@susan - Haha! I couldn't tell you exactly what they use in the shop to get it to patina rapidly, but we can control it pretty easily in the shop. We use zinc in alot of butler pantries, or in combinations with wood or different types of granite. It's nice if you have a nice balance of warmth so you don't get a "cold" or "industrial" look in the kitchen (if that's what you're after). People are usually surprised when they hear we do zinc, but it's actually a great metal to work with and
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has a different look to it than stainless steel.
It isn't as reactive as copper, but it is a "living" metal and will get a nice patina over time, and can be scrubbed clean if you'd choose.
????? Scrubbed clean as in scrubbing the finish off - then it would be the silvery color that I think of like zinc buckets or whatever? So will this scratch if somebody cuts something on it or scrapes dishes or cookware over it???
Sorry, I know I'm probably being a bit anal here! LOL
No problem, Susan. You can clean it and get rid of the patina if you'd like. If you slice a lemon and put it face down on a patinated surface (copper or zinc), you'll be left with a shiny happy face when you lift it off. I couldn't tell you exactly how reactive zinc is. I know with copper, we've had several calls of people accidentally removing the patina off and get worried (not knowing it will patina again in time).
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When people ask us how to clean it so it gets shiny again, we tell them use a mixture of lemon juice and salt.
A correction on zinc patina: I just asked our engineer, and he said it isn't as "reactive" as copper...It won't necessarily develop an intense patina like copper...it will darken and get richer over time. He's actually testing lemon juice and salt on it tonight to see if it's similar to copper.
No problem, Susan. I try my best to be accurate, and try to nose around the shop for questions I'm not sure about...as you can guess, the guys in the shop love me......
Well, whoever you are and whatever your position, you are a wonderful asset to the company!! You are a guy aren't you? or have I made another BIG faux pas?? I am digging a huge hole for myself, I can just tell!!
Deb -- We have a YouTube channel with a dozen videos, and we just finished shooting a dozen more. One of those videos covers zinc pretty thoroughly (for a 3-minute YouTube video). I'll make sure to post them when they're ready.
WHEEEEEEEWWWWW!! I was about to start sweating!! I'll look foward to the videos when you get them ready!! This has been great and thank for all your time!! BTW - so you represent Brooks Custom, but you can't hide behind anonymity - so what's YOUR name??? Please ;~)
Details, please!! The counter is actualy ZINC? and what is used to get that beautiful "patina"? It's gorgeous but don't be stingy on the info!!!
It isn't as reactive as copper, but it is a "living" metal and will get a nice patina over time, and can be scrubbed clean if you'd choose.
Sorry, I know I'm probably being a bit anal here! LOL
When people ask us how to clean it so it gets shiny again, we tell them use a mixture of lemon juice and salt.
Thank you so much for all the information - I really appreciate all the time you take to answer questions!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!
Susan -- Thank you! And yes, I'm a guy.