Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Patinating copper plating

Greetings,

Will copper plated objects patinate? I was told that because of the plating process, the copper surface will not patinate as readily, if at all, as do solid copper objects (flashing, pipes, etc.). Can this be true?

My best,
Ken

Ken Bruno
hobbyist - Boston, Massachusetts
October 24, 2008

Hi. It probably depends how thick (and consequently pore-free) the copper plating is. If you eat through it, it won't work. Pennies (post-1982) are copper plating on zinc and they color pretty much the same way copper pennies do, but are much more subject to severe corrosion.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
November 3, 2008

As Ted has mentioned, depends which kind of copper you are using as well as which kind of additives you are using for copper plating.

Dominik Michalek
- Mexico City, Mexico
November 15, 2008

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: