Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Best way to keep original colour and finish of copper in harsh conditions

2006

I am in the business of stainless steel, brass and copper fabrication. We are located in Dubai, UAE.
In one of our projects, copper sheets are to be used to clad certain parts of an outdoor fountain. In some parts, water splashes on copper cladding and in some other parts, water flows over it. The fountain water will be having salt content.
The client wants the copper cladding to have original copper colour for years.
What is the best process to keep the original colour of copper in this type of conditions.

Reji Jose

Try Everbrite [a finishing.com supporting advertiser] coating.Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija

2006

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2006

Dear Reji

20 microns of clearcoat will do a lot for you.

regards,

Qutub Saify

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Hello Reji,

You could spray an ordinary exterior clear lacquer on the fountain, but you will be hearing complaints from your client within six months.

I have seen urethanes and epoxies used in these applications, but they do not last years, especially in salt water situations.

You will need to explain to your customer that the best way to keep the copper in its original condition is only if it is maintained correctly, which means someone is going to have to strip the coating off when it begins to fail, polish the copper, and then reapply another coating.

Jake Koch
G. J. Nikolas &Co.,Inc.

Bellwood, Illinois

2006