 ArtMetalsocial networking for the metal arts |
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mgoudie -
Saturday, March 12, 2011 - 4:16pm
Copper water work Hi to all - I very much enjoy reading your entries during the time I have been a guest. I now have a query that perhaps someone can help me with. Although my hobby/passion is jewellery, I have been asked to do a piece with recycled copper roof tiles for a small shallow pond. I haven't decided if I will patina the piece yet but I will have to varnish it anyhow. What is the best way to waterproof it? Thank you very much for all suggestions, Madeleine  copper and water
visitor -
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 - 8:26am
Would you leave it unfinished then? Many thanks, m  Bruce nailed it. Copper is
Rich Waugh -
Sunday, March 13, 2011 - 7:44am
Bruce nailed it. Copper is an "active" metal and there is NO surface coating that can be applied that will prevent it from changing overtime if exposed to the elements. Any varnish or lacquer would very quickly deteriorate if exposed to water and would look far worse than bare copper that has been chemically patinated to age gracefully. Look into SculptNouveau patinas for more information. copper in water
visitor -
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 - 8:26am
Would you leave it unfinished then? Many thanks, m No, I would determine as
Rich Waugh -
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 - 10:36am
No, I would determine as best I could what the effects of its proposed location would be on the copper and then try to achieve that same effect using acid patinas. Acid patinas react directly with the copper, creating a new chemical compound that provides the color. For instance, a mild acid patina can create beautiful blues and/or greens on copper that are fairly stable and will age gracefully. If the copper is fully immersed in water then things are a bit different and you might be better off to take another tack like simply oxidizing the copper with a bit of heat or liver of sulfur and let it continue to darken naturally. You might contact Ron Young at SculptNouveau for more information and guidance on patinating copper for your particular application.  Hi Madeleine, both Bruce and
eligius1427 -
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 - 11:05am
Hi Madeleine, both Bruce and Rich are right and I'll add just one thing. When you properly seal a patina on copper you stop the evolution of the patina because you've cut off the contact the copper has with the air(Oxygen). The problem is that mother nature's rain, ice, snow, wind, sunlight, etc. wear down the protective coating allowing the patina to start developing again. It's possible to keep a particular patina stable if you continuously provide maintenance to the protective finish. For example, if you properly sealed the copper with Incralac or Permalac and then drained the pool every 4-6 months and applied Metal Oil or Wax from Sculpt Nouveau you would have a good chance of maintaining the finish. The Problem is that most clients don't want that kind of responsibility/commitment, and to to be honest, neither would I. Copper based metals age beautifully however, so letting nature take it's course could produce a beautiful pond. Jake Jake Balcom  well heck this is a crazy idea
Sandra G -
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 - 2:35am
What about enamel? Kiln or torch fired glass on metal? I do enamel work but haven't done anything for the out-of-doors. Yet. Since you are working with copper tiles, it might be manageable. I have an idea for an enameled copper bird bath whirling around in my mind. Here is a link to one person who is doing that: (cool site) Sandra |
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ArtMetal
Keeping copper looking unaturally natural
I understand your plight, but it is a little like a pretty lady asking what kind of makeup will last outdoors in storm forever during four seasons. There are things one can do to give a temporary freeze to copper's momentary looks but depending on the atmosphere, moisture in the air and chemicals or lack of in the pond it will be an uncontrolled battle. Most often green comes to mind. If you lean in that direction to begin with it will be more forgiving.
Ah, the mysteries of nature. bpfink