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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 link)

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.
Striving to live Aloha
(Ted can offer longterm or instant help)
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004

adv.

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

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