Copper liquid paint blog

Patina formulas

2010-11-12T15:51:00.000-05:00

For those who want to experiment with "acidic washes" that accelerate the aging of copper, check out this website: http://www.sciencecompany.com/patinas/patinaformulas.htm .

Sculpture Technique at the Grand Rapids Art Prize 2010

2010-10-13T14:05:00.001-04:00

Iron John Logan emailed,

"......I used the copper paint over hammered steel instead of real copper for a number of reasons; to keep the cost down, to make the piece lighter, and namely to safe guard against theft. The product did all that and more!"

For more photos and information from Iron John Logan,
his sculpture technique at the Grand Rapids Art Prize is here

He can be contacted at ironjohnlogan@gmail.com

Now quart size available

2010-09-21T15:41:00.000-04:00

Quart size for copper liquid paint now available. Price is $80 which includes shipping.

Bay window copper roof

2010-09-07T18:41:00.000-04:00

"Thank you for your quick shipment of my gallon order of Liquid Copper Roof. I received it before the weekend and applied it. It was the perfect product for covering a small metal roof over a bay window on an 1886 farmhouse. My wife and I couldn't be happier with the results. The information and pictures on your website really helped educate me on the product and gain confidence to try it. Thank you very much.

Tom"

Email questions

2010-07-10T14:15:00.000-04:00

Inquiry email:

I was wondering what the duration (in years) is of copper liquid paint with a clearcoat topcoat.

Two coats of clearcoat should protect the copper liquid paint application about ten years.
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What is the duration (in years) of the copper liquid paint without the clearcoat topcoat?

Each application lasts about five years; two coats last ten years
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What is the smallest container size for each?

Copper liquid paint is available in an 8 oz trial size

Hawaii and copper liquid paint

2010-06-29T10:52:00.000-04:00

Price for shipment of one gallon of copper liquid paint to Hawaii is $194. Contact Miriam (610-941-1051) direct to place an order.

Any flaking of copper paint expected

2010-05-28T09:43:00.004-04:00

If any flaking occurs, usually there are two reasons:

1. The metal, asphalt or other surface used in applying the copper liquid paint had some "organic debris". A simple cleaning removes most non-organic debris, but clorox is suggested if there is mildew, moss and other living obstructions that can block a firm adhesion of the paint.

2. Product was not stirred before application. The streaks of copper that you see inside the pail need to stirred thoroughly into the product

Bay window roof with copper liquid paint

2010-05-06T16:32:00.002-04:00

An eye-catching bay window roof

Manassas liquid copper roof

2010-04-22T20:13:00.005-04:00

Sherry and Don ordered three gallons of copper liquid paint and three quarts of clearcoat.

"Just a note to let you know we really liked the paint. I have attached pictures for you. I think the tin roof looks just like new. Thanks for you help with everything!"

More photos to follow.

Radiator coating

2010-04-05T18:04:00.000-04:00

The mimic lead coated copper works well as a coating for old radiators. The material tolerates the high heat without flaking.

Mimic lead coated copper finish

2010-04-02T13:33:00.000-04:00

Looking for the lead coated copper finish.....WITHOUT THE LEAD.

Visit here for information

Visit our booth at Old House Fair

2010-03-17T08:29:00.002-04:00

Visit our booth at the annual Old House Fair located at the Germantown Friends School on Saturday April 3rd 9AM to 5PM For details check the Old House Fair website at http://www.preservationalliance.com/

Snails and other tales

2010-02-02T11:41:00.000-05:00

Nikolas emails: "I have a snail farm and I know that Copper stop the snails from escaping. Please inform if you know something about this technique."

My response: "About snails, I have heard of copper usage and there is some info online about it. This coating only has about 10% copper flakes, probably not enought to matter.

Copper liquid paint is primarily a coppery finish material for roofing and other surfaces where a copper acting coating is desirable."

Kitty paws

2010-01-18T17:30:00.000-05:00

"I recently purchased a gallon of the copper paint from you... and was feeling quite proud of my self after the final coat went on.

I came back a few hours later only to find little kitty paw prints all through my project. Neither of us were impressed with each others work.

My question is, can the copper paint be saned after it is cured (so I can lightly sand out the paw prints)?"

Yes, after curing, lightly sand the area and recoat. Or apply an warm iron to soften the material and smooth out.

