A stainless steel backsplash, range hood and stainless steel appliances brighten a kitchen considerably, so it's no mystery why so many people are ripping out and replacing their aging kitchen decor. The most challenging task is picking the right pattern from the many choices offered.

This is not a scientific survey, but based on customer inquiries and purchases over the last year, it appears that people are accepting they will be in their current homes until the market turns around. The numbers of requests for kitchen renovation products seems to indicate they’ve taken the “bloom where you’re planted” approach and are remodeling the rooms that made them want to move in the first place.

Since the kitchen is the one room that breeds discontent the fastest, updating to a modern stainless steel look is the dominate subject on “Ask Frank” questions. The most common questions are related to selecting the right thickness, installation issues and occasionally care related inquiries? You’ll find numerous articles about stainless steel on this blog, covering all of the aforementioned subjects, but care is a subject that should be addressed because as amazing as this metal is, the reality is that it is stain-less steel, not stain-proof. This highly durable alloy is almost bullet proof when it comes to normal use and abuse, but it is possible to abuse anything. Fortunately, if you do something regrettable the recovery process isn’t that difficult with this resilient metal.

The term Stainless Steel describes an alloy, or blend of materials, that contain a minimum of 10.5% of chromium. Chromium is a chemical element that makes steel lustrous and hard, enabling a high polish, resistance to corrosion and discoloration. Bumpers on vintage vehicles were electroplated with chromium, which gave them the bright mirror-like finish that car enthusiasts admire so much. Travel almost any roadway today and you’ll soon realize that a Harley Davidson be a poor shadow of itself without the heavy applications of chrome?

The disadvantage of chrome plating is that it is only a surface application and stainless steel is an alloy combined at great temperatures so the chromium is blended throughout the entire thickness of stainless steel. Once the metal is rolled to its different thicknesses and the surface is treated with a variety of patterns, the elements complete the task naturally.

The remarkable aspect of this amazing metal occurs when chromium comes into contact with the air we breathe. When exposed to oxygen, chromium becomes passivated and forms a thin protective oxide layer on its surface. Although this layer is only a few atoms thick it is very dense, preventing oxygen from penetrating the underlying molecules. In comparison, when oxygen comes into contact with common carbon steel, it migrates down into the underlying material causing rust to form. And the most amazing thing is this protective layer heals itself when scratched or damaged.

The beauty, resilience, durability and simplicity of stainless steel is a powerful combination.

Normal care for stainless steel can be handled in a number of ways, depending on your personal preference. Stainless steel sinks need to be dried down with a soft towel if you want to keep the water stains to a minimum and the shine to a maximum, but for most homes you’ll only need to treat the backsplashes and major appliances once a week. Naturally that will vary depending with the number of little fingerprints you have in your home and what your personal expectations are in this regard. While this metal requires little care, some routine attention will protect and prolong its beauty indefinitely. The critical factor is to use non-abrasive cleaners and there are some more natural ways to maintain these shiny surfaces. In my younger years, I worked in a restaurant and cleaning up before closing was one of night shift jobs. All surfaces were treated with a soft cleaning cloth dampened with light oil such as mineral oil or olive oil and then any excess was removed with a dry towel. With an all stainless steel kitchen it was quite a lot of metal to tend but the entire kitchen really sparkled when we were through.

For watermarks in stainless steel sinks and surrounding backsplashes, try sponging on a solution of two teaspoons of baking soda dissolved in a cup of warm water. Use the damp sponge to apply the solution in a circular motion, then rinse and dry the treated surfaces with a soft dry cloth to remove any watermarks and fingerprints.
Vinegar is another natural option that does a great job of removing water spots. Just dilute the vinegar about 50/50 with distilled water to eliminate mineral content. Spray the surfaces evenly and wipe clean with a soft cloth. Any residual vinegar odor evaporates quickly.

Brushed stainless steel has a distinctive pattern. When polishing a complicated pattern such as this you must rub with the grain in very short strokes.

Sometimes accidents happen, like sitting a very hot skillet on a stainless steel surface. Exposure to extreme heat will discolor stainless steel, but all is not lost. Stainless steel polish will remove this discoloration but the downside for many polishes is their application requires heavy doses of elbow grease. Also, when using a polish that will remove discoloration or scratches in the surface of any metal, you must pay attention to the pattern of application. Make sure you apply the polish with the grain on stainless steel that has a brushed pattern or you could be altering the original pattern or creating additional patterns that remain after the original problem is solved. For stainless steel appliances, check to make sure the manufacturer recommends using polish on their product’s surface. Since there are numerous brands of stainless steel polish, instructions may vary so, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the brand you choose and remove all residues with a soft, clean towel.

