Summary for copper preservation Discussion
Copper preservation for a restoration business is discussed in terms of how to restore copper’s original luster and keep its color over time. Jake Koch advises starting with buffing wheels and compounds, then protecting the finish with clear lacquers. Ron Young adds that his book, *Contemporary Patination*, plus his website, workshop, and videos, provide extensive practical guidance on patinas and coatings. He says gloss or satin lacquers are the easiest and quickest anti-tarnish option, especially because they are easier to strip and redo later. He also notes that two-part catalyst coatings can work well but need more setup time and very thorough tool cleaning. Clear powder coating may be usable if the temperature is kept low enough to avoid changing the copper tone. He mentions PVD lifetime coating as another advanced option, describing it as a durable process, and encourages further study before starting the business.
Q. To people of Copper Know-How,
I am interested in starting a Copper Restoration Business, but need to know the best possible process to restoring the original luster, and maintaining the color of copper.
Can this be done? Will the process last over an extended period of time? What process would I use, and the cost of such process finish?
Thank you.
P.S. Any additional information on starting a Copper Restoration Business would be greatly appreciated…
Gary Dimitris
Copper restoration – Boyertown, Pennsylvania
2005
A. Hi Gary,
You will need to investigate buffing wheels and compounds along with clear lacquers.
Good luck
Jake Koch
G. J. Nikolas &Co.,Inc.
Bellwood, Illinois
2005
2005
A. There is lots of information in a book called
“Contemporary Patination” with loads of data and pictures.
Ron Young website will also give you great tips, and he is the author of the above mentioned book. Ron Young has a great workshop for about $350.00 and videos.
As far as Anti-Tarnish Coating, I use gloss or satin lacquers for the easiest and quickest application…and when it comes to re-doing
(which you also need to be ready for in this kind of business) lacquer is easiest to strip.
You could experiment with 2 part catalyst coating, really good, but requires lots some set up time and most important, thorough cleaning of tools used.
Clear powder coating works if the temp is lowered to not change color tone.
Now there an application called PVD Lifetime Coating. Parts are chrome plated and then placed in a PVD chamber-like application where copper is applied to the chrome and last as long as chrome plated part. Amazing stuff.
I love working with metal, so I wish you best of luck…
Alicia Moreno, La Kromadora
Escondido, San Diego No., California
“Clearcoats/Lacquers for Brass from G.J. Nikolas”