Re-Tinning
We re-tin copper pans with pure food-safe tin so they can be used safely for cooking again.
We restore the tin lining on copper pots, pans, and cookware that has worn through or damaged over time. When the tin wears thin, copper can react with food and shouldn't be used for cooking. Our re-tinning service applies a fresh layer of pure, food-safe tin to the cooking surface, bringing your copper back to safe, usable condition. The process includes removing the old tin, repairing any dents, preparing the copper surface properly, applying new tin, and polishing the exterior. Whether it's vintage French copper, inherited cookware, or high-end pans used by chefs, we restore them to working condition. The Stevenson family has re-tinned copper cookware since 1962, working for home cooks, professional chefs, and collectors across London and the UK who understand the value of proper copper pans.
Why Cooks and Chefs Trust Us for Re-Tinning
Re-tinning copper cookware requires proper technique to create a food-safe, lasting surface. We've been doing this for over 60 years, restoring copper for home kitchens and professional chefs.
Over 60 years of experience re-tinning copper cookware
Pure, food-safe tin used for all re-lining work
Dent repair and exterior polishing included
We work on vintage French copper, antique pans, and modern cookware
Careful handling of valuable and collectable copper
Experience with pots, pans, saucepans, and speciality copper pieces
Clear pricing based on size and condition
How We Re-Tin Copper Cookware
Re-tinning involves more than just applying new tin. The surface must be prepared properly, and the copper needs attention too. Here's our process.
Remove Old Tin
The worn tin lining gets stripped away completely, exposing the bare copper underneath. This creates a clean surface for the new tin to bond to.
Repair Dents
Any dents in the copper body get worked out. Dented pans don't sit flat on the heat and affect cooking performance, so we straighten them properly.
Prepare the Copper
The bare copper surface is cleaned and prepared so the new tin bonds correctly. This step matters for a lasting, food-safe finish.
Apply New Tin
Pure, food-safe tin is applied to the cooking surface. The tin creates a protective barrier between the copper and your food.
Polish the Exterior
The outside of the pan gets polished to restore the copper's shine. Well-maintained copper not only cooks better but looks right too.
Final Check
Every pan is checked to ensure the tin lining is even, complete, and food-safe before it leaves.
Most re-tinning work takes 2 to 3 weeks. Larger collections or pans needing significant repair take longer.
Types of Copper Cookware We Re-Tin
We re-tin all kinds of copper pots, pans, and cookware. If it's copper and needs a new tin lining, we can restore it.
Pots and Saucepans Copper saucepans, stock pots, casseroles, Dutch ovens, soup pots, and cooking pots of all sizes.
Frying Pans and Skillets Copper frying pans, sauté pans, skillets, omelette pans, and crepe pans.
Speciality Cookware Copper roasting pans, gratin dishes, preserving pans, jam pans, sugar pots, and speciality cooking vessels.
Vintage and Antique Copper French vintage copper, antique copper cookware, inherited family pans, and collectable copper that needs bringing back to usable condition.
Professional Cookware Chef-quality copper used in professional kitchens, restaurant copper, and high-end cookware that sees heavy use.
We work on copper from all makers and periods, from modern pans to Victorian copper that's been passed down through families.
Who Uses Our Re-Tinning Service
Home cooks, professional chefs, and collectors bring us copper cookware that needs re-tinning to be safe and usable again.
Home Cooks Maintaining copper cookware collections, restoring inherited family pans, and keeping favourite copper pots in working condition.
Professional Chefs Restaurant copper that's worn through from daily use, high-end cookware needing maintenance, and professional kitchen equipment.
Collectors Vintage French copper enthusiasts, antique cookware collectors, and people who appreciate proper copper and want to keep it usable.
Anyone with Copper Cookware That's worn through to bare copper, showing pink spots through the tin, or needs restoring to safe cooking condition.
What Does Re-Tinning Cost
Pricing depends on the size of the pan and how much work is needed. Small saucepans cost less than large stock pots. Pans needing dent repair or significant restoration cost more due to the extra work.
