How to Remove the Protective Coating From Copper Pans

Mix 1 tbsp of baking soda for each quart of water in a large stockpot or pot large enough to contain your copper pan. Bring the baking soda-water solution to a boil.

Place your copper pan in the large pot of boiling water for 15 minutes. If your copper pan cannot fit into the pot, dip half of the copper pan into the pot. Allow the copper pan to boil in the water for 15 minutes. Rotate the other half of the pan into the boiling water and baking soda for an additional 15 minutes, using tongs.

Remove the copper pan from the boiling water. You will see the lacquer coating peeling off.

Wash the copper pan using hot water. If you notice any lacquer coating still stuck on the pan, saturate cotton balls with acetone nail polish remover, then remove the remaining coating with the cotton.