Reviving Copper Cookware: Re-Tinning Costs

Retinning copper pans can cost anywhere from $4 to $25 per inch, depending on the service and location. Some companies, like East Coast Tinning, charge a flat rate per measured inch, while others, like Rocky Mountain Retinning, charge based on the diameter and height of the pan. For example, a 12 x 2 skillet would cost around $70 to $96 to retinn at East Coast Tinning, but at Rocky Mountain Retinning, the same skillet would cost around $70.

There are also DIY methods for retinning copper pans, which can be done at home with supplies like pure tin, a heat source, and safety gear. However, it's important to note that DIY methods may not produce results as good as those of a professional retinner.

Commercial services charge $4-8 per inch

East Coast Tinning, a company that refurbishes copper pots and pans, charges $7 per measured inch for retinning and polishing. They also offer free inbound shipping, no matter how many pieces you send.

Another company, Rocky Mountain Retinning, charges $5 per inch but computes this by adding height to diameter. So, for example, a 12 x 2 skillet would cost $70 at Rocky Mountain, compared to $96 at East Coast Tinning or Atlantic Retinning, which both use the formula of diameter plus twice the height.

A third company, Pohaku, uses a different pricing formula and charges $3 per inch, adding twice the length of the side to the diameter. Using this formula, a 12 x 2 skillet with straight sides would cost around $48, and one with splayed sides would cost around $60.

It's worth noting that shipping can be a major part of the overall cost when using a commercial service, so it's important to factor that into your decision when choosing a company.

When considering whether to use a commercial service or attempt to re-tin your copper pan yourself, it's important to keep in mind the level of expertise and equipment required for the job. While it is possible to re-tin copper pans yourself, as evidenced by a step-by-step guide on Instructables, it requires a significant amount of time, effort, and specialised tools.

East Coast Tinning charges $7 per inch

East Coast Tinning is a company that refurbishes copper pots and pans by re-tinning the cooking surface with the traditional hand-wiped method. They charge $7 per measured inch for re-tinning and polishing, with free inbound shipping. This means that the cost of re-tinning a copper pan will depend on its size.

To calculate the price, East Coast Tinning uses the formula: measurement = height + height + diameter. For oval and rectangular pans, they should be measured the long way, and if the pot has a cover, simply add another diameter.

For example, let's consider a copper pan with a diameter of 12 inches and a height of 2 inches. Using the formula, we find that the measurement is 16 inches (2 x 2 inches for the height + 12 inches for the diameter). Since East Coast Tinning charges $7 per inch, the cost of re-tinning this pan would be $7 multiplied by 16 inches, which equals $112.

It's important to note that East Coast Tinning is not the only company that offers re-tinning services. There are other companies such as Atlantic Retinning, Rocky Mountain Retinning, and more that may provide similar services at different price points. It is always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before making a decision.

Additionally, while re-tinning can extend the life of a copper pan, it's important to properly care for the pan to maintain the new tin lining. This includes avoiding heating the pan empty, using wooden or plastic utensils, and not using high heat during cooking.

Rocky Mountain Retinning charges $5 per inch

Rocky Mountain Retinning, located in Denver, Colorado, is a great option for those looking to retinn their copper pans. With a price point of $5 per inch, they offer competitive pricing and are known for their excellent reputation and quality work.

Their pricing structure is based on the measurement of the pan, calculated by adding the height to the diameter. This means that a larger pan will have a higher cost for retinning. For example, a 12 x 2 skillet would be considered a larger pan and would cost $70 to retinn using Rocky Mountain Retinning's services.

In addition to their competitive pricing, Rocky Mountain Retinning also includes dent removal and polishing as part of their standard service. This is a significant advantage, as other retinners may charge extra for these services. It is worth noting that shipping costs can also add to the overall expense, so it is essential to consider this when deciding which retinning service to use.

Rocky Mountain Retinning has been in business since 1975 and is the only service in the United States that specializes in the restoration of copper tea kettles and molds. They have a strong reputation for their expertise and are trusted by many to handle their copper restoration needs. Their website offers a retinning calculator to help customers estimate the cost of their specific retinning project.

Overall, Rocky Mountain Retinning is a reliable and affordable option for those looking to retinn their copper pans. With their experience, attention to detail, and competitive pricing, they are a top choice for anyone in need of copper restoration services.

