Green Oxidation On Copper Pipes

Anyone who has visited the statue of liberty in new york or has seen it in a picture knows that copper turns green when exposed to the elements.

Green oxidation on copper pipes. Oxidation adds a verdigris color blue green to copper or copper carbonates like brass or bronze. Dip a clean cotton rag into the paste that you created and thoroughly rub it over the surface of the pipes. Remove oxidation from copper with a paste made of white vinegar salt and flour. Unlike other destructive oxidation processes the patina acts as a protective layer and it does not cause any weakness in the metal.

The copper metal reacts with oxygen resulting in the formation of an outer layer of copper oxide which appears green or bluish green in color. If not taken care of your plumbing copper plumbing pipes can start turning green to bluish green on the outer surface. Prep to remove oxidation by verifying the metal item is really copper and checking for the presence of lacquer. Copper oxidation is a common problem but the green patina that forms on the surface of the metal is something that can be removed with simple ingredients.

Rub the solution onto the surface of your copper pipes. Oxidation defined oxidation occurs as a result of copper s exposure to air though water especially salt water heat and acidic compounds can also induce corrosion. Follow the grain of the copper pipe to prevent forming any scratches. The cause of this pitting is varied.

This layer is known as the patina. Although copper is relatively unreactive it is not immune to caustic conditions. The paste will break away any built up residue and grime. Exposure to air can cause your copper to oxidize and tarnish with a blue green patina.

The sight of transformed pipes is commonly seen whenever pipes are made of copper. This bluish green layer is known as patina a chemical layer which is commonly formed on metals. Water has seeped through small holes in the surface to react with the outside layer causing circles of patina.