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Cleaning
and Care

Maintaining Your Sink

What is a Patina or Raw Finish?

The beauty of copper and similar metals is its raw finish or patina. It builds over time and works as a protective coating. The patina is a rich weathered finish with light and dark tones complementing each other and creating the unique effect of copper.

But not all Thompson products feature this raw finish. Many of our products offer an Evolved, Sealed, Stainless Steel, or Nickeled Finish, which is why proper cleaning and care instructions are so important for you and your clients.

Download our Finish Guide HERE

General Tips

  • Thompson products come in one of five finishes: Raw, Evolved, Sealed, Stainless Steel, or Nickeled.
  • Each finish category comes with unique cleaning and care instructions. Please double check and verify the exact finish of your product.
  • Never use anything abrasive when cleaning Thompson products: Soft Scrub, Steel Wool, Chore Girl, etc.
  • Never use the following products when cleaning Thompson products: Brasso, Clorox, Drano or Similar Products.
  • For a full list of approved cleaning products and recommendations by individual finish profile, download our Finish Guide.

Caring for Copper

The best way to care for your product is to wash with soap, water and a soft cloth or sponge. We recommended the following soaps: Dawn Ultra (Original Blue Color), Ultra Ivory Dish Liquid (Classic Scent White Color) and Palmolive Original (Green Color). Wipe off the surface to remove standing water, whitening toothpaste, acidic substances, and other irritants. Acidic substances create shiny spots, yet over time copper heals itself and with use the color will begin to return to its original shade. For extra protection use a high-quality carnuba wax (with no polishing agent). Acidic substances include, but are not limited to lime juice, lemon juice, tomato juice, etc.

Thompson copper and brass sinks are high quality, low maintenance and therefore, easy to care for. Your sink will last for generations!

 

RAW FINISH: Polished Brass, Semi-Satin Brass, Satin Brass, Polished Rose Gold, Satin Rose Gold

  • Previously known as "Living Polished Finish."
  • These finishes will patina over time.
  • Restoring Shine: Use a gentle copper cleaner such as Wright’s Copper Cream to remove any spots or tarnish. This product effectively polishes brass and copper, restoring its original brilliance.
  • Wax to Slow Patina: After cleaning, it is recommended to apply a wax, such as Flitz Wax or high-quality carnauba wax, to protect the finish and slow the patina process.
  • Routine Cleaning: For regular maintenance, wash the surface with mild soap and water, and wipe it dry to prevent water spots.
  • NEVER use strong abrasive cleaners, metal scrubbing pads, or steel wool that could scratch or strip the finish.
  • NOTE: Raw finishes can sometimes be sealed. Please double check and verify the exact finish of your product.
EVOLVED FINISH: Fired Copper, Antique Copper, Aged Copper, Custom Antique Copper

  • Previously known as "Living Natural Finish"
  • These finishes will patina over time.
  • Use Gentle Cleaning Methods: Clean with mild soap, water, and a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Gentle cleaning helps maintain the natural finish without damaging it.
  • Drying: Wipe dry after each use to minimize spotting.
  • Waxing: If desired you can apply high-quality carnauba wax without polishing agents (such as Flitz Wax) monthly or bi-monthly to protect the finish and slow the patina process.
  • Re-Patina: Allow the sink to patina naturally and accept early spotting and color variations as part of the process.
  • Copper Care Kit: Use a copper care or repair kit for specialized care. Copper Care Kits can be purchased directly from Thompson.
  • NEVER use polishes like Wright's Copper Cream, Wright's Silver Cream, Bar Keeper's Friend, Brasso, Soft Scrub, Clorox, or Drano as they will strip the patina.
  • NEVER use strong abrasive cleaners, metal scrubbing pads, or steel wool that could scratch or strip the finish.
  • NOTE: Prolonged contact with dishes, glasses, pans, or acidic substances (e.g., citrus, tomatoes, toothpaste) may cause spotting or impact the patina. If this look is not desired, rinse or wipe the surface regularly to maintain its natural evolution.
SEALED FINISH: Matte Black, Black Nickel, Antique Satin Gold, Burnished Nickel, Polished Nickel, Powder Coated