Copper gutters stolen: Avoiding expensive replacements

2010-01-12T17:23:00.003-05:00

If some or all of your copper gutters and downspouts disappear one night, there is an alternative to an expensive replacement.
Replace with simple metal gutters and downspouts, coat with copper liquid paint.
If you want to keep the bright, "shiny penny" appearance, cover with clearcoat.

Lead coated copper

2010-01-06T15:10:00.000-05:00

In a few days, "lead coated copper", a coating similar to lead coated copper, but without the lead will be posted and available in one gallon and sample sizes.

Copper liquid paint for Hawaii

2009-12-09T20:29:00.002-05:00

A lady from Paia, Hawaii, emailed, "Do you ship to Hawaii?"

Yes. Price for one gallon of Copper Liquid Paint shipped air to Hawaii is $194 (includes all charges).
Call 610-941-1051 to place order.

Patina appearance

2009-11-25T09:42:00.000-05:00

In this birdbath bowl, the patina is just starting to appear after five years. Patina develops in the presence of moisture.

This bowl received one coating of copper liquid paint, which means the coating will be worn off within the next few years.

For those who are willing to wait for the natural patina look, plan on three coats so that you can be assured of fifteen years of coating thickness.

Cured sample available

2009-11-16T09:09:00.001-05:00

Rebecca emailed, "I just received the paint sample in the mail and I love it. My husband and I are building a new house and want to use the paint over the bay window, instead of copper sheeting. Do you have a suggestion for what type of metal to use for the dormer that will produce the most realistic copper finish after applying the paint?"

Any smooth metal should suffice

Free cured copper paint sample

2009-10-29T10:02:00.000-04:00

Before buying copper liquid paint, do you want to flex, twist, taste, smell and stretch the material.

Just email or call 610-941-1051 for a free sample to be sent to you.

As a bonus, note that one side has been coated with clearcoat

Snails

2009-10-08T17:44:00.000-04:00

Darrellan emailed asking about applying this coating to plastic pots to prevent snail invasions.

Re stopping snails. Unknown at this time. In the past I have been asked about applying copper liquid paint to the bottom of boats to protect against barnacles. For that use, there is not enough copper in the coating to work.

As for snails, I haven't heard from anyone....yet.

Search capability has been added

2009-09-20T15:28:00.002-04:00

Just today, I have added the search capability offered by blogspot.

Copper clearcoat

2009-09-14T21:32:00.003-04:00

A coating or two of Clearcoat halts the copper's aging process, adding luster to the finish of the copper liquid paint.

But what if you want to block the aging process but prefer a matted finish. There is an additive that will do just that.

California customer's idea

2009-09-09T17:16:00.003-04:00

A customer emailed, " I am using the roofdx copper paint for a very interesting application-- and it is working!

I have a wood and metal railing around the entry steps to my home. Since I live very near the Pacific Ocean there is a lot of fog containing salt air. These conditions promote rust everywhere.

Additionally, I live on a golf course where those little white missiles travel about 100 mph when they are full steam. The golf balls used to hit the wood or metal and chip the paint like nobodies business. Well.... now that we have coated the entire railing with roofdx copper we have solved a whole bunch of problems.

The entire railing is encased so there is no opportunity for rust to form. The rubberized quality is effective in not chipping and so the seal stays solid. Sometimes the balls that hit the wood still leave little dents, but the roofdx copper coating holds.

The only problem we have is that the wood, being fibrous, still holds a bit of air as it expands and contracts with the temperature fulxurations. This leaves a bubbling around the joints. We have had success breaking the bubbles and applying more product. We believe in time we will have these bubbles extricated."

Copper vs gold surface appearance

2009-09-09T10:02:00.006-04:00

The difference between copper liquid paint finish on the left.....

and gold liquid paint finish on the right.

The copper finish is freshly applied and has not started to age.

All future entries about gold liquid paint will be posted here.

Lattice with copper liquid paint

2009-08-27T21:27:00.002-04:00

"Two days ago this Arbor was white and badly in need of a paint job."

Accenting with copper liquid paint.

Kiwi inquiry

2009-08-22T12:46:00.003-04:00

Dick Goodwin asks, "Good morning, Do you have a New Zealand distributor for your copper paint product?
I would need approx 1 to 2 gallons."

