Lampwork Etc.
 
AKDesign

LE Live Chat

Enter Live Chat

No users in chat


Frantz Art Glass & Supply

Beads of Courage


 

Go Back   Lampwork Etc. > Library > Tips, Techniques, and Questions

Tips, Techniques, and Questions -- Technical questions or tips

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #1  
Old 2013-02-07, 7:38am
bob's Avatar
bob bob is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 02, 2007
Location: Nahant Ma
Posts: 1,901
Default Cleaning copper

I made a double link copper chain a while ago and would like to now use it in a project, is there a solution I can dip it in to clean it up.
Thanks:
Bob
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

e-mail:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2013-02-07, 8:07am
glassactcc's Avatar
glassactcc glassactcc is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 23, 2006
Posts: 5,540
Default

I was just watching a you tube video on copper etching and one of the comments was to clean it with soy sauce. The guy said it works wonders and makes it shine right up. I have not tried it yet.
__________________
Cynthia

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2013-02-07, 8:13am
Elizabeth Beads's Avatar
Elizabeth Beads Elizabeth Beads is offline
Lampworkaholic!
 
Join Date: Apr 22, 2008
Location: Cornelius, NC - because weather
Posts: 5,158
Default

I use Pickle.

http://m.riogrande.com/Product/Rio-P.../5010233?Pos=1
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

"And all will turn to silver glass, a light on the water, grey ships pass into the west." Annie Lennox
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2013-02-07, 8:23am
glassactcc's Avatar
glassactcc glassactcc is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 23, 2006
Posts: 5,540
Default

Mmmm....soy sauce and pickle. Sounds good LOL!
__________________
Cynthia

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2013-02-07, 8:31am
Eileen's Avatar
Eileen Eileen is offline
Loving learning
 
Join Date: Oct 11, 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 11,650
Default

I pickled a copper leaf I made, but it came out clean but dull, so now I have to shine it up. Or did I do something wrong?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2013-02-07, 8:33am
glassactcc's Avatar
glassactcc glassactcc is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 23, 2006
Posts: 5,540
Default

That is what salt and vinegar does too. It cleans it but leaves it very dull.
__________________
Cynthia

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2013-02-07, 8:33am
Karen Hardy's Avatar
Karen Hardy Karen Hardy is offline
Know-it-all Megalomaniac
 
Join Date: Oct 22, 2005
Location: Californication
Posts: 6,282
Default

Ketchup.
Just put a big glob on the chain, and leave it for a few
minutes.

I've also used lemon juice and a spoonful of salt in a pinch.
Both work great, and are easily disposed of afterwards.
__________________
Copyright holder on round beads

Get your copy of the new Lampwork Etc. Tutorials and Tips Book

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2013-02-07, 8:46am
Eileen's Avatar
Eileen Eileen is offline
Loving learning
 
Join Date: Oct 11, 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 11,650
Default

I decided to go try the little bitty circular brush in my dremel on the leaf to try polishing it, and can't find the tool to change the blades... grrrrr!!!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2013-02-07, 9:02am
Calypso's Avatar
Calypso Calypso is offline
Valparaíso - Chile
 
Join Date: Oct 27, 2006
Location: Chile
Posts: 590
Default

Red wine vinegar, which you use in the kitchen.
Heat the copper piece and the vinegar acts faster.
You should leave the piece of copper in the vinegar.
Then polish it in the dremel
Ana María
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

@cristallo_perle
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2013-02-07, 9:05am
losthelm losthelm is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 27, 2008
Location: Albion NY
Posts: 517
Default

If you can tumble it, the dremel tool won't get between the links.

I have used CLR in the past and it does ok for a mat finish.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2013-02-07, 9:16am
Eileen's Avatar
Eileen Eileen is offline
Loving learning
 
Join Date: Oct 11, 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 11,650
Default

I was also wondering about trying the PH Down from the pool supply area that I used to clean my glass. Isn't that more or less "pickle"?
(found my little wrench & wire brushed my leaf, and I can see how it would be tough to use on a chain)
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 2013-02-07, 9:24am
SilverReflections's Avatar
SilverReflections SilverReflections is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 28, 2005
Posts: 468
Default

If you have firescale on the copper from soldering I would pickle it but if it is just oxidation and you are looking for a shiny surface I would tumble it with stainless steel shot and a little bit of dish detergent (or burninshing compound). I personally like the antiqued look you get with tumbling where the oxidation is left behind in the recessed areas that the stainless shot couldn't get to.

Tina
__________________
Tina Beachy
Silver Reflections

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 2013-02-07, 9:27am
SilverReflections's Avatar
SilverReflections SilverReflections is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 28, 2005
Posts: 468
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eileen View Post
I was also wondering about trying the PH Down from the pool supply area that I used to clean my glass. Isn't that more or less "pickle"?
(found my little wrench & wire brushed my leaf, and I can see how it would be tough to use on a chain)
I believe it is similar (or the same thing?) to the 'sparex' pickle which is safer than diluted sulfuric acid. And yes, I personally would not want to try using a dremel attachment to clean a chain, I expect it would be fairly dangerous too since I know you are not supposed to polish chains on the big polishing wheels.
__________________
Tina Beachy
Silver Reflections

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 2013-02-07, 9:37am
squid's Avatar
squid squid is offline
Ass-kicking Cephalopod
 
Join Date: Jun 19, 2006
Location: Duh, Squidville
Posts: 9,523
Default

Citric acid powder mixed in a little water is the easiest thing I have ever used to clean copper.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

