Tiffany Haney
Retinning copper pans is a common practice, as tin is a relatively soft metal that wears away over time, exposing the copper beneath. The process involves removing the old tin layer, preparing the raw copper surface, and applying a new coat of tin. This can be done through a professional service or as a DIY project, with the former ensuring better results. The cost of professional retinning varies based on the size of the cookware, with additional charges for polishing. While it is possible to retinn copper pans yourself, it is important to exercise caution when working with acids and high temperatures.
Retinning a Tin-Coated Copper Pan
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide a new cooking surface by recoating with a thick layer of fresh tin |
| When to Retin | When an area of copper the size of a quarter is showing through the tin |
| Frequency | Every 10-20 years, depending on usage |
| Process | The old tin is removed, and the raw copper is prepared to accept new tin. Acid flux is applied to help the tin adhere to the copper when heated. The outer surfaces are protected with whiting to prevent the hot tin from sticking. The pot is heated to approximately 450 degrees Fahrenheit, the melting point of tin. Molten tin is then ladled into the pot and swirled to coat the desired surfaces. Excess tin is wiped away, and the pot is allowed to cool naturally. |
| Cost | $7.00 per inch for items under 18 inches in total size. $10.00 per inch for larger items. |
| DIY | Possible, but challenging. Requires muriatic acid, flux, and pure tin. |
| Utensils | Only use wooden or silicone utensils to avoid scratching the soft tin surface. |
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What You'll Learn
The benefits of retinning a copper pan
Copper pans are desirable because copper conducts heat beautifully. However, copper is reactive, and in large enough doses, toxic. For this reason, copper pans are lined with another type of metal, often tin. Tin is a relatively soft metal, and over time, the tin lining wears away, exposing the copper beneath. When an area of copper the size of a quarter is showing through the tin, it is time for a retinning.
Retinning a copper pan involves providing a new cooking surface by recoating it with a thick layer of fresh tin. This results in a surface that will provide years of safe service. The process of retinning starts by removing the old tin from the cookware and preparing the raw copper to accept new tin. The surfaces are then covered with an acid flux, which helps the tin adhere to the copper when heated. The outer surfaces of the pot are protected with whiting to prevent the hot tin from accidentally sticking to the outside of the pot. The pot is then heated to approximately 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the melting point of tin. Pure molten tin is then ladled into the pot and swirled around to coat the desired surfaces. The excess tin is wiped up with a flux-coated cotton cloth, and the pot is allowed to cool naturally.
Retinning a copper pan can be done by hand, which results in a much thicker layer of tin than electroplating methods. While it is possible to do this yourself, it is recommended to go to a professional tinner, as your results will likely be better.
Retinning a copper pan allows you to continue to enjoy the benefits of cooking with copper without the health risks associated with copper exposure.
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How to identify if a copper pan needs to be retinned
Copper pans are lined with tin for cooking because copper is toxic in the liver when consumed in large quantities. The tin lining, however, wears away over time, exposing the copper. When this happens, the pan needs to be retinned.
The standard rule of thumb is that when you can see an area of copper that is the size of a quarter, the pan should be retinned. Some sources suggest that the pan is still safe to use unless the blister has broken through to reveal copper. However, if you notice any cracks or flakes, it is best to retin the pan.
You can attempt to retin the pan yourself by first removing the old tin and preparing the raw copper to accept new tin. The pan is then coated with an acid flux, which helps the tin adhere to the copper when heated. The outer surfaces of the pot are protected with whiting to prevent the hot tin from accidentally sticking to the outside of the pot. The pot is then heated to approximately 450 degrees Fahrenheit (the melting point of tin), and pure molten tin is ladled into the pot and swirled around to coat the desired surfaces.
Alternatively, you can send your copper pan to companies such as East Coast Tinning or Rocky Mountain Retinning to have it retinned for you.
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DIY methods for retinning a copper pan
Retinning copper cookware involves recoating it with a thick layer of fresh tin to provide a new cooking surface. This process should occur every 10 to 20 years, depending on usage. When an area of copper the size of a quarter is visible through the tin, it is time for a retinning.
Prepare the Copper Pan
Before retinning, the copper pan must be prepared. Soak the pan in a diluted acid solution for several hours to remove any carbon build-up, grease, or remaining tin. This solution can be made by mixing water with muriatic acid or sodium hydrochloride. Always pour the acid into the water, never the other way around. Ensure you are wearing protective gloves and eye protection when handling acid. After soaking, scrub the pan with a mild abrasive or wire brush to remove any remaining residue. If the interior of the pan is still oxidized, use sandpaper or a metal stripper to remove it. Finally, wash the pan with water.
