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Public artist needs help on Gazebo with Creative Shingling

2007

Hello, and thank you in advance for your wisdom!
I am a "Public Artist". I was awarded a commission to build an artsy hexagonal gazebo in a fabulous historic park in Longmont, Colorado. The columns are waterjet cut aluminum plate tree trunks supporting a roof with "creative shingling". Shingles above the column trunks are scalloped edge copper. Forming the sky above the "canopy" is a field of unfinished aluminum shingles. They are cut in a perfect circular arc revealing the copper canopy underneath.

I am wondering if it is a bad idea to pair uncoated aluminum with uncoated copper? Should they be insulated from each other? I may accelerate the patina process for the copper with application of salt water or chemical to prevent copper theft (like camouflage). Does the green patina insulate the material?

Thanks again!

Mario Miguel Echevarria
Public Artist - Longmont, Colorado, USA

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2007

I would patina the copper and then put it up. Consider an automobile grade clearcoat to stop the patina exactly where you want it. You will not have a lot of problem between the aluminum and the copper if you clearcoat the bottom side of the aluminum first.
I would try the patina on scraps or drops before I got carried away with doing the whole roof.
PS, Neat design.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

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Also be aware that the 'cupric oxide' (green patina) will bleed and drip down onto concrete/floor thus staining it unless you coat it. There are good 'copper binding' clear coats out there for this purpose.

adv.
Call if you have questions.

Barry Feinman
BarrysRestoreItAll

Carlsbad, California

2007

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2007

Thank you for your time, both your responses made an impact on the final construction!
I am using clear coat on shingles and sealing concrete slab below.
Have a great spring!

Mario Miguel Echevarria
- Longmont, Colorado, USA