Char-Brite is easy to apply and the shine lasts for a long time.

A polish that does NOT require any rubbing is Char-Brite. Simply apply Char-Brite sparingly and remove any excess with a clean cloth for a brilliant shine. Char-Bright removes dirt and grime, greasy film, water marks, it even covers scratches. Once applied, it immediately forms a protective coating on any surface, repels water, prevents penetration of harmful liquids, and retains its gloss indefinitely. It also preserves the surface against deterioration of all kinds! And it’s guaranteed not to contain acid, silicon, or any abrasive substance. It is also guaranteed not to powder or cake in crevices.

The beauty of stainless steel can be extended for years to come, with the regular care described here, and one of these several options should work well for you. However, if you have a personal favorite I’ve not mentioned I’d love to hear from you.

Decorative Stainless steel comes in a variety of patterns and for many the most challenging part of an upgrade is selecting just one from the many beautiful options. To simplify the process, a stainless steel sample pack is available to help you visualize how each would look in your own kitchen. QSM also offers replacement panels for dishwashers, and if your particular model doesn’t fall within the standard sizes, a custom cut is not a problem. For all your stainless steel or copper needs, contact the friendly customer service team at QuickShipMetals.com, or give them a toll-free call at 1-888-334-2177, and take the next step toward your dream kitchen project.

History

Brass objects appeared in China in the third millennium BC and by the third millennium BC brass began to pop up in sites from the Aegean Sea to the Persian Gulf. Back then, early copper-zinc brass alloy composition varied, as copper was smelted having a range of zinc from a 5% to 15%, most likely a result of naturally occurring zinc-rich copper ore being used.

Brasses’ near gold-like sheen inspired the Age of Alchemy, the metal spreading across the known world because of its beauty and durability. Yet until the mid 1700’s, the alchemists had no clue that the zinc powder used in the melting pot was actually a metal.

Today numerous types of brass are created in alloys using everything from tin to arsenic, aluminum to lead, manganese and so on.

This wide range of characteristics makes brass suitable for limitless applications, from industrial uses like spark reduction in electrical components and everyday uses, ranging from musical instruments to zippers. Yet its muted yellow color sometimes referred to “gold-like” makes brass an ideal metal for decoration in homes and offices.

Brass is also sought out for its resistance to tarnishing. Once polished, it will retain its finish for a long time without requiring attention, which is why it was used as a mirror in antiquity.

Another excellent characteristic of brass is its malleability. Brass is more ductile than copper or zinc alone. It also has a fairly low melting point depending on the alloy, and its molten flow characteristics makes it popular for casting.

QuickShipMetals.com sells brass sheet, brass rod, coils or foil most commonly used for counter tops, backsplashes, accents around cabinets and mantels as well as decorative artwork and accent pieces like name and light-switch plates.

Brass Sheeting and Coils (Foil)

QuickShipMetals.com offers brass sheeting and brass sheeting coils manufactured under the specifications of ASTM B19 and B36. The sheeting’s soft temper comes from the brass alloy C260, an alloy also known as yellow brass or cartridge brass that is roughly 70% copper and 30% zinc as classified by the Copper Development Association.

Alloy 260 Composition: 68 to 71% Copper; 28 to 31% Zinc; 0.07% Lead; and 0.05% Iron

Alloy 260 is highly corrosion resistant with excellent electrical properties, and capable of developing high tensile strength and hardness. Temper ranges from dead soft to extra strong.

Malleable and ductile, 260 brass is easy to form. Over time the brass surface reacts with air and forms a protective patina.

Note that 260 brass sheet is not recommended when machining brass or welding. And it will not harden when heat-treated.

Thickness

Calling out the gauge of the metal is another way of saying the thickness. It is important to keep in mind that with gauge, the larger the number the thinner the material. Brass sheet with a thickness of 24-gauge is much thinner than 16-gauge.

QuickShipMetals.com sells brass sheet that is thicker than its brass coil sheeting. The thicknesses of our brass sheet begin at 0.02” and goes up to 0.125”. If you are in need of something thinner than brass sheet, our brass coil sheeting ranges in thickness from 0.005 or 8 Gauge to 0.020 or 24 Gauge.

