Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Copper preservation
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...
Copper restoration - Boyertown, Pennsylvania
2005
A. Hi Gary,
You will need to investigate buffing wheels and compounds along with clear lacquers.
Good luck
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"
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