How To Clean and Polish Copper Rain Chain Products

August 07, 2025

How to Remove Patina from Copper Rain Chain Products

While many homeowners love the authentic, aged look of copper patina, others prefer the shiny appearance of pure copper.

If you prefer to keep your copper products looking shiny and new, good news: restoring copper to its original finish is possible with a little elbow grease and the right materials.


Why Remove Patina?


The patina process is entirely natural and doesn’t harm the structure of your copper rain chain or accessories. In fact, it can protect the metal underneath. However, if you prefer a clean and polished look, removing the patina is a simple, though sometimes time-consuming process.

Because this is a tedious and time consuming process, we recommend sticking with the natural patina process for its architectural advantage.

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The Best Way to Clean Copper Rain Chains and Accessories

To clean copper rain chains and remove buildup, we recommend using specially formulated store-bought products. Below, we've listed a couple cleaners that we've personally tested. You can find these at your local hardware or convenience stores. There are also many other copper polish brands available on the market that you can try. 


Kleen King Stainless and Copper Cleaner

This powder-based cleaner works quickly and effectively to restore the shine on your copper products. Just follow the instructions on the label, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a soft cloth.

Brasso Copper Polish

A longtime favorite, Brasso is a liquid polish that can bring a bright shine back to your copper. It's easy to use with a clean cloth or sponge and provides a lasting finish with regular use.

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Can You Prevent Patina Altogether?

Some customers have tried using a clear lacquer coating to preserve the polished look of copper and prevent patina from forming. While this may work temporarily, we generally don’t recommend it. Lacquer coatings tend to wear down over time, especially when exposed to outdoor weather, meaning they’ll require frequent re-application to remain effective. For most, the effort isn’t worth the upkeep.