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Thread: Preventing Copper Tarnish?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Location
    Florida Panhandle
    Posts
    56

    Preventing Copper Tarnish?

    Guys,

    I'm making myself a cane from red oak. I've fashioned a derivation of a Fritz type handle for it and I'm securing the handle to the shaft with a dowel that passes through the shaft, but is unseen within the handle. I've come across a video on YouTube posted by a guy in Australia, which shows how to carve a Celtic weave into the shaft, which I might try. For the shaft I'm using a 36 inch long 7/8 dowel. Wandering the plumbing aisle of Lowe's, I've found a copper connector for 3/4 inch pipe, that fits the dowel perfectly. I plan on using this on the bottom of the cane for a ferrule. To satisfy my OCD, I want to polish the copper to a mirror finish. Once its attached to the cane, I don't ever plan on touching it again.

    What can I use on the copper to maintain the finish and prevent tarnishing? I have a spray can of Rustoleum Clear Gloss Enamel, which I was thinking of using. Will this do what I want? Is there something better? How would you approach this?

    Thanks.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Tasmania
    Posts
    2,162
    Copper is always going to require polishing to maintain the shine. Applying a clear coat is good for a while but the slightest damage will tarnish and is difficult to repair as you have a clear coat to remove before you get to the tarnish. It works OKish for objects that are sat on a shelf and looked at but not something that gets punished like the end of a walking stick. Stainless steel is your best maintenance free option, otherwise keep a can of Brasso handy and give it a daily rub. Cheers
    Every construction obeys the laws of physics. Whether we like or understand the result is of no interest to the universe.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Location
    Florida Panhandle
    Posts
    56
    Wayne, thanks for telling me that. You know, its not the answer I wanted. I hadn't considered trying to polish it again, after the clear coat went on. That would make it much more difficult, thus way more work than I want. So no clear coat. Brasso it will be.

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