TIPS ABOUT HOW TO CARE FOR METAL:
ALLOW NATURAL PATINA: Brass, copper and sterling (like most metals) will
oxidize when exposed to air. The current trend is to allow patinas (formerly
known as "tarnish") to develop over time. We have decided to take this
"natural" approach with many of Joe's outdoor as well as some indoor pieces.
Brass turns into a warm golden brown, and copper turns into a soft green
verdigris. Neither will rust due to the absence of iron. Also, there is no lead in
anything Joe makes; therefore everything is totally safe to be used with food.
POLISHING: Particularly with serving pieces and the sterling, a little bit of care
will maintain the brilliance of freshly crafted work. Wash in warm soapy water
and towel dry as soon as practical after use. Lightly finish with any high quality
metal polish. We prefer "Nevr-Dull" (a cotton wadding impregnated with polish
in a can, available almost anywhere automotive or hardware products are sold).
Wipe any remaining polish off with a soft cotton cloth; flannel works great. To
easily prevent extra maintenance, particularly for our gallery owners who leave
Joe's work out to be handled by customers, wipe off fingerprints before they
have time to discolor bare metal. Avoid prolonged contact with highly acidic
food (because acid slowly eats metal). Coating with paste wax will slow down
the oxidation process and can be easily removed with rubbing alcohol before
using to serve food. Always rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
In unusual cases but if needed, a vinegar bath may also be used.
VINEGAR BATH: Completely cover the piece in a plastic or glass container
with inexpensive white distilled vinegar. (Partial covering will etch a line into the
metal). After a few minutes (but you can leave it in the vinegar for quite awhile
wihout hurting the metal) rinse, dry with a soft cloth, then lightly finish with
polish. Pour vinegar back into the container and label it "metal" for later re-use.