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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 Cattaneo
Student - Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A
2004

Incralac
(brass lacquer with benzotriazole)

on eBay or

Amazon

(affil links)

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 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.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004

adv.

"Clearcoats/Lacquers for Brass from G.J. Nikolas"

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