Clean up a copper roof


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Old 08-18-07, 09:13 AM
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Clean up a copper roof

I have a sheet copper roof over a small bay window - about 60 years old, and aging green, but in good shape. (the roof, not me). Any idea on how I can clean up this roof? Of course I have a couple paint drips on it, too.
 
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Old 08-28-07, 08:33 AM
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Are you cleaning the green, or the paint? The paint can be removed with a sharp putty knife and sandpaper. I would leave the green alone. Copper is meant to develop a patina over time.
 
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Old 08-28-07, 06:24 PM
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My recommendation, but no one else will agree...

muriatic acid. Fast and efficient and effective.
Safe ? Of course not.
Available only at pro paint shops....Sherwin-Williams, MAB, Finneran and Haley, etc.
Wear rubber gloves.
Use plenty of water to prevent damage to grass, plants, etc. below.
Wash down with bleach afterwards to neutralize the acid effects.

Most other "solutions" will cost you in time....a LOT of time.


Good luck.
 
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Old 08-29-07, 04:51 AM
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You can get it back to the copper color but maintaining it that way will be a pain and costly. I would also reccomend leaving it.
 
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Old 08-30-07, 05:25 AM
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Originally Posted by mattison
You can get it back to the copper color but maintaining it that way will be a pain and costly. I would also reccomend leaving it.
An acrylic urethane clear-coating will keep the copper from oxidizing again. After removing the patina, let the copper darken a bit (2-4 weeks ?), and then coat it.
This type of finish is only available at fine paint stores, not the home depot or lowes.
 
 

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