About Copper Backsplashes

A copper backsplash provides a warm, natural ambience to any kitchen where it is installed. In addition to making it brighter and appear more roomy, it also offers a sleek, shiny backdrop for your kitchen activities. Aside from stainless steel, copper backsplash is one of the most popular metal back splashes available on the market today.

Types

A copper backsplash is commonly just a sheet of malleable copper metal that can easily be installed as a backsplash. These copper sheets typically come in custom sizes of up to 8-by-3 feet in size and is priced by the foot. This sheeting can be trimmed to fit for installation. Copper tiles are a relatively new product that can be used to create a copper backsplash. A key benefit of copper tiles is the lower cost as well as the versatility to create custom designs.

Finishes

A copper backsplash comes in a number of finishes, including hammered, textured, brushed and embossed. These finishes are crafted into the metal using a machine, but you can save money on a hammered finish by purchasing a plain copper sheet and using a ball peen hammer to create the same effect.

Installation

A copper backsplash may be installed using a process very similar to that of installing roof flashing. Alternatively, the copper sheet may be glued or laminated to a backer board such as plywood, sheetrock or particleboard, which is then installed. A copper backsplash is never attached using nails or screws but rather using copper liquid nails or an adhesive mounting caulk that is specially formulated for metals.

Patina

Copper naturally and continuously oxidizes when exposed to air and moisture. This causes it to tarnish and develop a greenish patina. Some homeowners love the look of this patina for its rustic, aesthetic appeal and the character it gains. To preserve the copper's warm, lustrous mirror-like finish, multiple coats of lacquer may be applied to protect it from exposure. This lacquer also serves to deter fingerprints and smudging and eliminates the need for continual, intensive maintenance.

Gauge

Copper backsplashes come in a range of gauges (thicknesses). The particular gauge that you can select for your backsplash will be determined by the particular application you intend for it. For residential use that you will self-install, a thinner gauge is your best choice because this will be easier to trim with metal shears, as well as mould around edges and corners. On the other hand, it will not hide imperfections or withstand denting quite as well as a thicker gauge. Keep in mind that the larger the number, the thinner the gauge, for example, a 16-gauge copper sheet is thicker than a 32-guage copper sheet.