flux cleaner?

sws2_2

What do you use to clean excess solder flux and other contaminants from copper piping. I am loking to clean the pipe and connections and then apply a coating to keep copper somewhat bright, rather than turning brown / green on my radiant control panel. Thanks

hr

Clean

the joints with a wet rag shortly after soldering, when they are still warm.

Any metal polosh compound will make them shine. Brasso works. The trick is keeping them shiney I've tried all sorts of waxes and clear coatings. Copper just wants to tarnish after time.

One fellow suggested getting copper colored spray paint, if you really want to keeep the "look"

Just as important is how you clean the INSIDE of recently soldered pipe and connections. You really need to run a hydronic cleaner to flush out all those chemicals, oils, and crud. That's probably more important for the longevity and efficiency of the system, and owners investment.

hot rod

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Weezbo

use less flux *~/:)

soon as it is soldered wipe with a clean damp rag... as you finish piping take a grey or maroon auto body (sanding skritchy cloth) go over the fittings kinda heavy then the pipe,bust out the 4 0000 or 3 ot steel wool shine, till it is bright,...crank up the boiler and run high heat through the header you want to look good. done deal.

Shines like Gold

for people who pay that extra dollar i go a step further, that however is why you want to hire a professional *~/:) drop a dime to the brick farm to Dan and i might relinquish the rest of the recipe ..maybe..:)

bigugh_4

Weezbo

Your so correct! experiance shows that "Useing less flux is correct" Even if you read the printing on the vessel the flux comes in it says "Use sparingly" in most cases, if you use just enough the joint is free from future corrosion. Old teaching said to make a good copper joint, "Clean right" Flux right" and "Heat right" To Clean, do not use steel wool, as it has a fish oil on it to prevent rusting which is anti flux! to flux right, "use sparingly" and to heat right, heat evenly the heaviest portion of the joint. excess heat destroys flux and its action. Careful out there Oh and extra flux inside the piping may well stay put for a long time in cold water pipes. I've opened piping months later where excess flux was puddled in the joints.

Terry_13

FLUX

I have gone to a liquid flux. It wipes well and cleanes extrimly well. Oh and an added bennifit / danger it will help you find any cuts or nicks on fingers and hands.

Seriously it works great to repair old copper heating pipes even when antifreeze has turned the pipe green and scal has formed.

hr

How does the liquid work on vertical pipe joints.

Does it run down and cause a shiney stripe on the copper tube?

It does sound like a good way to prevent overfluxing, and probably a little goes a long ways.

hot rod

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Terry_13

streaks

I use a "Q" tip ti works great.

Of Course should you find yourself working in a dirt crawl space under a motel chasing leaks, Like I have been over the past 2 days the owner doesn't care.

I wipe any way kind of anal < can I say that word?> that way. short cuts are for amatures. Working smarter not harder is for me!

Ted_9

flux

After I solder, I always wipe the joint. Then, after it cools off, I(or my helper) cleans and buffs the joints, piping and fittings with emory cloth.

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John Van Hoesen

Spray Silicone?

I'm pretty sure my dad used spray silicone on our cu pipes to keep them from losing their finish... I'm not sure how many years ago that was, but at least 10... Just enough to keep the air off of it I would guess...