Originally Posted by rweatherly I am making a small copper roof, and am going to solder the seams. Is there a good way to clean the flux, heat discoloration, etc. off the copper after soldering? |
Denatured Alcohol will remove the flux if it is rosin based solder. Just use a semi-soft bristle brush. Pour on Alcohol and rub. Rosin Core solder is not as messy as acid core. Multi-core solder has a melting point of around 500 degrees F. which causes less discoloration. Works great on new copper. Not familiar with removing acid core flux. Acid core solder residue always causes corrosion on copper, and rosin core does not in my experience.
Heat discloration can be cleaned up with a scotchbrite scouring pad.
Spraying several coats of lacquer will keep the NEW metal look until the lacquer starts to break down. Other coatings may be better suited for this task though.
Hope this helps.
Jerry