This cross-reference table – based on Brown and Sharpe – will help you convert gauge to inches and pounds per square foot.

Brass Sheet from QuickShipMetals.com:

Brass Coils from QuickShipMetals.com:

Flexibility

If flexibility is an issue, here’s a simple way to compare the thickness and flexibility of brass metals from QuickShipMetal.com. The thickness of metal sheeting is listed in decimals, such as 0.20. Metal sheeting with the thickness of .010, compared to our American system of fractions, would measure to less than 1/64 inch.

Now, let’s go one step further with a comparison of the flexibility of the metal that you can relate to an item in your everyday life. If you may have a Blockbuster membership card or a Bonus rewards card, brass sheeting with a .010 thickness will have the same flexibility as either of these cards. Keep in mind that these two cards are thinner than a standard credit card, which is less flexible. A standard credit card measures .028.

Solid Brass Rods

QuickShipMetals.com offers brass round rod manufactured under the specifications of ASTM B16, SAE J461 and J463. Made of brass alloy C360 round brass rod is known for its strength and corrosion resistance with properties closely resembling that of steel. The rods’ half-hard temper is ideal for high-precision machining, making it an industry standard.

Alloy 360 Composition: 61.5% Copper; 35.5% Zinc; 3% Lead; and 0.35% Iron

360 Brass round rod is an excellent metal to use because it resists corrosion, is durable and attractive. Over time the brass surface reacts with air and forms a protective patina. These qualities make brass round rod a fantastic metal to use in automobiles, industrial equipment, plumbing, as well as for decorative hardware.

360 Brass round rod can be cut down and molded fairly simply to meet various project specifications. However, this specific brass alloy has only fair to poor characteristics when used in forming operations. And while 360brass rod is highly recommended for machining, it is not suitable for welding, though 360 brass can be soldered and brazed to a limited degree.

QuickShipMetals.com sells brass round rod in numerous lengths ranging from 12” to 96” depending on diameters, which range in standard increments from .25” to 3.0” – the following quick links will take you to the exact-diameter product page:

Common Uses for Brass Sheet and Rod

The most popular type of brass sold at QuickShipMetals.com is 20- and 24-gauge brass sheet, which is thin enough to adapt to numerous art and home hobby projects. Brass is also sold for a number of DIY projects that range from fireplace surrounds to garden markers, including …

Fireplace Surrounds, Kick Plates, Fishing Lures, Trivets, Dog Tags, Wind Chimes, Garden Markets, Ventilation Grates, Heat Diffusers, Furniture and Door Inlays, Name Plates, and Tabletops.

Even with so many potential applications and options for using brass it really isn’t difficult to pick the right type for any project. If you still have questions, link back to our friendly customer service staff at QuickShipMetals.com or call toll free 1-866-334-2177.

Copper comes in many forms and thicknesses. Copper sheet is thick, ridged and can be difficult to bend and cut by hand, but it is strong and durable. Copper flashing is flexible and has a soft temper which means it can be more easily formed and cut by hand. Although used primarily in roofing applications, copper flashing has many craft and decorating uses. Copper foil is the thinnest and most flexible copper sheeting available. We also stock a good selection of aluminum and stainless crafting foils. The flexibility and durability varies with the specific thickness of the foil used.

Selecting the right thickness and flexibility of copper foil or copper sheeting for an art project is not difficult once you have some comparative information to go by. Listed below is a brief explanation of some of the cutting and forming characteristics of copper foil and copper sheeting to consider when determining the correct thickness of material for your requirements.

.001″ copper foil - Can tear with fingers, cuts perfectly with normal scissors, really feels like aluminum foil that you would find in your kitchen cabinet.

.003″ copper foil – Can not tear with fingers, cuts perfectly with normal scissors, easily shaped by hand.

.005″ copper foil - Cuts perfectly with normal scissors, shaped easily by hand, retains shape but still fairly flimsy.

.010″ copper foil - Can still be cut with scissors, shaped easily by hand, can make 90 degree bends by hand, retains shape well.

.0216″ copper coil - Need metal snips to cut, can be bent by hand, 90 degree bends by hand are difficult.

If you’re still not sure what thickness you need? Just give us a call at 1-888-334-2177 and we will be glad to help you out.

