Your video was probably what most inspired me to make a vanity countertop with copper. I'm in the middle of the process now. I'm a research-aholic, so I'm adding two cents from my research. First, DIYers, check the back of your contact cement can. It may say "Not for Use on Copper." Some use a product called TC-20, others use construction adhesive like Liquid Nails. I'm using fairly thick copper and I am going to have a professional roofer friend help me in his shop with a metal brake, so I probably don't need any adhesive, but I will anyway (probably Liquid Nails or the like). As for flame patina, I killed two birds with one stone on that. I had a brush pile I needed to burn down, and so when it was burned down to very hot coals and some small flames, I set the copper on some 6 x 6 welded wire reinforcing mesh and dragged it over the coals. The two sides colored differently. The bottom side facing the coals ended up developing a fun pattern from the mesh-a quasi-noticeable grid (just enough but not too much). The top side had it's own unique characteristic which could work just as well, but my family of four voted unanimously for the bottom side. I will probably give a protective coat of, not normal paste wax, but micro-crystalline wax (like "Renaissance". Look it up). It was recommended by a friend who does high-end historic restoration work.
I really like the result of the bar top. As you mentioned that copper sheet is relatively soft; so I'm curious how it would hold up to the customers using it. Or did you put a varnish seal on it to hold up to the rough crowds.😂😮
Gorgeous copper bar top! I have work shop flip flops too (and I never wear my dress flips in the shop). I really like the way you show how it’s done. You make it so we can actually attempt it ourselves. Thank you!
Doug love your videos and ideas. I disagree with you tube and their choices of who to demonatise. Everyone needs time to get noticed and recognized. Best of luck
Man, I’m not sure how you don’t have more subs and views. Your work is awesome! Glad I stumbled across your channel and looking forward to seeing more of your work.
Great Video. This solidifies my wish to have copper counter tops. If I can ever get to that kitchen.. i want this with a stainless industrial sink with the overhead sprayer. I think it would look cool 😎. Sorry so late to the video.. 4 yrs later😬. I'm always behind the curve. I wonder how it'd look with soldered corners for extra elements.
Have you done any heating of the copper, so it patina's in to blue or green? Maybe doing that heating and creating before you appy it to the MDF? This is so fun looking. I enjoy watching your process and listening to how you think your way through the projects.
I have played with heating copper since i built the bar and I would do the patina on the copper before putting it on the mdf if I were to build another one for sure
Have you found any clear finishes for raw copper countertops? I used a product called all-clear which performed well, but over time allowed water to oxidize copper surface under clear coat. Will be sanding off clear coat , looking for alternatives for raw copper finish? Maybe ‘ BarKeeps Friend “ ? A cleaning lotion for metals.
Have you tried an epoxy? If the top gets a lot of use, the spray on clear coat may not be durable enough. Total Boat has a decent epoxy that can be painted on and provides a good layer of protection.
That looks magnificent! Your patina is one of the best I've seen. What ratio hydrogen peroxide to muriatic acid did you use? Please share. This effect looks like aged copper with a slight heat treatment and verdigris blue tinge setting in. You also left out what you used for the sealer coat. Be more diligent in listing materials. I don't think Contact Cement is the best glue to use for bonding metal to wood. Some other options are: LOCTITE Power Grab Ultimate Crystal Clear Construction Adhesive - bonds to almost everything, including aluminum and stainless steel. Should work for copper too. This is heat resistant too.
Thanks Alex! I believe was a sheet of 20 ounce copper that came 36" wide by 120" long. We have a big metal supplier called Industrial metal supply that has it in stock
ON this one , I sealed with a spray clear coat that I picked up at home depot called Deft Semi Gloss. Now I use a two part automotive clear coat, which last longer
Hi Doug, love this bar top! So you had the muratic acid in one spray bottle and the hydrogen peroxide in another? No need to mix the two into one bottle?
Sorry for the delayed response. Sounds like a cool idea if you live in an area that get really cold and you want to keep you drinks warm as well as your arms
Yes, I seal with a spray on sealer. Sometimes a use an automotive clear coat if the piece is going outdoors or I'll use a spray can sealer from Deft for indoor projects
Thanks nice video. I have a round 1/2" wide ugly stone table top that drops into the table to where it's level with the table. How would you put the copper on this. Would you fold over and put a bunch of cuts in the sides or cut the top round and make a strip for side.
@@ArtfullyRogue our uncle that recently passed enjoyed working with copper - were in southern ca ventura , if you have entrust we have a new 3ft x 8ft still plastic coat protection sheet of copper, that we would sell for half the current price 805 we can't 794 use any longer 1566 thank you
pretty sure your copper top has separated from your mdf, if you had read the contact cement instructions, you wouldn't have used it. Slow setting epoxy is the way to do it, just fyi.
Hello, that is one very pretty table you created there! :-) I wanted to create a patina table with ammonia. Since copper sulfate is quite unhealthy, I thought I could finish it with a resin coat. What do you think? Also I have very thin Copper Foil instead, because I hardly have any Tools (or money, I am a broke Student after all). :D Do you think that will work?
Can't say I've tried ammonia on copper. Not sure what it will do. I've only used vinegar. I suppose if you're not going to be moving the copper a resin coat could work. I typically a spray on clear coat because its thinner
Doug, spent the time to make an informative video, and then you ask a question that was clearly covered in the video? Doug must be a better person than me. I would have responded "watch the video"
Awesome work. I have a similar couple of instant patina bottles on hand most of the time too. Just about to follow you on IG - look me up, @wufflesdesign - keep it up man. PS. Love the shop flops.