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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Cleaning/Sealing copper flashing

2006

I had copper flashing installed around the edge of deck on our new stucco house. The copper flashing has "bled" and has created an unsightly stain under all deck areas.

Has anyone experienced this and have any suggestions on how to clean or seal the copper to prevent future staining? Will it work to clean and then paint the copper?

Thank you for your suggestions.

Edward P. Drudge, Jr.
Retired - No. Topsail Beach, North Carolina

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First of two simultaneous responses --

Try Everbrite [a finishing.com supporting advertiser] coating!

Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Croatia
2006

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Second of two simultaneous responses -- 2006

If I recall correctly, there is an archived letter dealing with a similar problem with copper rain gutters - a lot of good advice was given, including how to get a nice looking patina prior to sealing. Try to use the search engine to find it.

Good luck!

Jim Gorsich
Compton, California, USA

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2006

I have the same problem and would like to know if you used Everbrite [a finishing.com supporting advertiser] and did it work ? Or did you find something else?

Barbara Micali
- Coral Springs, Florida

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2006

Hello, Barbara. This site addresses 40,000 metal finishing topics, not just cleaning copper gutters. Most of those topics are completely non commercial, and Everbrite [a finishing.com supporting advertiser] is one of our supporting advertisers who make all those discussions possible. So, while a reader like Goran is certainly free to mention their product, we really can't ask Everbrite to pay for printing recommendations for alternative products, especially considering the largely anonymous nature of the internet. Perhaps you could get a small sample of Everbrite and try it. Good luck.

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