Atlantic Retinning charges $4 per inch

The process of retinning a copper pan involves repairing any dents and polishing the exterior copper to a shine. It is recommended that you retinn your copper pan when an area of copper the size of a quarter is exposed through the tin lining. This process can be done at home, but it is a complex and time-consuming process, and the results will not be as good as those of a professional.

When choosing a company to retinn your copper pan, it is important to thoroughly check the company's reputation. While there are many great retinners out there, there are also some that will lose your pan or return it in worse condition than it was sent. It is also important to note that tin melts at just over 450°F, so you should never heat a tinned copper pan without anything inside, and you should avoid using high heat.

DIY re-tinning is possible but requires many supplies

Retinning copper pans can be a costly affair, with professional services charging per inch. However, if you're feeling adventurous, you can attempt to re-tin your copper pan yourself. It is a challenging process that requires many supplies and a careful approach, but it can be a rewarding experience. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

DIY Re-tinning Supplies:

Before you begin, gather all the necessary supplies for the project:

• Distilled white vinegar
• Non-scratch sponge
• Fine steel wool/Brillo pad
• Bar Keepers Friend (a cleaning agent)
• Muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid)
• Flux (Stay Clean flux, Sal Ammoniac/Ammonium Chloride, or Ruby Fluid)
• Heat source (e.g. plumber's torch, propane turkey fryer, or a bunsen burner)
• Pure tin (at least 1 lb)
• Plumber's wad/wiping cloth (made from thick cotton cloth, fiberglass wadding, or sewn layers of old jeans)
• Safety gear: safety glasses, respirator mask, and heavy work gloves
• Silicone lids or a matching copper lid (optional)

Cleaning the Pan:

Start by cleaning your copper pan to remove any grime and patina. Soak the pan in a hot solution of water and vinegar for about half an hour. Then, use Bar Keepers Friend and a sponge to further clean the exterior. For the interior, scrub with fine steel wool or a Brillo pad until no more verdigris (green copper oxide) is visible.

Optional Degreasing (Pickling):

If your pan has a lot of carbon build-up, grease, or remaining dull tin, you can perform an optional acid pickle to degrease it. Fill a plastic container (like a 5-gallon paint bucket) with water and add a bottle of muriatic acid. Always pour the acid into the water, never the other way around, for safety. Dip the pan into the acid solution and let it soak for about an hour. Rinse the pan afterward, and if needed, give it a final scrub with fine steel wool to ensure all copper spots are clean.

Tinning the Pan:

Coat the inside of your pan with your chosen flux. This helps the tin stick to the copper. You can skip this step if you want, but be careful to avoid dripping tin on the outside of the pan. Pre-heating your copper pan in an oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit can help the tin flow more easily, but this is also optional.

Now, it's time to melt the tin. Put on your safety gear, including long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, a respirator, eye protection, and leather gloves. Bring your fluxed pan outdoors and place it on a heat source such as a propane turkey fryer set to medium heat. Heat the pan until it reaches around 456 degrees Fahrenheit, at which point the tin will melt and turn liquid.

Swirl the molten tin around and use your plumber's wad/wiping cloth to rub it on the inside of the pan. Be careful not to burn the cloth, as it may prevent the tin from bonding. You may need to heat the sides of the pan separately, as well as the area where the handle meets the pot, as these areas can act as heat sinks.

Post-Tinning Care:

Once you've successfully coated the inside of your pan with tin, there are a few care instructions to keep in mind:

• Never heat the tinned copper pan when it's empty. Always have water, vegetables, or some other substance inside before placing it on the heat.
• Avoid using high heat. Copper pans are ideal for simmering and sautéing, but for high-heat searing, cast iron is a better option.
• Use wooden or plastic utensils to avoid scratching the tin lining. Tin is a soft metal, and metal utensils will scratch it more quickly.

Maintaining Shine:

To maintain the shine on the exterior of your copper pan, use Bar Keeper's Friend and a sponge to remove any tarnish. For the interior, you can use Wright's Silver Cream to restore the shimmering silver appearance of the tin lining as it will dull over time due to oxidation.

When to Re-tin:

Finally, keep in mind that with regular use, the tin lining may start wearing thin after several years. If you notice an area of bare copper larger than the size of a quarter showing through, it's time to re-tin your copper pan.

Final Thoughts:

Retinning a copper pan yourself can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It requires many supplies and careful execution, but it can bring old copper pans back to life, saving you money and giving you a high-quality cooking tool for years to come.

Frequently asked questions