Answer: At this time, gallon sizes are rarely available overseas. Reason is the time-consuming paperwork required for shipping this product that has been classified as "hazardous material", as copper products are so labeled.

Bay window question

2009-08-22T12:40:00.001-04:00

Bryan asks, "We are enclosing our front porch and have just installed a bay window. No roofing material on the bay window yet. Would love real copper, but too pricey. Could we install cheaper metal over the bay window roof and then use the copper paint over top of it?"

Answer: Yes. See here for how.

Birdbath with aging copper finish

2009-08-03T18:33:00.002-04:00

Four years ago this birdbath was coated with copper paint. The birds enjoy their yuppie pool...and the dog grabs a quick refresher drink.

Gold liquid paint

2009-07-29T21:59:00.003-04:00

Introducing gold liquid paint, packaged in

one gallon pails

trial size cans

and combo of one gallon gold paint plus clearcoat

See the blog on gold liquid paint.

Painting at the Painted Pony Ranch

2009-07-29T08:53:00.001-04:00

Customer wrote, "I poured paint thinner into the bucket after I’d gotten all I could out of it…and…wow! What fantastic paint. It covers beautifully!

You might advise people to be VERY careful not to step in it. It’s like stepping on ice when you get it on the bottom of your shoes. I had a close call…I am MUCH more careful now."

Conductive??

2009-07-23T15:56:00.001-04:00

A caller asked if the copper liquid paint is conductive.

Answer: No, not enough copper in the liquid.

Paint roller information

2009-07-22T17:29:00.004-04:00

A caller offered excellent feedback for those who want to use a roller with the copper liquid paint.

He used expensive, fine nape, narrow-width rollers that eliminated any brush strokes, leaving a smooth surface.

From my experience, the cheap rollers do not last long.

Pain in the ass

2009-07-20T18:50:00.004-04:00

Kip emailed,

"I LOVE the stuff! I must…I’m covered in it. The brush I bought was crap. I started using the squeegee on the other side and that worked fine…till it wore out..after one pail. Today I put on half a pail with a couple of small squeegees I had on hand…they flaked out on me after half a pail. It went a little slower today with me sitting on the roof pouring out small quantities of copper and using about a five inch squeegee to work it in….till it got all ruffly and quit working. I came in looking more copper than skin. Of course I dropped my phone in it so I’ve been working at getting that off. I could get a job as a reflector!! LOL!

All in all a pain in the ass….but gorgeous. "

Those readers interested in horses, click Kip's Painted Pony Ranch website.

Copper paint adhesion to clearcoat

2009-07-19T12:38:00.000-04:00

Deborah asked, "Can you coat copper paint directly over clearcoat?"

Yes. The adhesion is quite sufficient.

Patina tint observations

2009-07-17T13:56:00.003-04:00

Patina is a real challenge if someone is trying to truly mimic a copper sheet patina, such as you would see after 15 years.

"Acidic washes" will age the copper liquid paint....as well as the copper sheets.
But the appearance tends to be flat...lacking the texture one would expect.

One observer commented that the result of the acidic wash was almost identical to the roofing coating acrylic with a patina tint, such as found on this page illustrating the eight most popular tin roof colors

Storage question

2009-07-13T14:40:00.000-04:00

A caller asked the shelf life of the product.

Answer: 12 months

Copper paint on asphalt roof shingles

2009-07-12T21:50:00.002-04:00

Copper liquid paint can be applied easily to asphalt shingles. The application will protect the shingles from aging because the sun is blocked from wearing down the asphalt.

Those first weeks after the application, your roof would be the talk of the neighborhood since the bright shiny look dominates. See this project page for additional photos.

Vertical application comment

2009-06-25T09:38:00.001-04:00

Comment from a customer about coating copper liquid paint on vertical surfaces:

"Don't try to paint a ceiling or 50 feet of downward facing fascia board like I did here. It was a total pain."

Copper paint idea

2009-06-25T09:29:00.003-04:00

An accent idea with copper liquid paint. Comments from the creative user:

".... I've done a lot of painting and this paint is more like frosting a cake than spreading paint.
Horizontal surfaces like the mantle are much easier - as were some window frames when I put them horizontally on sawhorses.
Also, the grain in the wood surface that was not evident in white paint is much more prominent with the shiny copper.
That's a mild cosmetic issue - I suspect it will be less apparent as the copper darkens.
My wife wants me to paint the underneath of the mantle but I can't see how I can do it!
Overall I think it looks great! "

Coating over painted gutters

2009-06-14T17:46:00.003-04:00

Jim asks, " Can this copper paint be applied over the current exterior house paint that is on the gutters?"

