Replies

1. 
   Ron_Budgell | Oct 07, 2001 02:05am | #1

   *
   I've heard of people doing that, wiping the whole thing with flux and then coating it with lead free solder. Paint works, too. Make it shiny with steel wool before using either.
   Ron

1. 
   Joe_Hennessey | Oct 07, 2001 03:37am | #2

   *Same problem as SHGlaw has. You too need an illegal to keep things polished. Joe H

1. 
   phil_eves | Oct 07, 2001 05:56pm | #3

   *Lacquer should work, it works on railiings I made in copper.

1. 
   Rd | Oct 08, 2001 02:21am | #4

   *Do not use Lacquer in a shower. There are several polyurethane products that may work better, but nothing will really work in a wet environment over several years. The best long term solution is to polish the pipes weekly. No other coatings that you can field apply will stand up over time. If you apply a finish you will have to strip it and refinish every couple of years.

1. 
   Anthony_Colman | Oct 08, 2001 02:43am | #5

   *How about clear powder-coat? Or maybe just a polymer based car wax?

2. 
   lonecat | Oct 08, 2001 08:38am | #6

   *It won't look too bad if you just let it go.

3. 
   Bill_Brown-Gierga | Oct 09, 2001 04:27pm | #7

   *Consider using an oil. Perhaps un-boiled linseed oil. Something that can be reapplied. They may not stay all-out shiney, but in my experience on working with copper down spouts out of doors, and with copper artwork that I've made, copper is fairly easy to encourage to stop it's aging process by using an oil. Anything to keep the oxidants and chemicals from getting to it's surface.I've used laquers too, but yes, over time in a wet environment and cracks and chips will form in the laquer. Once this starts, oxidization happens quickly. A polyurethane will eventually fail too. All it takes is a few cracks. With either of these products, you'd have a huge mess on your hands, trying to remove it so you could try something else. With a hand rubbed oil finish, you could easily steel wool this off with little effort.The wax idea might work just as well. Seems like the oil would get into the "grain" of the copper deeper. - Bill

4. 
   Mike_S_ | Oct 09, 2001 10:08pm | #8

   *Didn't know that the C-130E's came with clawfoot tubs. :)Take careMike S.

5. 
   Badhabits | Oct 10, 2001 05:38pm | #9

   *Try POR15 (.com), their clear moisture cured urethane is extremely durable and should last indefinetly, in clear, black, satin black, silver and others. I'd paint a test length of pipe first to get the tecnique. Do adhere to their safety precautions else the paint will adhere to you. No affiliation, just a long time user. Bill Smith

6. 
   paul_freihage | Oct 10, 2001 11:58pm | #10

   *Your right Mike, no clawfoot tubs on the Herk. Just the old "Honey Bucket"Paul

7. 
   paul_freihage | Oct 11, 2001 12:07am | #11

   *Thank's everyone for the tips and advice. I believe the winner is lonecat. The cabin we live in here in NC was built in 1740 and anything too polished just doesn't fit with the decor. (furs and muzzle loaders hanging on the walls) Besides, weekly polishing isn't my area of expertice and I can imagine the work involved with a poly or lacquer finish failing in a couple months/years. Rustic is just fine with usPaul FPTL!

8. 
   piffin_ | Oct 14, 2001 04:18am | #12

   *chrome plating works for many folks.most any polish will take some miniscule aount of metal away erach time so weekly rubdowns in the shower will shorten the life of the apparatus. Oxygen is the culprit, combined with moisture. Wax should set up a barrier that does a modest job for you. Boeshield B-9 is a srauy wax lubricating shield I use for table saws etc to keep the rust patina off and slick it up. Easy to apply. Might work 4 U

2. 
   paul_freihage | Oct 14, 2001 04:18am | #13

   *
   Need some advice, instead of spending a grand on a pre-manufactrured clawfoot tub shower assembly, I have built my own using copper pipe. The supply lines are exposed and terminate at a 10" (raining) shower head. How do I clean this pipe and what type of finish can I apply that will keep the copper looking shiny and new for years to come without it becoming grungy or turning green.
   I check out breaktime a couple times a week and pick up tips and advice each time but this is my first request for help.
   I certainly appreciate any advice.

   Paul F.
   Loadmaster, C-130E
   USAF
   PTL!