A customer wants a polished copper sign with painted letters. What type of clear can I use to keep the copper bright? She also wants a 5 year guaranty. Is this even possible? Or am I crazy for taking this job on. Thanks, Troy
------------------ Troy Volk Troy M. Volk Handcarved Signs Ruidoso, NM
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
oh man..you get all the "choice" jobs....copper is really "malable"...you can get such nice textured surfaces, form it bend it, then you can get some great "patinas" just by pourin different chemicals on it...but keepin copper shiny for 5 years....only thing is to polish, then clear coat...but it will tarnish and get its own patina..even with a clear coat...
------------------ joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-944-5060 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND
Posted by VICTORGEORGIOU (Member # 474) on :
You might talk to the folks at Pelucid. They say their product stays clear indefinitely.
The real question is, does the coating "breathe" and let air get to the copper.
If the sign is outdoors, I don't know how you guarantee anything five years with all the variables of the weather.
It is going to be outside, a northern exposure. The sign will be approx. 12'x16" with 10" painted letters. Can you use Pelucid with one-shot? I am thinking about using an automotive clear with the appropriate paint underneath. Thanks, Troy
------------------ Troy Volk Troy M. Volk Handcarved Signs Ruidoso, NM
Posted by Joe Rees (Member # 211) on :
Troy, look into countertop laminates. They probably have copper. They probably won't guarantee it outdoors, but I still bet it would work.
Incralac used to be a pretty decent finish for copper over here. In all likelihood its a US product, although I vaguely recall it was made by Wattyl whom I think are a local company. It might be worth looking the name up anyway, I used this stuff a lot at a place in which I used to work. They cast/engraved a lot of copper, brass and so on. It gave a good finish and seemed to last well HTH, David
------------------ David Fisher D.A. & P.M. Fisher Services Brisbane Australia da_pmf@yahoo.com
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
The only five year warantee that I know of is filled with limitations and through Chrysler on new products. Thaat understanding about a sign will only provide poor customer relations. You're gonna need to rely on someone else's guarantee, and they'll lean on someone else.
------------------ The SignShop Mendocino, California "Where the Redwoods meet the Surf"
Posted by Tom Giampia (Member # 2007) on :
I don't think that you can safely guarantee polished copper for five years, especially in a northern city. "Prismatic" supplies anodized stainless steel in alot of different tones including copper. Great stuff, but expensive. Call them for a sample card. They are in NJ - 908-241-5640. Good Luck
------------------ Tom & Sharon Giampia Creative Image Design Port Chester, NY
