Thicknesses

• The thickness of copper countertops varies considerably by manufacturer. The countertops are made from solid wood, particleboard or MDF and range from 1 1/2 to 5 inches thick. The copper sheeting is bonded to the tops and edges of the counters with industrial strength epoxy glue and varies in thickness from 36 gauge (0.0005 inches) to 14 gauge (0.06 inches). The countertop edges are the same thickness as the middle or are customized with no-drip, marine top edges. Thinner countertops and copper sheeting are typically used in bathrooms, as they normally undergo less wear and tear than those in kitchens.
  
  

Finishes

• Mirror finishes and matte finishes are preferred for copper countertops. Quilted copper is used for backsplashes and range hoods, but its uneven finish makes it impractical for countertops. Applying a patina to the copper instantly gives it an aged look that otherwise develops slowly over several years with exposure to air, acidic foods and other natural elements. To keep copper countertops looking new, you can have them coated with lacquer.
  
  

Sealed vs. Unsealed

• Sealed copper countertops are protected from the elements with lacquer or polyurethane and will not show signs of aging. Unsealed copper provides a natural anti-microbial finish that protects against the growth of harmful microorganisms much better than stainless steel and can be polished and buffed to remove tarnishing and unsightly stains and discoloration. Wax treatments are available to deter tarnishing on unsealed copper countertops without applying a permanent sealant on them.
  
  

Care and Maintenance

• Use a stainless-steel or window cleaner for daily maintenance of copper countertops. Copper is a soft metal, so it easily shows nicks and scratches. Shallow marks can be buffed out, but foods should not be cut or chopped on copper countertops. Neither sealed nor unsealed copper will rust, but quickly wipe up water or liquids to prevent permanent spotting. Hot pots and pans may discolor the copper, so trivets are recommended to protect the countertops. If a copper countertop is damaged or heavily discolored, use a special copper renovation solution available at copper cabinet distributors or home improvement centers. Lacquer-coated copper can be refinished and relacquered periodically to maintain the high-gloss finish.