Care of Copper Fountains

Copper is a very popular material choice for fountains. It is visually stunning, and the metal helps increase the sound of the water. There is a wide range of choice available if you are interested in a copper fountain, with wall, floor, tabletop, and outdoor models available. Care of copper fountains is easy if you are properly informed.

Clear Coated Copper Fountains

Some copper fountains are available with a protective clear coating. It will help to maintain the 'new' look of the fountain over the years.

To maintain the beauty of clear coated copper:

A good way to protect the finish of a clear coated copper fountain is to apply a hard-shell wax such as Turtle Wax once every 2-3 months. Pledge or a similar furniture polish with a soft cloth will help with daily maintenance. Take care not to get any wax or furniture polish in the water, as this can damage your pump. Do not allow droplets of water to accumulate on the copper parts for a long period of time.

Important Tip: Do not use copper cleaner, as this could damage the clear coat finish. In some areas of the country tap water contains a large amount of minerals, which causes unsightly deposits on your fountain. If you see white spots on the copper parts, they can be cleaned off with Calcium Lime Remover (CLR) following the instructions on the bottle. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.

Natural Copper Finish Fountains

Pledge or another household furniture polish with a soft cloth will help with daily maintenance. Do not allow droplets of water to accumulate on the copper parts for a long period of time. As with the clear coated fountains, do not use copper cleaner. Many natural copper fountains have had a beautiful patina applied to it by hand, and this will remove the patina, leaving the original bright copper finish. Don't use CLR or wax on natural copper, as they could also harm the patina. If your fountain does not have a patina applied and you wish to allow it to oxidize, simply do nothing and allow nature to perform its own permanent patina. Your copper will develop different hues of oxidation but eventually will take on the verdigris quality of an old copper roof. How quickly your fountain will verdigris will depend upon your climate, the water you use, and how you maintain your fountain. Copper is a natural material, reactive to its environment, and it will oxidize from exposure to air and water, and darken from exposure to the sun.

Caring for a copper fountain properly will help keep it looking beautiful for you to enjoy for years!