How to Care for Antique Copper and Brass

Copper alloys develop varied surface colours through manufacture, use, oxidation and past cleaning.

Safe routine care

Dust with a soft cloth and distinguish stable dark patina from active powdery corrosion. Handle polished areas with gloves if fingerprints matter.

What not to do

Routine bright polishing removes metal and can erase lacquer, gilding and tool marks. Never mix household acids and salt on antiques.

Storage and specialist help

Keep dry and seek a metals conservator when green corrosion is powdery, expanding or associated with damp.

Conservation references

• [Canadian Conservation Institute: Caring for objects and collections](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/care-objects.html)
• [Canadian Conservation Institute: Agents of deterioration](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/agents-deterioration.html)

Begin with the least intervention. For valuable, unstable or regulated objects, use a qualified conservator and check current law before treatment, sale or transport.

Watch careful restoration

Visit the [Antique Repair Shop YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop) for practical workshop demonstrations and object examinations.