Scratching my head on these metal spires... - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

Brandon Vaughn · SoftWash Systems Pro Staff

Scratching my head on these metal spires...

Ray Burke · Community Member

I'm thinking you might need soap, 100% and a scrub brush.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

There is some mildew but it is heavy copper oxidation. Sometimes the customer likes the "patenia" of the copper being aged. Id do the soap and scrub brush as well. Try not to remove the patenia unless the customer wants that new penny look.

AC

Lee Kendall · Junior Member

you can always remove the petinia with coca-cola!

Steve Mazzuca · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

Hey guys! I'm looking at a similar outdoor copper awning/roof to Brandon's photos. Questions-

The 'soap' you guys mention- What brand and process do you like?

To remove the patina and make it look like a new penny- What product and process?

Thanks for the help!

Bob Riddick · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Brandon, that may be lead coated copper. Regular copper would show green oxidation stains on the white trim boards. Doesn't help you with how to clean it, though.

I'm also curious what soap Ray and AC are talking about.

John Aloisio · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Branson,

i know the coke Lee suggested will work, because we have used that too. I have also been told by some old roofers that ketchup works too. I think it is something with the acidity of the products.

If you do not want that penny like shine, I am pretty sure you can use vinegar and salt. Mix them and use a pump sprayer to apply. Might need a little agitation but I think it is a fairly aggressive mix for copper.

let us know what works!

Bob Riddick · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

John Aloisio wrote:
Branson,
i know the coke Lee suggested will work, because we have used that too. I have also been told by some old roofers that ketchup works too. I think it is something with the acidity of the products.
If you do not want that penny like shine, I am pretty sure you can use vinegar and salt. Mix them and use a pump sprayer to apply. Might need a little agitation but I think it is a fairly aggressive mix for copper.
let us know what works!

Not so sure about using vinegar. We have installed new copper and then rubbed with vinegar and water mix to go from shiny straight to patina.