As an online supplier of stainless steel, Quick Ship Metals knows that selecting the right grade or finish is important, but the task isn’t that difficult once you understand some basic variables. The first thing you need to understand is that stainless steel gets its name because it stains less. It is not stain proof. However, for most applications in the home this is merely a technicality of terms, but I don’t want to mislead you.

Because of the fact that stainless steel is an alloy whose properties are consistent through and through, the stain resistance is not limited to the surface. Even if the material is damaged, stainless steel has intrinsic self-healing capabilities that ensure the surface does not discolor or corrode. This unique property is called passivity, and is the reason stainless steel doesn’t need to be coated or have any other form of surface protection to maintain its bright and shiny appearance.

Stainless steel sheet metal in its many forms, alloys and grades is an excellent choice for applications where you need a durable surface that resists rusting, staining and the corrosive effects of from many, if not most chemicals. The following information will help you determine which grade and surface treatment will provide the optimal combination of performance characteristics for your particular needs.

Grades
Suppliers offer several different grades of stainless steel sheeting. Most grades are designed to perform best in the environment where the metal will be used during its lifetime. Without going into an involved discussion of metallurgy, the key issue for stain resistance is the amount of carbon and chromium used in the alloy. In the finished alloy, chromium forms a passive film of chromium oxide, which prevents surface corrosion and blocks corrosion from spreading into the metal’s internal structure. Stainless steel contains a maximum of 0.15% carbon, a minimum of 16% chromium and varying amounts of nickel and/or manganese depending on the hardness, flexibility and stain resistance desired.

The most common type of stainless is Austenitic. In fact, around 70% of all stainless steel made is Austenitic. This type is commonly referred to as the 300 series. This series is the most corrosion resistant, ductile (ability to change shape without fracture), and weld-able of all the stainless steel alloys. Types 304 and 316 are mainly used for heavy-duty work, including the chemical industry, food processing equipment, counter tops and backsplash applications. The main difference between these two popular types is that the 316-grade contains molybdenum to increase resistance to various forms of deterioration. 316 is also known as marine-grade stainless steel because it excels in this harsh environment.

Stainless steel comes in a wide variety of surface finishes. Some are intended for simplicity of service, while others are strictly decorative.

Brushed Stainless Sheet
Quick Ship’s brushed, 304 stainless steel sheet metal contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It has a durable, corrosion resistant, brushed finish that can be used in many popular applications. Some common applications for 304 include chemical processing equipment, items for food, dairy, and beverage industries, for heat exchangers, and for the milder chemicals.

Decorative Stainless Sheet Metals
The Random Swirl pattern is another popular treatment, similar to brushed, but more random in nature. It is used in very exquisite kitchens for a backsplash behind the sink and stove. It does not show marking and is easy to keep clean.

Bright Quilt stainless steel can give any kitchen or bathroom application an appearance that turns heads, for all the right reasons. It offers great strength in applications expected to have moderate impact. This pattern is very effective in applications where you want to break up a vertical or horizontal focus.

Bright Checkerboard stainless steel is a very popular architectural stainless steel. It is especially popular for applications such as commercial wall coverings or any area that experiences high traffic volumes such as corridors or public facilities.

Bright Ocean stainless steel is typically used in decorative applications, including bar tops, storefronts, and light fixtures; however, there are many more possible applications. The subtle, irregular pattern compliments many design elements and is perfect for an area where some texture is desirable.

Bright Hammered stainless steel is another pattern with tremendous potential for any project where you’re looking for a distinctive décor. Consider this steel for bar tops, cabinet surrounds or an accent treatment on an exterior wall.

Satin Quilt stainless steel can give any kitchen or bathroom architectural appeal, as the satin design is preferred in applications to break vertical or horizontal focus. The pattern offers great strength and impact resistance, while maintaining an attractive industrial finish.

Connecticut Style Hammered stainless sheet is one of the more popular styles of hammered stainless sheeting. This hammered stainless sheet is commonly used in decorative applications, including light fixtures, sinks, and several other ways.

Bright Tree Bark is an ideal surface treatment if you’re looking for a very distinctive stainless steel to provide architectural texture. Tree Bark can give any kitchen or bathroom a strong visual presence. It also offers great strength in applications that will have high impact or heavy use. This pattern is often used to break the vertical or horizontal focuses while maintaining an industrial grade finish that is impervious to wear.

