Summary for copper discoloration from baking Discussion
Copper discoloration from baking is the issue here: Russ Harris asked how to restore a dull, heat-miscolored copper part to a bright shine after oven baking for soldering. The reply says there are many copper and brass polishes that can work with a little mechanical help, and Revere Copper Cleaner is specifically mentioned for copper exposed to heat. If the goal is a true dip with no polishing, the answerer notes that stronger chemistry is needed; sulfuric acid plus hydrogen peroxide may work, but it should be used as a proprietary, stabilized product with instructions from a supplier. The answer also suggests a job shop could test the process if the chemistry is beyond the shop’s safe handling capability. EPI / Electrochemical Products Inc. is cited as having a video showing cleaning, bright-dipping, and de-oxidizing as a sequential dip process.
Q. Good day to all, hope everyone is safe and well.
We have to oven bake a copper part as part of a soldering process. This sends the copper dull and mis-coloured.
I was wondering if anyone knew if there was any kind of dip chemical that would bring the copper surface back to a lovely clean shine after?
Many thanks
Russ
Russ Harris
– Birmingham, UK
March 29, 2021
A. Hi Russ. There are numerous copper & brass polishes which with a little mechanical help will polish the copper. Revere Copper Cleaner is offered for the exact purpose of polishing copper after exposure to heat…
But brightening with just a dip and no mechanical assistance requires stronger chemicals. It’s possible that sulfuric acid plus hydrogen peroxide will do it. This should be available from a supplier as a proprietary with instructions, the right ratio, and stabilizers to inhibit the decomposition of the peroxide. This dipping service is probably available from a jobshop as a test of whether it will work, and/or if the chemistry is beyond your shop’s ability to safely handle.
EPI / Electrochemical Products Inc. [a finishing.com supporting advertiser] has a video showing the sequence of cleaning, bright-dipping, and de-oxidizing that should meet your needs by being just a sequential dipping process.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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March 2021