Summary for clear coating for brass Discussion
clear coating for brass mailbox numbers is the core issue here: Syamal Bhattacharya says he makes 2" and 3" brass numbers for curbside mailboxes and currently lacquers them, but worries the finish will tarnish after a few years and wants a clear coating that will protect against weather for life. S C Khakhar asks whether a solution has been found and notes a similar corrosion-protection problem on brass components, though he says his shop currently uses nickel plating and is seeking cheaper options. Asif Nurie recommends a custom clear powder coat, saying it will be far more durable than lacquer, though not as inexpensive. Norm Stavin says the state-of-the-art option is PVD vacuum deposition, used on faucets with a clear ceramic-type coating and lifetime indoor corrosion guarantees, but he cautions it may be too expensive for this product. Another reply also favors a good clear powder coat for outdoor durability.
Q. I manufacture 2″ and 3″ brass numbers. I lacquer finish them. These brass numbers are used on curbside mailboxes. In my view lacquer finish may tarnish after a few years. I would like to know what ‘clear coating” I can use for lifetime protection against tarnishing due to weather.
Syamal Bhattacharya
Brass Numbers – Kingwood, Texas
A. Have you found a way which solves your problem? I have a similar task of ensuring brass components have improved corrosion properties. Currently we nickel plate our components, however we are looking for cheaper alternatives.
S C Khakhar
– Saffron, Walden, UK
2004
A. Why not find a custom powder coater for the job? It won’t be as inexpensive as your own lacquer, but it will be much more durable. There are some fantastic clear powders on the market. They will do a good job for you.
Daryl Spindler, CEF
decorative nickel-chrome plating – Greenbrier, Tennessee
Gentlemen
It is entirely possible to clear coat Ni plated Brass threads:
These options may merit consideration,
1) Clear Electrophoretic Coating.
2) Spray Lacquer coats such as PU/ Mixed PU acrylic and many other combinations
On the second issue of costs, please observe that brass is not exactly cheap, and if you need protection consider spending at least 5 to 8 percent of the material cost on the coating system. After all its the Finish that gets the product attention and sales. And assures post sale life.
Regards,
Asif Nurie [deceased]
– New Delhi, India
With deep sadness we acknowledge the passing of Asif on Jan 24, 2016
A. The state of the art way (however you would have to contract out) is : PVD . It is a method of vacuum deposition often used in the plumbing world to coat faucets with a clear ceramic type coating.Those always have a lifetime guarantee against corrosion in an indoor environment.
Norm Stavin
– Amagansett, New York
Your product doesn’t sound like something that will afford very expensive finishing like vacuum deposition. I bet a good clear powder coating would do the trick. Powder clearcoats are used on wheels and other outdoor applications, and they are HARD.
Jeff Watson
– Pearland, Texas
DEAR BHATTACHARYA
Sounds that your product is for outdoor use. The cheap & best will be Clear Pure Polyester powder coating. You can find a job coater who can do for you or you can install the unit if the volume permits. Alternatively there are propritory clear electrodeposition lacquers are available but they may be expensive.
PRABHAKAR GUPTA
– Kanpur, U.P., India
Faded siding or trim? Everbrite might fix it without repainting
