Eventually that plating can start to thin out, leaving a piece looking irregular with the metal underneath showing through and ruining the whole look. For some pieces, a scratch can take off the copper surface and reveal the steel below.
With solid copper, your piece can look as good in 20, 30 or 50 years as it does today!
Cleaning
There are many products available that you can use to clean up your copper, or you can make your own products from ingredients in your pantry!
First of all, is your product lacquered? If so, please follow the instructions from the manufacturer because polishing can ruin the lacquer.
Dusting and occasional cleaning with warm soapy water can often be enough for your copper. But to get that wonderful shine back here are a few tried and tested methods:
Shop Bought Products
Most are fast and easy, but follow instructions and maintain caution with some.
Wenol All Metal Polish, Bar Keeper?s Friend, Wright?s Copper Cream and Brasso are just a few. Our current favorite is Brasso Multi-Purpose Metal Polish which produces a wonderful polished finish.