Our products made with CuVerro® antimicrobial copper will patina over time and with use. The copper's surface will not lose its bacteria-killing* properties and will not turn green.
What is Patina
Patina is a chemical reaction when untreated metal is exposed to the elements over time. The copper's surface will change color from oxidation and exposure to water and oils from our hands while handling the product.
Common misconceptions are that the copper will turn green and stop working. Our copper alloy has other elements mixed into the copper to prevent this issue. The pen should patina within a few weeks of use and will settle into its natural state in two to three months.
The patina will not affect the bactericidal properties of the copper's surface, and we believe the patina look adds character. We build functional tools to kill harmful bacteria; they should show use. To us, patina means our tools are being used and are doing their primary intended function. Patina has become so popular that it has become an interior design on higher-end cabinetry and door handles.
Proper Cleaning
The use of antimicrobial copper surfaces is a supplement to, but not a substitute for routine cleaning of the product. Everyday items that can be used to clean our tools include:
- Alcohols - not corrosive to copper alloys, but not active against all microbes.
- Bleaches - containing chlorine or with the active ingredient sodium hypocrite; the solution is not corrosive to copper alloys when used correctly.
- Quaternary ammonium – such compounds do not damage copper alloys.
- Ammonium chloride - is of little concern for copper when used in normal dilute formulations.
- Phenol and ammonia - are rarely used organic chemicals and are not harmful to copper.
- We do not recommend metal polishes, as they can leave a film after use and interfere with the antimicrobial properties.