430 Magnetic Stainless Steel – Yes, this is the same stainless steel sheet that your appliances are made of. It not only has the corrosion resistance factor, but it is also “Magnetic”. Hang it as a kitchen backsplash or a note board in the laundry room and then hang magnetic note holders all over it. The possibilities with this product are endless.

Mirror Finish
If you need a mirror for an area that is subject to abuse, consider the advantage of a mirror finish on #8 Mirror Finish Stainless Steel that will not break and scatter shards of glass. What it will do is provide an excellent mirror for many years to come.

Stainless Steel Trim Molding
No job will look first class without being properly trimmed or finished on the edges. The use of stainless steel trim molding makes a huge difference in both the look and ease of use by eliminating unsightly edges. Quick Ship Metals offers trim molding pieces in several bends such as inside corner molding, outside stainless steel corner molding, and divide molding. In addition to adding an impressive professional look, these trim moldings make your job of installing the stainless steel sheet much easier.

Quick Ship can also hem stainless steel. Hemming is a term used for a bend that accommodates the edge of tile, or provides a smooth finish for hanging stainless on drywall or other smooth surfaces. The tile hem creates a clean break and a smooth edge for an attractive, professional-looking transition from wall tile to your oven’s backsplash.

Cutting Stainless Steel
You’ll find the thinner sheets of stainless steel fairly easy to cut and bend. A standard jigsaw or circular saw with a metal blade will cut 24 or 22 gauge stainless. More challenging cuts can be made using a RotoZip saw, but when you start getting into the thicker sheets the best option is to have it custom cut when you place your order.

Bending
Bending 24 gauge stainless steel sheeting can be done with a 2×4 that has a well-defined edge, but for 20 gauge and thicker sheets you’ll have to use a handbrake to be sure of getting a good looking edge. And again, you can order any custom bend, edge or hem and then all you’ll have to do is install the metal.

Thickness
As a major sheet metals supplier, Quick Ship offers an easy way to understand thickness and flexibility by relating to objects that you have in your pocket or purse. The thickness of metal sheeting is listed in decimals. Metal sheeting with the thickness of .010, compared to our American system of fractions, would measure to less than 1/64 inch.

Now, let’s go one step further and give you a comparison of the flexibility of the metal that you can relate to an item in your everyday life. If you may have a Blockbuster membership card or a Bonus rewards card, copper sheeting with a .010 thickness will have the same flexibility as either of these cards.

Keep in mind that these two cards are thinner than a standard credit card, which is less flexible. A standard credit card measures .028. This compares closely to .0216 copper foil, which is slightly stiffer. Some other measurements that are convenient comparisons to everyday items are listed below.

• Penny .050
• Dime .062
• Nickel .070
• Quarter .067
• Half Dollar .085

When appropriate, some stainless steel sheet metal supplied by Quick Ship Metals is shipped with a protective, peel off PVC film on one surface, in order to prevent scratches during shipping. This PVC film helps ensure a scratch-free stainless steel sheet on arrival, and should be left in place until the installation is complete.

If you are in need of a custom size or have any questions about the stainless steel sheet metal sold online at Quick Ship Metals, please call us at 1-888-334-2177 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm EST). Custom sizes of our stainless steel sheet metal can typically be shipped the next business day.

Once your stainless project is complete, please refer to my post on the care and cleaning of stainless. Proper care will ensure a lifetime of beauty and continued compliments on your work!

Now, let’s go one step further and give you a comparison of the flexibility of the metal that you can relate to an item in your everyday life. If you may have a Blockbuster membership card or a Bonus rewards card, copper sheeting with a .010 thickness will have the same flexibility as either of these cards.

Keep in mind that these two cards are thinner than a standard credit card which is less flexible. A standard credit card measures .028. This compares closely to .0216 copper foil, but the foil is slightly stiffer. Some other measurements that are convenient comparisons to everyday items are listed below.

Penny .050
Dime .062
Nickle .070
Quarter .067
Half dollar .085

Coil Sheeting is very flexible and is used in countless ways including flashing, crafts and decorative applications.

Selecting the right type of copper for any application requires an understanding of some rather technical terms like: alloy, temper, hardness, gauge and finish. Don’t be put off by the number of terms. When taken one at a time they’re not that difficult to understand. So please, stick with me through this brief article and you will have a greater understanding of copper and have the confidence to purchase for any application.