Answer: No problem with the copper liquid paint bonding to the paint. The question to be determine is as follows--does the current exterior house paint bond securely with the metal gutters and shows no signs of flaking?

If the original house paint job is adhering irregularly, then the copper paint will probably flak.

Copper paint

2009-06-09T06:01:00.002-04:00

Did you know why copper liquid paint was developed?

Answer: The photo above shows a Revere pre-patina overhang that has aged irregularly. The owners of this beautiful home wish their front entry area was more attractive. Copper liquid paint was developed to correct this situation--outdoor, durable and coppery in its aging.

Surfaces ideal for copper paint

2009-06-05T19:07:00.004-04:00

Michelle asks, "What type of materials can the copper paint stick to?"

Answer: Many dry surfaces, such as metal, asphalt, wood, plastic, glass, concrete, shingles, etc. Surfaces must be bone dry since the product blocks any evaporation left on the surface.

Warranties on roof coatings

2009-05-13T08:07:00.002-04:00

A caller conveyed a belief he was entitled to a warranty when he applies a roof coating, such as copper liquid paint.

Not likely, because roof coating products can be so easily diluted and application techniques altered. Reputable manufacturers of roof coatings tend to work closely with a known selection of contractors, and through them , warranties, such as longetivity of the product and leak resistance, are available.

If a homeowner truly wants a "warranty" for his own work, most manufacturers will inspect your work.....for a price. The photos, tests and observations then become documented and added to the manufacturer's database.

Copper paint idea

2009-05-12T09:45:00.001-04:00

John emailed me this photo: "I thinned the paint with reducer and shot it from an automotive type paint sprayer It worked very well and the projects look good. "

Diluting copper coating?

2009-05-07T06:23:00.004-04:00

Matt askes, "hello, i was wondering if you can thin down product to spray"

Answer: Diluting is not recommended. You are on your own with the results.

Primer or no primer...that is the question

2009-05-05T16:35:00.002-04:00

Rick asks, "Do I need to use a primer first?"

Answer: No, just clean off the work area of anything loose with a cloth, brush or wire brush. Make sure the surface is BONE dry. Any trapped moisture will make small dimples.

Good luck, Rick, on your 1936 bay window roof.

Copper liquid coating example

2009-04-30T14:49:00.001-04:00

Kathy asks, Is a cured example of the copper paint available?
Answer: Yes, just email me a request for a cured sample

Clearcoat application tips

2009-04-07T09:34:00.002-04:00

Two tips for you, if you are using clearcoat to halt the aging process of the copper finish:

If you want to preserve the initial sheen of the copper liquid paint, be sure to wait until the copper coating is fully cured. If you apply clearcoat while the copper coating is curing, the clearcoat lifts the copper.

If you want to preserve a certain bronze appearance, (for example, six months after the application) be sure the surface is clean. Use a mild cleaner and rinse thoroughly. An abrasive cleaner may stain the copper finish.

Pricing per sq ft

2009-04-06T09:35:00.003-04:00

Larry emailed a question: How much per sq ft?

A single coating of A GALLON of the copper liquid paint covers approx 100 sq ft, or 10 ft x 10 ft area. Two coatings from a gallon covers approx 50 sq ft.

For a single gallon, single application, the cost is approx $1.29 sq ft.
As a comparison, a 2' x 6' copper sheet that sells for $140, costs over $11.00 sq ft.

Copper Paint Idea for eye-catching accent

2009-03-30T10:12:00.004-04:00

Owner wanted to add an eye-catching accent to his home. The owner simply cleaned off the roof and coated twice.

Copper aging halted

2009-03-26T08:29:00.003-04:00

A question: Can the copper aging process be stopped. Some users prefer a finish between the initial bright shiny penny look; others want to avoid the dark bronze.

Yes, by coating twice with a clearcoat, the aging can be delayed by about ten years. It is simple to apply the clearcoat in thin layers.....but the surface of the copper finish requires careful cleaning. If bird droppings, tree spots and other surface stains are present on the roof, then the clearcoat may not adhere securely.

Radiators and copper liquid coating

2009-03-23T16:03:00.002-04:00

Question from a caller: "Can the coating work on radiators?"