Apply the Tin Coating
Coat the inside of the pan with a flux of your choice. Heat the pan to approximately 450 degrees Fahrenheit, the melting point of tin. Use a heat source that can provide even heating, such as a blow torch. Be cautious when applying heat around the handle, as it may require additional heat due to acting as a heat sink. Once the desired areas have been heated, ladle pure molten tin into the pan and swirl it around to coat the surfaces. Allow the pan to cool naturally, and wipe away any excess tin with a flux-coated cotton cloth.
Alternative Methods
Some alternative methods for retinning copper pans include using a mixture of salt, white vinegar, and flour to create a thin paste. After washing the pan, apply the paste with a moist paper towel and wipe it on the copper for about 30 seconds before washing it off with warm soapy water. Ensure the pan is dried well to prevent water spots.
Another method is to use a product like Bar Keeper's Friend and a sponge to clean the exterior of the pan. For the interior, use a Brillo pad or fine steel wool to scrub until any verdigris (green copper oxide) is removed. This method may require an additional soak in an acid solution to degrease the pan and remove any remaining residue.
Please note that DIY retinning methods may not produce the same results as professional services, but they can be a fun and cost-effective way to restore your copper pans. Always exercise caution when working with potentially dangerous materials and tools.
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Professional retinning services
Retinning copper cookware involves recoating it with a thick layer of fresh tin to provide a new cooking surface. This process can be done by hand or through electroplating, with the hand-wiped method resulting in a much thicker layer of tin. Professional retinning services, such as East Coast Tinning and Rocky Mountain Retinning, specialize in restoring copper cookware to its former glory. These services take great care in handling and refurbishing copper pots and pans, ensuring customer satisfaction.
The process of retinning typically begins with removing the old tin from the cookware and preparing the raw copper to accept new tin. This can be done using an acid flux, which helps the new tin adhere to the copper when heated. The acid flux also serves to clean the copper, removing any leftover carbon buildup, grease, and dull tin. After the old tin has been removed, the pot is rinsed and scrubbed to ensure a smooth surface for the new tin coating.
To protect the exterior of the pot during the retinning process, a layer of whiting is applied to prevent the hot tin from accidentally sticking. The pot is then heated to approximately 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the melting point of tin. Pure molten tin is ladled into the pot and swirled around to coat the desired surfaces. Any excess tin is carefully wiped up with a flux-coated cotton cloth, and the pot is allowed to cool naturally.
In addition to retinning, professional services may also offer copper polishing and dent repair. These services ensure that the exterior of the copper cookware is just as shiny and pristine as the newly retinned interior. The cost of retinning services may vary depending on the size and condition of the cookware, as well as the current market price of tin. However, these services are known for their attention to detail and craftsmanship, resulting in high-quality and long-lasting tin linings.
Overall, professional retinning services offer a convenient and reliable option for those seeking to restore their copper cookware. With their expertise and specialized techniques, these services can bring new life to old copper pots and pans, ensuring years of safe and enjoyable cooking.
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The cost of retinning a copper pan
While it is possible to retinn a copper pan yourself, it is a complex process that requires the use of acids and molten tin, which can be dangerous if not handled properly. The traditional hand-wiped method used by professional services like East Coast Tinning and Rocky Mountain Retinning is difficult to replicate, but it results in a much thicker layer of tin than electroplating methods.
If you choose to retinn your copper pan yourself, you will need to purchase the necessary materials, including flux, whiting, and pure grained tin. You will also need to ensure that you have the proper safety equipment, such as gloves and eye protection, when working with acids.
The first step in the retinning process is to remove the old tin from the cookware and prepare the raw copper surface. This can be done by using an acid flux to eat away at the old tin and any carbon build-up or grease. The pot is then rinsed and scrubbed to remove any loose bits. The inside of the pot is then coated with flux, and the outer surfaces are protected with whiting to prevent the hot tin from sticking.
The pot is then heated to approximately 450 degrees Fahrenheit, the melting point of tin. Pure molten tin is ladled into the pot and swirled around to coat the desired surfaces. The excess tin is wiped up with a flux-coated cotton cloth, and the pot is allowed to cool naturally. It is important to note that the handle of the pot will require additional heat, as it acts as a heat sink.
Overall, while it is possible to retinn a copper pan yourself, it may be more cost-effective and safer to use a professional service, especially if you do not have experience working with acids and molten metal.
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Frequently asked questions
Retinning is the process of recoating a copper pan with a thick layer of fresh tin to provide a new cooking surface.
Over time, the tin lining of a copper pan will wear away, exposing the copper beneath. Retinning your pan will give it a new cooking surface and provide years of safe service.
As a general rule of thumb, when an area of copper the size of a quarter is showing through the tin, it is time to retin your copper pan.
The frequency of retinning will depend on how often you use your copper pan and how well you care for it. However, with proper care, a copper pan can last a lifetime.
Yes, it is possible to retin a tin-coated copper pan yourself. However, your results will likely not be as good as if you had it done by a professional. If you choose to do it yourself, be very careful as the process involves using dangerous chemicals and high temperatures.
