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How do I prepare and paint exterior copper pipe?

I want to install new copper pipe on the outside attached to my house and paint it. I need to know. 1. How do I prepare the copper pipe for painting? 2. What kind of paint to use?

Thank you,

Howard McCain
homeowner - Lafayette, Louisiana, United States
2003

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Howard,

Don't you think that your local paint stores would be more than happy to help you? After all, they should be qualified ... so try a few, OK?

They should tell you how to prepare the copper pipe and what UV resistant paint to use.

Don't be lazy ... try them !

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).
2003

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HHmmm, what makes you think the local $5.95 wage hardware store employee is going to be an expert on something such as etching and painting copper?

BTW...I just came from the one down the street and brainstormed the process with all the current employees. I left with no more ideas than what I went in with.

Mark
- Roanoke, Virginia
2004

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Full name next time, please, Mark.

Your point is completely valid. Old guys like Freeman and I probably sometimes engage in wishful/wistful thinking based on Norman Rockwell pictures. But, in fact, I do have a local hardware store struggling to survive in this Walmart-Home Depot age by maintaining a staff that knows about and cares about hardware.

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

My local hardware store hires young clerks but they learn fast from the customers. If they stay there long enough they can be helpful. Unfortunately they rarely do. I look on the internet first for info I need. I want to paint some inside copper and fine steel wool cleaning is my choice followed by primer, and later the finish paint.

Jim Hiatt
Northside Electronics - Smyrna, GA, USA
2006