Send clear photos showing the inside (tin condition), outside (copper condition), any dents or damage, and the approximate size. We'll give you a quote based on that.
Most re-tinning takes 2 to 3 weeks. Collections of multiple pans may take longer. We'll confirm timings when we quote.
Sending Copper Cookware to Us
Customers across the UK send us copper pans safely for re-tinning. Here's how to pack and post properly.
Pack Securely Copper is heavy and can be damaged if not packed well. Wrap each pan separately in bubble wrap. Use a strong box with plenty of padding. Handles shouldn't stick out or press against the box sides.
Use Tracking Always send tracked. Royal Mail or a courier works well. Insurance is optional but recommended for valuable vintage copper.
Include Details Put your name, phone, email, and return address inside the box. If you know anything about the copper (French vintage, family heirloom, etc.), include that.
What Happens We confirm receipt immediately. You'll get an assessment and quote. Updates during restoration. Secure return delivery when finished.
Our Address Stevenson Platers 34 Woodgrange Avenue Harrow London HA3 0XD
Questions About Re-Tinning Copper Cookware
Here are the questions home cooks, chefs, and collectors ask us most often about re-tinning copper pans.
How do I know if my copper pan needs re-tinning?
If you can see pink copper showing through the tin on the cooking surface, the tin has worn too thin. Small worn spots can still be used carefully, but once larger areas of copper are exposed, the pan should be re-tinned before further use. Cooking with worn tin allows copper to react with acidic foods.
Is the tin you use food-safe?
Yes. We use pure, food-safe tin for all re-lining work. The tin creates a protective barrier between the copper and your food, making the pan safe for all types of cooking.
How long does a tin lining last?
It depends on use. Home cooks get many years from a tin lining. Professional kitchens with daily heavy use wear through tin faster. Proper care helps tin last longer. Avoid metal utensils and high heat with empty pans to protect the lining.
Can you re-tin very old or antique copper cookware?
Yes. We regularly re-tin Victorian copper, vintage French cookware, and antique pieces that have been passed down through families. Age doesn't prevent re-tinning as long as the copper itself is in reasonable condition.
Do you repair dents as part of re-tinning?
Yes. Dent repair is included in our re-tinning service. Dented pans don't sit flat and affect cooking performance, so we work them back into shape as part of the restoration.
Can copper pans with stainless steel linings be re-tinned instead?
No. Pans originally lined with stainless steel can't be re-tinned. The stainless lining is permanent and bonded to the copper. We only re-tin pans that were originally tin-lined.
Will re-tinning affect the value of vintage or collectable copper?
Not usually. Copper cookware is meant to be used, and worn tin needs replacing to keep pans functional. Re-tinning maintains the usability and value of vintage copper. Collectors and users both expect tin-lined copper to be re-tinned periodically throughout its life.
Can you re-tin copper jam pans and preserving pans?
Yes. Copper preserving pans, jam pans, and sugar pots can be re-tinned. These pans often have wider, shallower shapes but the process is the same. Fresh tin makes them safe for making preserves and jams again.
Can I drop copper pans off in person?
Yes. We're in Harrow, London. Bringing copper directly works well, especially for collections or valuable vintage pieces. We can assess them in person and discuss the work needed. Call 07391 007 123 first to arrange a time.
How should I care for copper after re-tinning?
Use wooden or silicone utensils to avoid scratching the tin. Don't overheat empty pans as tin can melt at high temperatures. Hand wash rather than using a dishwasher. Dry thoroughly after washing. With proper care, your tin lining will last for years of regular cooking.
Get Your Free Quote
Send photos of the inside showing the tin condition, the outside showing the copper, any dents or damage, and tell us the approximate size. We'll give you a quote for re-tinning.
Re-Tinning Copper Cookware Across London and the UK
We've re-tinned copper pots, pans, and cookware for home cooks, chefs, and collectors across London and the UK since 1962. Based in Harrow, we're here to restore your copper to safe, usable condition. Visit us or send pans by post with tracking.
Pricing depends on the size of the pan and how much work is needed. Small saucepans cost less than large stock pots. Pans needing dent repair or significant restoration cost more due to the extra work.