  • Previosuly known as "Lifetime Finish"
  • These finishes will not patina over time
  • Use Gentle Cleaning Methods: Clean with mild soap, water, and a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Gentle cleaning helps maintain the protective coating without damaging it.
  • Wax Application: To further protect the surface and preserve the sealed sheen, you can apply a high-quality carnauba wax, like Flitz Wax.
  • Dry Immediately: After cleaning, rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and mineral deposits.
  • NEVER use strong abrasive cleaners, metal scrubbing pads, or steel wool that could scratch or strip the finish.
  • NEVER use harsh or aggressive cleaners, such as copper or metal polishes, Bar Keepers Friend, or Wright’s Copper Cream, as these can damage the protective layer and ruin the finish.
  • NEVER use regular household cleaning products.
STAINLES STEEL FINISH

  • This finish will not change or patina over time.
  • Use Gentle Cleaning Methods: Clean with mild soap, water, and a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Gentle cleaning helps maintain the natural finish without damaging it.
  • Dry Immediately: After cleaning or using the sink, dry the surface with a soft towel to avoid streaking or water spots.
  • Enhance Polish: Apply a stainless steel polish or even a few drops of olive oil to maintain the shine. Buff with a microfiber cloth to get a streak-free finish.
  • Remove Stains: For tougher stains or fingerprints, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water or stainless steel cleaner, followed by drying the surface to avoid watermarks.
  • AVOID Salt or Harsh Scrubbing: Do not leave salty or acidic substances (like citrus juice or tomatoes) on the surface for prolonged periods, as they can cause pitting or staining.
  • NEVER use strong abrasive cleaners, metal scrubbing pads, or steel wool that could scratch or strip the finish.
  • NEVER use harsh chemicals. Substances like bleach, ammonia, or strong acids can damage the protective layer of chromium oxide and cause staining or corrosion.
NICKELED FINISH

  • This finish will not change or patina over time.
  • Use Gentle Cleaning Methods: Clean with mild soap, water, and a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Gentle cleaning helps maintain the natural finish without damaging it.
  • Dry Immediately: After cleaning or using the sink, dry the surface with a soft towel to avoid streaking or water spots.
  • Wax Application: To further protect the surface, you can apply a high-quality carnauba wax, like Flitz Wax.
  • Polish Occasionally: To maintain the shine, you can polish the finish with a soft cloth using a nickel-safe metal polish or a non-abrasive cleanerlike silver cleaner.
  • NEVER use strong abrasive cleaners, metal scrubbing pads, or steel wool that could scratch or strip the finish.
  • NEVER use harsh chemicals. Substances like bleach, ammonia, or strong acids can damage the plating, leading to discoloration or corrosion.
  • NOTE: Excess water or prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to tarnishing over time. Always wipe down the surface after use.

Questions About Your Sink’s Finish?

Thompson sinks are high quality, low maintenance and therefore, easy to care for. If you have additional questions about how to care for your finish, please contact us.

 

Thompson Limited Lifetime Warranty

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­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Thompson, Inc. warrants its products to be free of manufacturing and material defects for the life of the product. Thompson, Inc. will not be responsible for changes in the finish, abuse of the sink, or damage caused by incorrect cleaning.

Many Thompson products are made with unlacquered copper or brass which is called a living finish.  These finishes will be impacted by many environmental factors and will change (patina) over time.  These changes in finish are not covered under the warranty.  Please note that replacements and refunds are determined by Thompson. In no event is Thompson liable for any damage during or after installation; nor is Thompson responsible for charges associated with your purchase, including labor, installation charges or any other expenses associated with the defective product. Our warranty applies to Thompson-brand products only and does not include installation costs. Damage due to abnormal wear and tear will be reviewed on a claim-by-claim basis.

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