Finishes for over copper inlays

[Denny Nebgen]

I have been playing with a couple copper inlays on a couple different projects but, I found out (the hard way) that if you use anything ike abrasive paste and even wax directly to the copper. you get black residue on the surface of your project. Any sugestions for a nice satin or gloss finish over copper? Maybe polyurethene? Would rather have that nice waxed wood sheen, but?
Thanks

[Russell Nugent]

You could try a couple of coats of 1 pound cut shellac to seal things before using wax, or even use shellac as your finish

[Denny Nebgen]

You could try a couple of coats of 1 pound cut shellac to seal things before using wax, or even use shellac as your finish


Thank you Russell. I will give shelac a try.

[John K Jordan]

I have been playing with a couple copper inlays on a couple different projects but, I found out (the hard way) that if you use anything ike abrasive paste and even wax directly to the copper. you get black residue on the surface of your project. Any sugestions for a nice satin or gloss finish over copper? Maybe polyurethene? Would rather have that nice waxed wood sheen, but?
Thanks

Polish steel, copper, brass, and other metals with abrasive and you will get black residue from the metal particles. I haven't used shellac but lacquer has worked for me.