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Waterproofing metals and woods

I am making an indoor water fountain. What metals are non-corrosive in water? Are there any coatings available to make corrosive metals not corrode? What coatings can I use on wood to make it not absorb watter?

Susie Hillon
student - St Petersburg, Florida, USA
2004

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You have to start somewhere, so there's nothing really 'wrong' with your question, Susie, but ...entire libraries are devoted to answering small pieces of your question :-)

A better approach would be to decide roughly what you'd like it to look like, then ask what materials and coatings you would need to get there. For example, stainless steel, bronze, copper, and chrome plated or plastisol covered metal are all corrosion resistant, whereas teak, cedar, pressure treated lumber, or spar varnished wood might work, but there are thousands of possibilities.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004