Why don't we

[Ruptga]

laminate or otherwise seal copper and bronze when they're used outside? That might not be practical for sculptures, but for roofs and domes it seems like there should be something we can do to keep them from turning green. They're both very nice materials when they're not oxidized.

 

[IronWing]

We're trying to be green.

 

[pcgeek11]

Copper and its principal architectural alloys are relatively active metals which, when left unprotected, tend to oxidize (weather). Long term atmospheric exposure generally results in the formation of the naturally protective gray-green patina.

No need to protect them as they protect themselves.

That being said there are protective coatings to retain the shine.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Copper+brass+and+bronze+protective+coating&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

 

[Red Squirrel]

I think the green might be a desired effect in some cases. Like on parliament it has a green roof. Though I've seen some of the newly built sections and the dark/copper look is nice too. This shows both:

Was up there a few years ago, view from the tower:

 

[lxskllr]

Copper's my favorite metal because of the way it tarnishes. I wouldn't like it as well if it stayed the same color.

 

[BoomerD]

Yep...that weathered patina is generally the desired effect.

 

[cbrunny]

The same reason why we don't use proper thread titles instead of just starting a sentence and cutting it off for no reason.

because it looks like shit and some people like it that way.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

He polished that brass so carefully that now he is the ruler of the Queen's navy.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Yep...that weathered patina is generally the desired effect.

That weathered patina is also hands-off. Any coating/process to keep it from getting weathered would eventually wear and need to be re-applied.

 

[Ruptga]

The same reason why we don't use proper thread titles instead of just starting a sentence and cutting it off for no reason.

because it looks like shit and some people like it that way.

Rekt

 

[Ruptga]

Yep...that weathered patina is generally the desired effect.

Then why is it polished copper that's used in new construction? Also, a church near my house has a copper plated steeple that they recently refurbished, it lasted maybe two weeks before it was tarnished again. It makes no sense.

 

[Humpy]

Then why is it polished copper that's used in new construction? Also, a church near my house has a copper plated steeple that they recently refurbished, it lasted maybe two weeks before it was tarnished again. It makes no sense.

Because they use new copper.

You can easily make it look aged though. Ex. Liver of sulfer will instantly blacken copper.

 

[BoomerD]

Because they use new copper.

You can easily make it look aged though. Ex. Liver of sulphur will instantly blacken copper.

ftfy

 

[nakedfrog]

...do it in the road?