Cruising Sailors Forum Archive

Best short term protection --- spray lacquer

Sea water or aerosolized sea water droplets (or even atmospheric salt crystals in a high humidity atmosphere) will quickly form complex acetate/oxide compounds (verdigris) on bare copper alloys; copper-nickel and nickel-aluminum bronze alloys are immune. Best way I know to alleviate, but not totally stop, is to heavily spray the bare copper bearing material with simple clear lacquer including the 'connectors' before and *after* assembly for the best 'water tight' seal.(nl)'Verdigris' will form on most 'red' copper alloys: copper, brass, bronze and if you keep it 'dry' by spraying, etc. the verdigris formation is greatly lessened. However, if verdigris begins to form under the lacquer you have to quickly remove the coating as 'encasing' such will 'wick' moisture, etc. and accelerate the 'verdigris' formation.

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