Alloy

Copper Sheet, foil, bar, rod and tube is available in many different alloys. These different alloys give certain physical properties to copper it doesn’t usually have, but those new properties often bring new limitations as well. What makes the alloy discussion a little easier is that 99% of the copper sold in the United States is represented by the three alloys listed below.

C11000
Most of the copper sold today in the United States is alloy C11000, also known as Electrolytic-Tough-Pitch. Plain and simply, C11000 is 99.9% pure copper. It makes an excellent electrical conductor, an equipment ground bar, a fine looking kick plate on your front door, does a great job as a back splash in your kitchen, makes a very classy looking rain gutter and adorns some of the finest looking roofs in the world.

C12200
Copper used for tube and pipe is usually alloy C12200. You get this alloy by adding a very small amount of phosphorus to pure copper. This makes the copper easier to weld and braze. Unfortunately, it also makes the copper considerably less conductive. Generally speaking, you rarely see this alloy being used for electrical applications, but if you need to weld or braze, this alloy is your best option.

Because Storm Grounding maintains a million-pounds of copper inventory, barstock orders usually ship the next business day. Copper Barstock is also available custom cut to specific lengths.

C14500
If you’re going to turn or machine copper, C14500 is your alloy. When copper is alloyed with a small amount of tellurium it greatly improves the ability of copper to “make chips”. Pure copper (alloy C11000) tends to be “gummy” (I apologize for using such a technical term) when machining. This gumminess means you have to slow the machining process down quite a bit. Pure copper is also hard on machine tools, which adds to the expense of machining. C14500 is not quite as conductive as pure copper, but it is relatively close.

An interesting fact about copper alloys; if you add a little zinc to the metal – you get brass.

Temper

Basically, the Temper of a metal refers to its hardness. The two extremes of Temper are denoted as “hard” and “soft”. While the Copper Development Association has installed a numbering convention H01(soft) to H04(hard), most people in the industry simply refer to the degree of hardness. “Hey, I’ll take some ‘quarter-hard’ copper sheet,” is really all you have to say to your local copper mill* to call out the Temper.

So, why does anybody even worry about Temper? To a large degree, the hardness of the metal determines the application. If you were to make a beautiful pot rack out of soft Temper copper bars and chose to hang your grandmother’s favorite cast iron frying pan on your new creation, the weight of the frying pan could well deform the rack. Bottom line, if your copper project involves supporting any kind of weight, stick to harder Tempers.

On the other hand, if you are interested in making a copper etching or simply forming the copper by hand, you would be much better off with a softer Temper. Softer Tempers are also easier to cut as well. For decorative and craft applications that do not require supporting much weight, soft Temper should be your choice.

One final point about Temper, because of the end use of the product, copper bar is generally available only in the harder Tempers and copper sheet in softer Tempers. This has to do with how the two different forms of the metal are most commonly used.

Gauge, Oz. and Inches

Calling out the gauge of the metal is another way of saying the thickness. It is important to keep in mind that with gauge, the larger the number the thinner the material. 30 gauge copper sheet is much thinner than 16 gauge. To make matters even more confusing, the roofing industry measures copper thickness in ounces per square foot! 16 oz copper sheet is a very common size of roofing copper. Use this cross reference table to help you convert gauge to inches to ounces.

Finish

If you have ever walked in the lower level of a fancy department store and happened to see the gorgeous copper pots hanging in the kitchen department, you have seen an unnatural copper finish. Unless copper is treated with a synthetic lacquer, it will not have that deep mirror-like finish. Also, if that lacquer finish should ever crack (even a very small one) and air reaches the copper, it will discolor fairly rapidly.

Generally, the finish of copper bar and sheet will provide a dull reflection. Occasionally, the metal will also have a slight waviness to it, although it will be very smooth. Over time the metal will darken with exposure to air. The oxygen in the air is actually corroding the metal. Over a number of years a greenish patina will form on the metal. Most people find the character gained by copper through this corrosion process to be quite attractive. As a matter of fact, you can actually purchase copper that has been treated with chemicals which greatly accelerates the corrosion process. If you want that greenish finish on that copper bay window roof right away, not a problem, chemical engineering has provided the product for you. If you would prefer more of a grayish patina, that’s available as well.

Congratulations, you now know the important factors in specifying copper sheet, foil, bar, rod and tubing. Good luck with your project!

*I am being sarcastic about your local copper mill. There are only two full line copper mills in the US. If you want to go direct to the source, bring your check book. The minimum order is at least 5,000 lbs.