Copper

coalcracker

To prevent oxidation, spray it with lacquer once it's shined up. That's about the only way.

Joe Billow_6

I was wondering if anyone knew a good way to clean copper pipe. I was given 20 sticks of 1" but it sat out. Inside looks good just outside is ugly. Thanks

Joe Billow

coalcracker

There is a product called Brasso and there are other products available at a hardware store.

It's a fairly easy process, but don't know why you'd want to do it.

jim lockard_3

Catsup

you can wipe copper down with catsup. or better yet wipe you copper pipe down with boiled linseed oil that will give it a nice brown patina. Why you would want to do either one is beyond me. Best Wishes J.Lockard

hot_rod

mild acid

cleans it nicely but it won't stay that way.

Condensate from a mod con does a good job. I threw some dirty old fittings into a bucket of condensate. Let them set over night.

Stuff a bunch of lengths in a 6" PVC pipe, with a cap on one end, add the cleaner of choice. Remove and hose down with plain water and install the next batch.

hot rod

Joe Billow_6

I like the PVC pipe idea. Thanks I will give it a try.

Joe

Joe Billow_6

I tried Brasso, but with 400' it will take some time. I just like shiny new pipe when I am done. I think I will give hotrod's suggestion a try. Thanks

Tony_23

How I do it

We install whatever it is that day.

I produce a roll of mesh sandcloth.

I hand it to the "apprentice".

Voila ! The tube is shiny

Joe Billow_6

I wish I had that option. My son is the only other person and he just remembered he had to do something. I like the soak and wash treatment. Thanks Joe Billow

hot_rod

Watts Radiant has

a large vibrating cleaner they use on their copper manifolds after soldering. it has a bunch of stainless steel pellets and a mild acid cleaner. The manifolds just shake around in this tub for a few hour and come out spotless and shiny.

Doesn't take long for fingerprints and truck time to turn them dark again. That's just the way copper rolls!

Someone here suggested copper spray paint to keep coop looking "copper" I tend to think that may be the only way. I've tried all types of wax, sealer, cleaners, you name it. the copper will just dull.

hot rod

Joe Billow_6

I would like to find away to keep it shiny. I am just strange in that I want the finished product to be shiney and brand new even if it dulls the second I leave. Maybe your PVC trick, reduce it to 2" and use a treading machine with glass beads and the acid.

Thanks
Joe Billow

hot_rod

What's your plan for the tube?

If you will cut and solder on it for projects, I'd skip any coatings. You'll just have to sand it off to get a good solder joint. Shine and coat it after the job is completed and leak tested.

hot rod

Joe Billow_6

I wont coat with anything unit i am done soldering. I am going to use the pipe on jobs so I like the acid idea because there is no problems with soldering it after the wash. I may try to prefab in my shop and coat it then, but you and others before said that most coatings do not work for the long term.