How would you guys keep the outside of raw copper from oxidizeing from the use? would you coat with something or do you guys just polish it all the time?
Keeping the outside of copper/brass nice
- Thread starter josefmistal
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With copper I wouldn't want to try to keep up with any shine as it will oxidize in about a day. With brass, and I usually use C260, I typically clean the parts with paper towel and rubbing alcohol and if it is quite bad, some well worn 2000 grit sandpaper. I find that brass will maintain for a long while with a milky golden color and it does not bother me. If you want to worry about it, a decent buffing wheel and some polishing compound might be something you want to use weekly or monthly.
I have yet to come across a decent overcoat that will seal the brass/copper and also hold up to handling and juice contact. Most products are intended for preserving display pieces and weathering expected outdoors, like copper weather vanes. Also, a coating won't feel the same.
Generally the sweat from a palm will have a negative reaction for tarnish, but carrying a mod in a pocket has a positive one. My tubes and flat surfaces take on a dinginess, but the edges keep their luster.
One other thing you can do is remove the lead content from the surface of brass by soaking the parts in a bath of hydrogen oxide and vinegar, which will remove the blackness from the tarnish and they come out a milky bright gold color. For long term it doesn't seem to make a huge difference however.
I have yet to come across a decent overcoat that will seal the brass/copper and also hold up to handling and juice contact. Most products are intended for preserving display pieces and weathering expected outdoors, like copper weather vanes. Also, a coating won't feel the same.
Generally the sweat from a palm will have a negative reaction for tarnish, but carrying a mod in a pocket has a positive one. My tubes and flat surfaces take on a dinginess, but the edges keep their luster.
One other thing you can do is remove the lead content from the surface of brass by soaking the parts in a bath of hydrogen oxide and vinegar, which will remove the blackness from the tarnish and they come out a milky bright gold color. For long term it doesn't seem to make a huge difference however.
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I prefer the patina on the coppers mods I make. Short of cleat coating them, it's really something that copper wants to do on it's own. The patina is a protective coating for the copper. While not entirely desirable for cosmetic items like mods, I think the patina adds character and charm to copper.
I generally use 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 cup of vinegar, tablespoon or so of salt. Bring just to a boil. Turn the heat off and insert parts. Rinse with cool clean water and dry. Bright and shiney once again.
Or use some Brasso and clean it up every week. For me, patina it is. Who am I to alter nature
**Edited** For spelling and grammar. Must not make posts when sleepy
I generally use 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 cup of vinegar, tablespoon or so of salt. Bring just to a boil. Turn the heat off and insert parts. Rinse with cool clean water and dry. Bright and shiney once again.
Or use some Brasso and clean it up every week. For me, patina it is. Who am I to alter nature
**Edited** For spelling and grammar. Must not make posts when sleepy
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Check out, Renaissance Wax! This stuff is excellent for metals. It’s a brand of microcrystalline wax polish that is widely used in antique restoration and by museum curators. It is also used as a primary finish for cabinetry, furniture and metals. It is widely recognized that this stuff is more protective and longer lasting than many other finishes, especially for swords and helmets that are frequently touched by human hands.
Littlefeather is right. I am a pro. wood worker and I use this wax on tons of projects including my copper mod. it will last for a great while and only takes a few seconds to recoat if needd.
mick8844
mick8844
You could also laquer it. That will seal it permanently. It just depends on the finish you're looking for.
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reminds of fireman painting and shellac brass hydrants back in youth..
you can also make copper appear like gold with a good buffing
you can also make copper appear like gold with a good buffing
Also when I said to use laquer I don't mean from the hardware store. Here's a link to what I would use.
TowerHobbies.com | Top Flite LustreKote Spray Clear 10 oz
It can handle most chemicals you can throw at it so it'll be fine for use with e-juice. You should be able to find something similar at any R/C hobby shop.
TowerHobbies.com | Top Flite LustreKote Spray Clear 10 oz
It can handle most chemicals you can throw at it so it'll be fine for use with e-juice. You should be able to find something similar at any R/C hobby shop.
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