Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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How to keep copper plating on bronze shiny?

I contacted some commercial plating shops asking if they can copper plate on bronze. Most said they could do it, but said that the copper oxidizes or turns black after a few days or weeks depending on atmospheric conditions. I have however seen copper plated bronze that does not discolor (indoors at least) and keeps its bright pink/orange shine. I do know that it is a copper cyanide process and it is not a lacquer coating. Does anyone have ideas on how to maintain the color & shine? Is it a pre treatment or post treatment? Is it in the drying process?

Thanks,

Dhananjay Joshi
design engineers - Baton Rouge, Louisiana
2003

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The problem is that copper oxidizes because copper is copper. If you don't want to apply a lacquer or clear coat, and you want to just leave the surface as copper, it is going to corrode. For indoor exposure, however, periodic application of a corrosion inhibitor like benzotriazole [on eBay or Amazon] might suffice.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

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April 13, 2011

Just got new copper-bottomed stainless steel saucepans.
The copper is dulling so questioning whether or not to hang on the wall.
Is there a solution?

John Martin
- Bristol, United Kingdom

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Hi, John. You can't lacquer something that's going on the stovetop. You need to polish it after using, with something like Revere Copper and Stainless Polish.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
April 13, 2011