Thread: copper scales??

Hey all,
just wanted your opinions on these I made. I used 1/2" copper pipe, ground the sides off, smashed the copper on anvil, superglued onto acrylic sheet, ground it all down to size, buffed the copper out and smoothed the inside acrylic sheet flat. Now, I need to know how to keep the copper from oxidizing (am thinking epoxy resin or varnish??) and could use some opinions/thoughts/sharing of expertize.

thanks for replies in advance!

i'd say let them oxidize

copper goes all sorts of amazing and fun colours, let it happen

you probably won't get infected or anything like that
AND! copper apparently works well as a mosquito repellent... not entirely relevant, but fun and factual

so, yes, in essence, let it go, it will make for ever changing and funk filled scales for ever

yep yep


also, as a drummer i keep my brass cymbals in shape, if you go to a music store or even most hardware stores or even supermarkets, you should be able to pick up a perfectly fine cymbal polish which you'd only have to apply every few months, or whenever you get tired of the funky colours

I like the idea of letting them oxodize, especially since you can always polish 'em up again later if you don't like it. However, if you decide that you've gotta keep 'em the way they are, I'll talk to my paint guy tomorrow and find out what we used on some brass decorative parts to protect them. Just remember that any kind of paint is likely to cloud just a bit.

Those scales are very cool, that is some pretty creative thinking you have going on.

Clear lacquer is what they spray on brass instruments to keep them shiny it would work for copper too. I like the idea of letting them oxidize.

Charlie

Originally Posted by spazola

Those scales are very cool, that is some pretty creative thinking you have going on.

Clear lacquer is what they spray on brass instruments to keep them shiny it would work for copper too. I like the idea of letting them oxidize.

Charlie

Thanks for the compliments!! Just screwin' around with different things

I believe some museums use Renaissance Wax on their metal objects to stop them oxidizing.

Notes & Help Sheets | www.picreator.co.uk

"For the reliable protection of all metal surfaces, restorers confidently use our Renaissance micro-crystalline wax polish.

As an example, The National Trust in the UK once-annually waxes its brass and copper kitchen utensils in its historic houses and castles. Renaissance wax keeps it all in perfect, bright condition throughout the year, especially during the winter when most of the properties are closed to visitors and heating is at a low level or off."

Very cool. I have to agree with the others, let them oxidize. Can't wait to see a blade in them.

Oxidation would look cool; to keep them from oxidizing a thin coat of liquid cyanoacrylate or other acylic surface with adhesive properties would work well. You'll be limited somewhat by the surface adhesion of your sealer- the copper is too smooth for many finishes....

If you don't want to leave it to chance you could research appropriate patina mediums for achieving a specific color. Here ya go Patina Formulas for Brass, Bronze and Copper

Cool idea. They look awesome. Are they a lot heavier than regular scales?
G.