Clean a painted copper pot?

Question

I have an old copper pot someone has painted. I want to return it to its original copper luster. How should I clean it properly?

Kathy Gunter Law · Answer

You can try boiling or applying hot water to break the bond. If that doesn't work, mineral spirits and a terry cloth rag. Rub in a circular motion and the paint should come off. Then you can polish the bare copper.

Libbie B · Answer

Try Bar keepers friend. Love it for stainless and works on copper too. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bar-Keepers-Friend-Cleanser-Powder-21oz/15026756?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227009484846&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42978197912&wl4=pla-75604554529&wl5=9058203&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=15026756&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm6rvqtz16QIVB9bACh2uFQ4XEAQYASABEgJugvD_BwE

Cheryl A · Answer

Abbie

Here is some info on removing the paint https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-remove-lacquer-from-copper-1313552

https://todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-clean-copper-pots-and-pans-the-easy-way/

Ann|The Apple Street Cottage · Answer

I like to use Citristrip to remove paint, but, on copper, I would do a small test spot first.

Kelli L. Milligan · Answer

You can use Citristrip paint stripper. It's fairly mild, wash in hot soapy water once paint is removed. Use ketchup or Copper polish to remove any tarnish. If you use ketchup, slather it on let it sit a while than wash off with hot soapy water. May need to repeat.

Abbie · Answer

Thanks all! I have used catsup and found paint. I will remove the paint and try catsup then. Thanks!

Kmdreamer · Answer

Get some brasso cream it cleans copper great Home Depot ,eBay.

Janice · Answer

You should be able to use a paint stripper, then polish the copper with lemon and salt mixture to bring back to original beauty.

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Hello Abbie,

I would use a gel to remove paint first and then see what you get! It will soften the paint, but may need more than one coat or application. It will be worth it in the end!

Shirley B. Mcdaniel · Answer

My husband found a ANTIQUE copper pot on highway, I was told it was very old , Back in the day the men would use it as a SPITUNE around a stove, it has remarkable carvings on it...I was told try NOT to clean it, It will loose it's value...

BE CAREFUL with yours!