Glass Care
The Copper's Workshop
Tips and tricks on how to, and how not to, care for your glass art pieces.
When to clean your shiny
Your shiny should need cleaning infrequently. The Copper estimates that you only really need to clean it if something gets on it, or it is dusty enough to bother you.
In The Copper's estimation, this shouldn't happen more than once a year, usually.
How to get fingerprints off your shiny
For fingerprints and light smudging, a dry microfiber cloth can be used to gently rub the glass (use circular motions!).
If you get something on your shiny
For more serious messes, The Copper recommends using a glass cleaner that is free from ammonia or vinegar.
For the record, popular blue glass cleaners do contain ammonia and should be avoided. Such cleaners can be used in a pinch, but repeated use may break down the materials holding your shiny together, risking it falling apart.
Shiny maintenance
Every three to six months, your shiny may need to be polished. The Copper recommends Carnauba Wax, but there are other stained glass polishes on the market.
Polishing your shiny with wax not only keeps it looking great, but also keeps it healthy! It prevents molding and tarnishing as well as keeping the patina and solder in good shape.
Proper shiny handling
Don't. Just kidding!
Ideally, it really is best to avoid handling it as much as possible. When you have to, try to hold onto something other than the shiny itself like any ribbon, chain, or line attached to it, if it has one.
That isn't always possible, though, so if you're going to handle your shiny, you're best off touching metal rather than glass, and try to wash your hands just before handling your shiny to prevent oils from your hands transferring to your shiny.
Storing your shiny
Are you saying you won't be showing off your shiny at all times, forever?
Just kidding again. When you need to store your shiny, The Copper suggests keeping it nestled into the foam it was shipped in, and putting that into a container with solid sides like a box or bin. Ideally, store it on a flat surface, and avoid storing with anything too heavy that might compact the foam and damage your shiny.
Anything else
If you have a question not listed here, try heading over to our F.A.Q. If you don't see it there, use our Contact The Copper form to send a message right to the artist herself!