Copper pipe, lacquered

[Pinky]

Hi my fellow engineers,

Is it possible to spray copper brake pipes with 2 k laquer after polishing them, so they keep there shine

Pink

 

[ajlelectronics]

Don't use copper for brake lines, it work hardens. Treat yourself to some Kunifer.

 

[cumbriasteve]

I used to protect copper and brass used in marine work with a coating of International yacht varnish, it deepened the colour very slightly but also survived the harsh marine elements well.

 

[MattF]

Don't use copper for brake lines, it work hardens. Treat yourself to some Kunifer.

Thought we'd done well not seeing this topic mentioned for a while. I'm guessing he's already going with copper, as I would too.

Regarding his actual question, never liked varnished copper or brass myself. It requires upkeep in harsh environments, and once you get the first peel or scratch, it just starts to look a dog. Plus, it's a cow of a job removing the varnish if you want to clean the stuff back up.

 

[pedrobedro]

Don't use copper for brake lines, it work hardens. Treat yourself to some Kunifer.

How can it work harden ? You only work it once and then hopefully it is clipped into place so it doesn't move again. I use Kunifer or copper depending what's available. Lacquer would keep it clean for so long I suppose but it will eventually flake and let the elements in.

 

[ajlelectronics]

If it is indeed clipped into place, I agree. However, on some vehicles there are rigid brake lines that are not completely supported, some have a single coil in the middle as a stress relief.

So, it it's PROPERLY supported all the way, Copper is fine. Where it isn't, Kunifer is the only safe and common sense option. Your car, your life etc, but I just use Kunifer throughout now and pay a few pennies more than the copper option.

 

[PhillipM]

How can it work harden ? You only work it once and then hopefully it is clipped into place so it doesn't move again. I use Kunifer or copper depending what's available. Lacquer would keep it clean for so long I suppose but it will eventually flake and let the elements in.

Vibration. Same as everything else on a car that suffers from it! You really do need a lot of support for copper tube to avoid it.

 

[Pinky]

Thank you for your answers, I can understand the difference in your opinions on pipe,
However my question was is it, can it, be lacquered, how ,

And an estimate on how long it will last

Cheers

Pink

 

[richie00boy]

If it's on a show car driven in fine weather only, it will probably last fine. You would have to brush it on though, which may be fiddly and is likely to end up with drips and runs.

I'm guessing you want to use copper for originality reasons?

 

[ford34/2]

why not consider Rustins Brass Lacquer, made for the job.

DESCRIPTION

Metal Lacquer

Does Not Yellow Or Craze With Age

Excellent Adhesion On Chrome, Brass, Copper And Silver

Dries To A Completely Clear Colourless Film Preventing The Oxidisation And Tarnishing

The Lacquer Should Be Applied Quickly And Evenly With A Soft Brush

Size 125ml

cheapest on E bay £4.20 inc P/P::200354115358

 

[Pinky]

why not consider Rustins Brass Lacquer, made for the job.
DESCRIPTION

Metal Lacquer

Does Not Yellow Or Craze With Age

Excellent Adhesion On Chrome, Brass, Copper And Silver

Dries To A Completely Clear Colourless Film Preventing The Oxidisation And Tarnishing

The Lacquer Should Be Applied Quickly And Evenly With A Soft Brush

Size 125ml

cheapest on E bay £4.20 inc P/P::200354115358

Thank you mr ford,

I will order some up, make the copper pipes sparkle

Thanks pink

 

[ford34/2]

its a bit like trying to brush cellulose so be very quick when applying, I use it on Brass every couple of years or so. and use celly to clean the brass before lacquer and to clean the brush, could air brush it if you could be bothered.

Good luck

stan