months, the copper will become a medium brown color. 1 year to 10 years – copper will darken to a deeper brown. Only after 10 years will the copper start to show the greenish blue patina. It could take as long as 20 years for the copper to turn completely. That being said, a copper sink should never turn greenish blue, as the sink is constantly getting used and the top layer of the patina is getting removed. Even if the patina is entirely removed, it will “grow” back in a matter of days. When you start to use the sink, the bottom (especially) will be abraded so that the original “finish” comes off and the copper begins to go through its natural aging process.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
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