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How to repair damaged copper tub

1. Is it possible/practical to attempt powder coating in a home shop?

2. I mistakenly used a power circular steel wire brush to get out some stains on a copper tub. This has "discolored" the copper in places (I suspect bits of steel impregnated into the copper). I have tried to remove the discoloration with rubbing compound, buffing, etc, and then prepped again with a commercial alkaline solution, but the splotches are still there.

Any suggestions?

Patrick Laughlin
- Cascade, Idaho
2002

I bet the tub is copper plated steel. Try a magnet on it, I bet it attracts. You've simply buffed through the copper.

George Brackett III
- Utica, New York
2002

Hi, Patrick. The principal advantage of powder coating is environmental: the plastic powder is melted onto the parts rather than requiring any solvents.

There are simple consumer style powder coating kits available.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 11, 2008

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