Let it age.

Do nothing. Brass and copper develop a patina that is entirely their own. The surface becomes a record of where the object has stood and who has touched it.

Restore the shine.

Or bring it back. A few minutes with a non-abrasive polish returns brass to bright gold. Both choices are correct. The object is yours.

Stainless Steel

1.4301

1.4301 does not react visibly to its environment. The surface stays exactly as it arrives.

Daily care
Wipe with a soft dry cloth.
Wax removal
Let the wax cool completely, then lift. Warm water if needed. Rinse and dry.
To restore
Not required. If fingerprints accumulate, a damp cloth with a drop of dish soap. Rinse and dry.
Avoid
Abrasive pads, steel wool, bleach cleaners.

Brass

MS63 (CuZn37)

Brass reacts to touch, humidity and oxygen. The surface shifts from bright gold through amber into warm brown.

Daily care
Wipe with a soft dry cloth.
Wax removal
Let the wax cool completely, then lift. Warm water if needed. Rinse and dry.
To restore
A small amount of brass polish on a soft cloth. Five minutes. Rinse and dry.
Avoid
Abrasive pads, acidic cleaners, dishwasher.

Bronze

CuSn8 (92% Cu, 8% Sn)

Bronze arrives with a controlled pre-patina. Touched areas develop a warm lustre; untouched areas deepen and darken.

Daily care
Wipe with a soft dry cloth.
Wax removal
Let the wax cool completely, then lift. Warm water if needed. Rinse and dry.
To restore
Not applicable. Bronze moves in one direction. Polishing will disrupt the patina permanently.
Avoid
Abrasive pads, acidic cleaners, dishwasher.

Copper

Cu (99.9%)

Copper arrives salmon red and changes quickly. The surface shifts through orange and warm brown over weeks.

Daily care
Wipe with a soft dry cloth.
Wax removal
Let the wax cool completely, then lift. Warm water if needed. Rinse and dry.
To restore
A small amount of copper polish on a soft cloth. Five minutes. Rinse and dry.
Avoid
Abrasive pads, acidic cleaners, dishwasher.

There is no wrong way to live with metal.