Yes, the material tolerates heat.

Copper theft victim?

2009-03-05T14:13:00.005-05:00

To replace stolen gutters and downspouts, a replacement idea is purchase inexpensive gutters and downspouts. Then coat the downspouts and gutters with the copper liquid paint,
such as described in this copper theft article

Copper aging

2009-02-26T20:11:00.003-05:00

Copper ages rather quickly during the first year. By the end of the first month, the bright penny-look is already fading. Humidity greatly affects the speed of the aging process.

Copper tin ceiling

2009-02-02T15:52:00.002-05:00

If you are creating a copper ceiling, copper liquid paint is easier to apply to the shingles before attaching to the ceiling. Click here for more details

Copper hot tubs

2009-01-30T08:33:00.002-05:00

Darci asked, "I have an old rusty steel water tank. I want to use the tank as a hot tub."

Just clean the tub, coat several times with copper liquid paint, allowing for full curing in between layers. At least one day after last application, then apply three layers of clearcoat, allowing one day in between. Let sit for three days.

Enjoy the warm hot tub

Gold paint

2009-01-16T17:13:00.000-05:00

Gold liquid paint is coming.

Copper coated stove hood

2009-01-08T13:43:00.004-05:00

Melanie emailed: "I am considering your product for painting a small kitchen range hood. Is this product safe for that?

As a temporary gap, two years ago a homeowner made a plywood base kitchen range hood coated with the copper liquid paint.

Where can I buy copper liquid paint

2008-12-16T13:16:00.002-05:00

To buy a trial size of 8 liquid oz or a gallon pail (128 liquid oz), click above to sales page. All pricing includes freight, tax and surcharge for copper content.

Copper flakes in roof coating

2008-12-16T13:12:00.002-05:00

John Holiday asks: How much copper is actually in this paint? Percentage.

Answer: 10%

The copper flakes convert the urethane roof coating finish to a "coppery" appearance.

Applying copper liquid paint

2008-12-16T13:05:00.002-05:00

Detail work with the copper liquid coating is done with a brush, a stiff brush no less.

Photos of copper liquid roof

2008-12-16T12:59:00.002-05:00

On this link, 39 photos illustrate the use of copper liquid coating in a roofing project that offers the customer a ten year warranty against leakage.

At the conclusion of the project, the panels are a bright copper finish. Within two months the bronze look takes over and slowly darkens over the years

One coats or two?

2008-09-22T14:34:00.002-04:00

A caller from outside Boston asked, "One coat or two?"

As a contractor, we always apply two coats, knowing that two coats will easily last ten years. With one coat, sometime after five years, the application will need to be freshened.

Still, visually, there is practically no difference between one coat and two.

Touchup tip

2008-09-18T08:10:00.002-04:00

If you are coating pieces of a project with copper liquid paint and plan to "touch up" any scuffs after the project is finished, be prepared......

.....the coating ages, therefore any last minute "touch ups" may stand out initially
.....a quick final coating over all of the project may be a solution

Trial size packaging

2008-09-17T09:15:00.002-04:00

Trial size can of copper liquid paint is packaged in a one gallon pail with granules to absorb any spillage. The larger pail lacks any labeling except a handwritten note, instructing the customer to open in order to find the can of copper liquid paint. Reason for the excessive packing is to meet government regulations on copper shipments.

Canadian orders

2008-09-16T08:13:00.002-04:00

Can I arrange for a shipment to Canada?

It is difficult: The documentation for shipment of copper to a location outside of the US is too time consuming to arrange for this privately owned small company.

If a buyer outside of the US arranges with an export/import company to handle the shipment, then delivery could be arranged for you.

On two Canadian orders, we shipped to an address near the border on the US side and the buyer then arranged his own pickup.

Coating undersides of boats

2008-09-15T07:40:00.002-04:00

From time to time, someone calls about the prospect of coating the underside of a boat to prevent barnacles. The answer is no--

Copper is recognize as an agent that will retard the tendency of barnacles to collect on a hull. This particular formulation does not meet that level of copper thickness.

Email question from Emily

2008-09-14T18:17:00.001-04:00

Hi, I was wondering, is your copper paint was conductive?

Logical question--Unfortunately for those thinking there are enough copper flakes in the coating to allow conductivity, the answer is no.