A handpan is made of steel: it dislikes moisture, sweat and knocks. A few simple habits are enough to keep it beautiful and in tune for years.
After each session
Wipe the surface with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. The sweat on your hands contains salt: left on the steel, it ends up forming small rust spots.
Protective oil
Every two to four weeks, or more often if you play a lot or in a humid place, apply a thin layer of handpan protective oil with a cloth. Leave it for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess: the surface should be protected, not greasy.
Storage
- Store it dry, in its bag, never directly on the floor of a cellar or garage.
- Avoid heat: a car in the sun, a radiator, a beach at midday.
- After going from cold to warm, leave it in its bag while it warms up, to avoid condensation.
- For travelling, a hard case protects against knocks much better than a soft bag.
Playing without damaging it
Play with your fingers and palms, without rings or bracelets, and never with hard sticks. There's no need to hit hard: a handpan responds to light touches, and a blow that is too strong can detune a note.
What if a rust spot appears?
Don't rub it with an abrasive product, you would damage the finish. Write to us with a photo: we'll explain what to do for your model.
