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-----Want Copper Waterfall to Stay Copper Colored
Q. I am planning to build a copper waterfall My question is what are the long term effects of water on the surface of the copper and what color can I expect the surface to evolve to. I would like the surface to maintain a copper color or dark appearance. I fear it might turn green I will be using purified water in this element. Thank you for any support on this matter.....
Lindy CattaneoStudent - Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A
2004
A. Hi Lindy. I think your fears are justified. Copper which is exposed to the elements usually turns green. I believe the green patina is a copper carbonate ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] resulting from exposure to the air, but mine is a simple observation rather than a real chemical explanation. Lacquering or clear coating it is probably the only way to keep the color from changing. Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
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2004
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