Cobre Hand-Hammered Copper:
Frequently Asked Questions
View Video of Bonfire Method
[See below for specific FAQs regarding rain chains and sinks.]
Can I put water in my copper vase?
Yes, our copper vases are water tight. However, water will eventually discolor the finish on the inside of the vase. If your vase has a wide mouth opening, the discoloration will be visible. We are happy to seal the inside surface of the vase so it will not discolor. Just ask us!
Can I use my copper tray for serving food?
Copper is not recommended for food usage. You will need to line your copper tray with clear plastic or glass to keep the food from coming in contact with the copper. A simple solution is to use large lettuce leaves as a base.
Do I need to polish my copper? What should I use?
We recommend that you DON'T polish your copper pieces. Polishing will diminish the unique heat patina finish. Fine steel wool or a coarse-napped terry cloth can be used on the copper to restore its luster.
Why isn't my copper shiny?
Cobre copper is crafted using a centuries-old bonfire method. The copper is heated in a bonfire and then worked with hammers to create the designs. The flame, ash and soot from this process produces this rich chestnut heat patina finish.
By the way, this bonfire method is chemical-free. No chemicals are used to achieve the patina.
Where does the copper come from?
The artisans live and work in the highlands of Michoacan in Central Mexico. There were copper mines in the region, but they have been closed for decades. The copper they use is all reclaimed scrap copper--very earth-friendly!
Is the copper pure?
The copper is 99.9% pure.
Are the pieces made from a mold?
No molds are used. The artists use a pattern and individually craft each piece by hand, hammered from a single lump of copper.
Rain Chain FAQs
Do they really work?
Yes, they do. Rain chains channel water from the gutter to the ground, just like a downspout. They work well for light or heavy rainfall. (We live in Oregon, so we know something about rain!)
Check out the video of our rain chains in action:
• link
chain • cup
chain
Cobre is proud to offer an unconditional guarantee on our copper rain chains. If you are dissatisfied with your rain chain's performance, we will be happy to take your return. Please note that we cannot accept product for return that has been damaged, altered or is unsatisfactory for resale.
Will the appearance of my rain chain change over time? Will the copper turn green?
Within a month, the shiny copper will oxidize into a rich chestnut brown patina. Your copper rain chain will not turn green.
How do I install the rain chain?
Your gutter needs to have an opening at least 2.5 inches wide. Pull the top of the rain chain through the opening, and then thread the gutter clip (included) through the top link. The gutter clip will hold the rain chain in place.
If you have an opening larger than 2.5 inches, you should use a funnel adapter for optimum performance of your rain chain. Upon request, we will supply this adapter at no charge.
How heavy is a rain chain? Will my gutter support it?
9 feet of copper link rain chain = 5 pounds, 10 feet of copper cup rain chain = 7 pounds. A normal gutter is designed to hold much more weight than this. Remember that each gallon of rainwater weighs 8 pounds, and your gutter, when full, will be supporting many gallons.
How many feet of rain chain do I need to order?
The length of your rain chain is a personal preference. Some people order a chain long enough to touch the ground, while others like to leave the end hanging a foot or two above the ground so they can see the water run off the rain chain.
The winters are very harsh where I live. Do I need to take my rain chain down?
If you live in a climate with lots of snow, ice and freezing temperatures, we recommend that you take your rain chain down before winter sets in. It's easy to take rain chain down: just remove the clip from the chain. In the spring, you can re-install it just as easily.
Should I secure the end of the rain chain?
If you live in a windy climate, we do recommend securing the end of the rain chain. The simplest way to do this is to order an addition 1.5 feet that can "pool" on the ground. Otherwise, you can anchor the end with some kind of pin or hook. Check with your local hardware store or contractor to get a recommendation.
How do a I get a rock like the one in the picture?
A garden store or statuary outlet is the best place to find a rock that you can use as a rain chain terminal. Some of our customers have simply found rocks and brought them home.
Where should the rain chain drain?
Your rain chain functions just like a downspout and will drain anywhere a downspout would: a river, a basin, a rock, or whatever you choose.
Will my copper rain chain cause electrolysis damage to my aluminum gutter?
If your gutter is painted, there is no cause to worry about electrolysis. If your gutter is unpainted, you need to laquer the gutter clip to prevent electrolysis.
[click here to order rain chains]
Copper Sink FAQs
What will happen to the finish of my copper sink when I use it?
We seal the finish of your copper sink before shipping to protect the surface from water and food. We include a free jar of the sealer with your order. When the seal is in place, water will bead on the surface of the copper. Over time, the beading will diminish. When you notice this, it is time to reapply the sealer.
Your copper sink has a heat patina finish. It is a "living" finish, which means it will change over time depending on use.
Minimize contact with certain foods: citrus (lemons, limes, oranges, etc.), vinegar and alcohol spirits, as they can eat through the protective sealer and leave a shiny spot. If any of these foods are in your sink, rinse the sink quickly and thoroughly with water. If a shiny spot does appear, it will oxidize quickly (a couple of weeks). After it darkens, reseal the spot with the sealer.
Where do I get the hardware to go with my copper sink?
The best place to go is your local kitchen and bath showroom. They have access to all the catalogs of the major hardware manufacturers, as well as samples of the various finishes. They will also be able to order anything that they don't stock.
What can I do if my copper sink does not fit?
Cobre is proud to offer an unconditional guarantee on our copper sinks. If you sink does not fit, we will be happy to accept your return. Please notify us before you return the sink.
How long do I have to wait for my sink?
We have all our copper sinks in stock, and we can usually ship them the next day. If you are in a rush, we offer expedited UPS shipping (1, 2 or 3 days service) for an additional charge.
Can I get a copper sink in a custom size?
All our sink designs can be sized up or sized down for a custom fit.
[click here to order copper sinks ]
