Clear coating copper

[rockbrain]

I've done a search and it doesn't look promising but thought I'd throw the question out there as there might be something new.  Has anyone used anything that gave them a successful protective coating on copper jewelry?  I've made earring out of some small pieces of sheet copper.  A couple of pairs have some color on the patina that I would really like to keep just like it is.  Any suggestions?

[liveoak]

I've used a couple of different products over the years that I've been happy with.

What I use depends on the piece & the finish.

For a piece that is bright finished, I use Protecta Clear .

You have to make sure the copper is good & clean & then you dunk it in.

Works fell, keeps the copper bright under normal wear, for a long time(years).

It's also "self leveling" which means that after you dunk it, the coating levels out on it's own.

It only takes 1 coat /dunk. 

For a patinated piece (that wouldn't do with dunking) I used Clear Guard. 

Also a finish that lasts a long time, from a company that sells to Metal Sculptors. 

I usually give 2 -3 light coats front & back , followed by a rub down with Renaissance Wax.

I do the wax for a couple of reasons, it adds another layer of protection & I think it gives the piece a nice feel to it.

Works for me,

Patty

 

[chris1956]

Dec 14, 2023 7:15:19 GMT -5 liveoak said:

I've used a couple of different products over the years that I've been happy with.

What I use depends on the piece & the finish.

For a piece that is bright finished, I use Protecta Clear .

You have to make sure the copper is good & clean & then you dunk it in.

Works fell, keeps the copper bright under normal wear, for a long time(years).

It's also "self leveling" which means that after you dunk it, the coating levels out on it's own.

It only takes 1 coat /dunk. 

For a patinated piece (that wouldn't do with dunking) I used Clear Guard. 

Also a finish that lasts a long time, from a company that sells to Metal Sculptors. 

I usually give 2 -3 light coats front & back , followed by a rub down with Renaissance Wax.

I do the wax for a couple of reasons, it adds another layer of protection & I think it gives the piece a nice feel to it.

Works for me,

Patty

 

Have you used these products on rocks that have only a small portion that is copper?   

[liveoak]

Yes, the Renaissance Wax.
Although for a cabochon, I'd suspect that the polishing compound that is already being used, in my case anyway, would probably add a layer of protection already. But I haven't proved that out.

Patty

[rockbrain]

Thanks Patty. Good to hear someone has had some success with something. Sounds like Clear Guard is the way to go. Unfortunately the original can't be shipped to Commiefornia. They have a different product that meets our fine state's requirements which typically means it doesn't work. I'll probably try the Protecta Clear spray.

[liveoak]

I haven't tried the Protector Clear spray- so I hope you'll post how it works.

But Sculpt Nouveau does have distributors AND it say Sherwin Williams can order it.

Patty

[southernlakehuronguy]

Dec 14, 2023 9:29:18 GMT -5 liveoak said:

Yes, the Renaissance Wax.
Although for a cabochon, I'd suspect that the polishing compound that is already being used, in my case anyway, would probably add a layer of protection already. But I haven't proved that out.

Patty

Renaissance Wax is the best protector I have used on my cast iron Table saw. Every spring I get a lot of condensation in my workshop, use to be hell on my saw top. I tried regular min wax paste wax, it worked but only lasted a year. Using the Renaissance Wax, It lasts for years. A little bit goes a long way.

[rockbrain]

Thanks southernlakehuronguy. I used Ren wax on the earrings that I made as that is what I had. From everything I've read I don't expect it to hold up for long.

[Pat]

Parmalac NT works well. rockbrain