protective coating on coppered hull

[MikeB4]

Can I spray a clear coat of some sort maybe acrylic over the copper plates to harden and protect them from lifting up during construction once the hull is fully coppered. The reason I ask this question is because now that I have my phantom  fully coppered  I am having a hard time handling the hull without damaging the copper.

[captainroger]

Hi Mike,

a glossy coppered surface maybe appears too shiny and not realistic.

Better to protect the surface with some sort of removable material.

Try with the clear plastic used to envelope the food for the fridge.

You can substitute it from time to time as it wears.

Captainroger

[NenadM]

Or papre scotch tape ? Or medical scotch tape ? 

[Kevin]

is this just temporary whilst the build is taking place or permanent

i would just put something onto the stand to protect the hull, like foam tape, towels are popular, as is the lagging used on pipework to prevent freezing

Edited November 22, 2013 by Kevin

[rtropp]

Once again I have dipped into zu Mondfell's book.

 

His advice on coppering is to... "clean them up very thoroughly with the fines grade of steel wool and a glass fiber brush and immediately apply a coat of protective lacquer (cellulose clear lacquer). ... unlacquered copper will show every fingerprint after a few hours due to oxidization. Do not try to age copper artificially - in 3 to 4 years it will acquired exactly the right patina, even under the lacquer."

 

OK, so what is "cellulose clear lacquer?" 

 

Richard T

[Kevin]

http://www.greatart.co.uk/Framing/DIY-frames/Frame-decoration-and-gilding/Zapon-Cellulose-Lacquer.html

[MikeB4]

thanks for the info, now is this lacquer only available from overseas or can I find it at Michael's or some other craft store in the US.

[rtropp]

Dirk, the sight I found says to thin with "Ester."  What did you use to thin the Zapon?

Thanks

RT

[rtropp]

Mike,

I think I have at least one mail order US source.  If it checks out I will post it.

RT

[Per]

Zapon varnish is a good choice to protect copper.

Just be careful; Zapon is cellulose nitrate (guncotton!) dissolved in alcohol or ethyl acetate. You should not inhale the fumes and don't smoke if you use it indoors. It is highly flammable.

 

Per

Edited November 24, 2013 by Per

[rtropp]

Thanks Dirk, good to know.

 

Mike,

the only place I have found it so far is at

http://shop.kremerpigments.com/en/search.html?page=search&page_action=query&desc=on&sdesc=on&keywords=ester

 

Kramer's is a specialty producer of pigment and artist supplies. I have bought from them in the past and they are pretty good. They are located in New York City.

 

RT

[normanh]

Cellulose lacquer - read rattlecan car lacquer its that simple whats used on car finishes. Personally I wouldnt use it but just let a perfectly clean finish age and tarnish naturally to an even patina

 

Norman

[sudomekh]

Copper does not advocate working on a stand ... Styrofoam