Posted by Gordon England on September 07, 2003 at 21:09:06:
In Reply to: Al-Bronze posted by Joe on September 05, 2003 at 20:49:20:
: Hello, I want to spray Al-Bronze as a decorative coating that will remain out in the elements. Can I spray a paint clearcoat over the top to avoid discoloration, my goal is to keep the Bronze looking freshly sprayed but with the least amount of expense. The coating thickness will only be .008 to .010 inch. Can i also do te same with Copper? Didn't know if there would be some kind of a chemical reaction or something if I didn't use specific Thermal spray sealer. Thanks for your help. Joe
Hi Joe
Spray on lacquers suitable for brass and bronzes should be ok. for these coatings, although in my experience these lacquered coatings don't always last that long even on solid bronze. Some sealers/lacquers (certainly epoxy based resins)do seem to react with copper (or more likely copper oxide)and gain a blue tint. This does not seem to adversely effect the coating/sealer function apart from colour.
Please be aware that bronze and particularly pure copper tends to be very cathodic towards most other metal substrates like steel and will cause a potential for accelerated corrosion of the substrate if the coating/sealer does not form a complete barrier to the environment.
Regards Gordon
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