The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

First Aid For The Ailing Houses

After exposure to three or four rains, however, the grease disappears; the copper becomes dull and tarnished and is then in condition to be painted. The greater the tarnishing, the better paint will hold. Before painting, dirt and soiling should be taken off with a wire brush or clean steel wool. Lead paint should be used; not a paint containing zinc. Between lead and copper there is no chemical reaction; between zinc and copper the reaction is destructive. Paint should be applied in thin and even coats, with ample time between for drying. All sides should be covered; for example, the parts of gutters and leaders that, while not visible, are exposed to dampness.

To retain the natural color, copper can be finished with two coats of spar varnish.

To prevent staining from copper and bronze insect screening, see section on Insect Screens.

The green tone of oxidized copper that comes through weathering can be hastened by the following process:

Clean thoroughly by scrubbing with a strong solution of washing soda in water or with potash lye, followed by rinsing with clear hot water and then with cold. Cover the copper by sprinkling or brushing with a solution of 1/2 pound of common salt in 2 gallons of water, or a solution of 1 pound of sal ammoniac in 5 gallons of water; let stand for 24 hours, and sprinkle with clear water.

Copper can be given a deep-brown or bronze color by repeated wipings with boiled linseed oil, after thorough cleaning.

Lead-covered Copper Sheet copper for roofing and other purposes can be had with a thin coating of lead. The object here is to combine the permanence of lead with strength and light weight for architectural effect, for rough textures and the dark color of lead. In soldering lead-covered copper, the soldering iron must be no hotter than will melt the solder; too great a heat will melt the lead and separate it from the copper.

Rusting Brass Hardware Because of low cost, considerable use is made of hardware which is actually brass-plated steel, although it has the appearance of brass when new. With polishing, the brass plating disappears and dull steel shows through. This hardware also causes streaks on paint and other finishes as water rusts the steel. When worn, this hardware cannot be restored; it cannot be polished, and the streaking of paint will continue. The only remedy is to replace it with solid-brass hardware. Of this there are two grades: brass stampings and brass castings. Castings are more permanent; stampings are less expensive and, when well made, will give good service.