|
- over 500,000 plumbing related posts
- The popular plumbing tips and advice forum and blog. Ask any toilet, sink, faucet, pump, water quality and plumbing related questions.
|
|
Author:
kingshakabobo (IL)
I'm going to be running some exposed copper up the back of my 3 flat building for plant watering and deck cleaning.
I'm considering sealing it to prevent the patina. I'd like to keep it shiny copper.
Any product recommendations? Is it worth the effort? The plan is to sand all the pipe and seal it with... something.
|
 |
|
|
Author:
waukeshaplumbing (WI)
i dont think anything will keep it permanently shiny...it will be something you will have to redo yearly
lacquer is what they use to keep fittings nice...thats what id use i guess
id give up on the whole idea and just let it patina
|
|
|
|
|
Author:
pzqk7j (AZ)
If you want the look suggest you go with PVC and paint it copper. Use the spray, it will look quite good and only you will know the difference. Will be a whole lot cheaper too.
|
|
|
|
|
Author:
North Carolina Plumber (NC)
I'd buff it and clear coat it. The copper will be looking brand new for years to come.
|
|
|
|
|
Author:
Paul48 (CT)
If it's exposed to the elements, you'll just create a maintenance headache.I think the patina gives the copper character.
|
|
|
|
|
Author:
Fixitangel (NC)
Buff it clean and shiny.. esp. the flux around joints. I did some paint booth work before; to paint metal we would wipe everything down with paper towells and lacquer thinner, then use compressed air to blow off any dust or lint. Spray with good quality clear coat. If there is any residual flux or oil, fingerprints, etc. it will bleed thru or cause "orange peel". If that happens, the copper will look like it has the chicken pox. Use good ventilation, and fire safety rules.
It will not last forever being exposed to the elements and temperature variations of the water in the pipes.
Edited 1 times.
|
|
|
|
|
Author:
Wheelchair
Is the effort worth the results? Winter weather is hard on any exposed metals... including copper pipes. Besides, with the value of copper being what it is today, you would be making it much too easy for the "scrappers" to see what you have.... and remove it.
Best Wishes
|
|
|
|
|
Author:
jblanche (WI)
I agree. Talk to an auto body shop about clear-coating.
My wife spent hours polishing a copper lawn ornament and then spray-lacquering it. It's not green yet but it is plain dark brown and not particularly shiny.
*******************************
Links to the State of Wisconsin Plumbing Code:
[dsps.wi.gov]
*******************************
I am not a plumber.
*******************************
|
|
|
|