DOG is my co-pilot
Cricket w/two 5 lpm oxycons - and sometimes a Minor.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 2013-02-07, 9:38am
wildwire wildwire is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 17, 2005
Posts: 349
Default

use a brass brush & liquid hand soap if the copper is matte when it comes out of the pickle.
__________________
Shauna
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 2013-02-07, 11:12am
bob's Avatar
bob bob is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 02, 2007
Location: Nahant Ma
Posts: 1,901
Default

Thanks for all the great info.
Bob
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

e-mail:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 2013-02-07, 2:28pm
bob's Avatar
bob bob is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 02, 2007
Location: Nahant Ma
Posts: 1,901
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Elizabeth Beads View Post
Hi Elizabeth, That pickle looks interesting. Do you make up the 1.2 gallons all at once or make small batches as needed. Also once you made it up is it reusable or do you dump it after every use.
Thanks:
Bob
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

e-mail:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 2013-02-07, 4:18pm
LemonwoodStudio LemonwoodStudio is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 30, 2010
Location: Loving Bermuda, dreaming of Africa and looking forward to Maine!
Posts: 508
Default

Second ketchup!
__________________
Amanda

"Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got." Janis Joplin
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 2013-02-07, 4:52pm
Dragonharper's Avatar
Dragonharper Dragonharper is offline
Now part of the Dark Side
 
Join Date: Jul 02, 2010
Location: North Central PA
Posts: 966
Default

Brasso!!!!
__________________
Roy
Hot glass does not crack.
Unless it is glowing and drippy, hot glass looks like cold glass.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 2013-02-07, 4:57pm
bob's Avatar
bob bob is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 02, 2007
Location: Nahant Ma
Posts: 1,901
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by LemonwoodStudio View Post
Second ketchup!
I am going to have to try ketchup.
Bob
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

e-mail:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 2013-02-07, 5:25pm
AmorphousDesigns's Avatar
AmorphousDesigns AmorphousDesigns is offline
Wonder-wench
 
Join Date: Aug 09, 2010
Location: land of milk & honey
Posts: 1,104
Default

ketchup (vinegar base with other flavor added), citric acid, lemon juice and vinegar (any kind, red, white, etc) all should work as they are all mild acids. and most people already have one or more of these items in their kitchens

metal pickle should also work, Ph down, Picklean or whatever other metal pickle you might have on hand.

all the liquid solutions will get into the cracks, crevices, etc.

Dremel = please, noooo. Visions of chain whipping around at eye/hair level!

tumbling works great, but as mentioned will not get into the crevices or inside diameter of links well.
__________________
Elizabeth

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 2013-02-07, 5:36pm
bob's Avatar
bob bob is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 02, 2007
Location: Nahant Ma
Posts: 1,901
Default

I wonder how coca cola would work.
Bob
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

e-mail:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 2013-02-07, 5:42pm
Elizabeth Beads's Avatar
Elizabeth Beads Elizabeth Beads is offline
Lampworkaholic!
 
Join Date: Apr 22, 2008
Location: Cornelius, NC - because weather
Posts: 5,158
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by bob View Post
Hi Elizabeth, That pickle looks interesting. Do you make up the 1.2 gallons all at once or make small batches as needed. Also once you made it up is it reusable or do you dump it after every use.
Thanks:
Bob
I make about 1 quart at a time. It is reusable. It will turn blue from the copper. When it gets pretty saturated blue I neutralize with a little baking soda and toss.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

"And all will turn to silver glass, a light on the water, grey ships pass into the west." Annie Lennox
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 2013-02-08, 5:17am
bob's Avatar
bob bob is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 02, 2007
Location: Nahant Ma
Posts: 1,901
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Elizabeth Beads View Post
I make about 1 quart at a time. It is reusable. It will turn blue from the copper. When it gets pretty saturated blue I neutralize with a little baking soda and toss.
Thank you, that helps.
Bob
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

e-mail:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 2013-02-08, 6:48am
QuiteCuntrary's Avatar
QuiteCuntrary QuiteCuntrary is offline
Feminist Killjoy
 
Join Date: Jul 03, 2009
Location: Dreamland
Posts: 516
Default

I find that the very best and easiest way to clean copper chain is by using a fine grade steel wool and a bit of liquid soap. Takes about 5 seconds to run it down the length of the chain a few times.
__________________
Annie
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 2013-02-12, 10:29am
bob's Avatar
bob bob is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 02, 2007
Location: Nahant Ma
Posts: 1,901
Default

Thanks again everyone, I used Karen's ketchup Idea and it worked great.
Bob
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

e-mail:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 2013-02-13, 10:22am
tivydave tivydave is offline
i'm not dave
 
Join Date: May 21, 2006
Location: cockaigne, sanger, ca
Posts: 475
Default

i have a copper counter. mayo surprisingly does a great job, ditto pickle juice, diluted bar keepers friend (the usual cleaner), any citrus fruit juice, poss toothpaste-i know that cleans my silver. terry
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 2013-02-15, 9:30pm
Binks's Avatar
Binks Binks is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 27, 2012
Location: Indiana
Posts: 87
Default

I use hydrochloric acid, also sold as muriatic acid. I bought a jug of it and diluted it in water, pour acid into water ONLY, do not pour water into acid. It cleans away everything, I use it to clean my copper anode when I'm electroplating. It is super caustic, so I glove up with nitrile gloves to use it.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 8:35am.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Your IP: 44.200.196.114