preserving shine on copper

[skeetstar]

Gentles all, I'm making a table lamp out of an old class Apothecaries jar or something. I'm using copper pipe inside the jar as conduit to take the flex down from the lamp holder and out the bottom.
I've polished this up and got it lovely and shiny. Question; How can I keep the copper shining.. if I leave it, it will just go dull.

My two thoughts are beeswax, or maybe coating it in linseed oil.... would either of those work? Or are there better ways of doing it?

 

[Myfordman]

You need a special lacquer designed for metals and the surfaces need to be totally and utterly contaminant free otherwise you will get dark spots over time.

 

[Droogs]

This stuff works well. First polish up the the state you want and then completely clean the metal and wash off with hot running water. Leave to dry and then apply the laquer in fine mist coats allow to dry full between each, usually I give metal tht wont be handled much 3 coats. Let it cure for a few days before buffing with a soft cloth.

 

[skeetstar]

Thanks chaps, I'll get some of hycote and try that.
Appreciate the responses.

 

[Smike]

Gentles all, I'm making a table lamp out of an old class Apothecaries jar or something. I'm using copper pipe inside the jar as conduit to take the flex down from the lamp holder and out the bottom.
I've polished this up and got it lovely and shiny. Question; How can I keep the copper shining.. if I leave it, it will just go dull.

My two thoughts are beeswax, or maybe coating it in linseed oil.... would either of those work? Or are there better ways of doing it?

Hi I made this *** Trophy last year after my first ***. Used plumbing copper tube. I used this RS clear lacquer which went on well. Only one fine coat was needed. Cleaned the parts with acetone first. Cheers.