Cleaning Copper Pipe

[Electronurd]

Hi all,

I create things using copper pipe such as lamps etc. I would like to know if someone has a very simple way of removing the tarnish that is visible after soldering copper pipe? The best way I have found is wire wool, however, I'm not a huge fan of the stuff and I tend to go through quite a lot.

I have tried wd40 and brasso but that just doesn't give the same finish as wire wool does. Does anyone know of a solution that will clean well with very little effort please?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Best]

Try not to tarnish the pipe when soldering. Don't overheat it.
Use the plumbing abrasive strips to clean the pipe later. (The type that resemble the abrasive pads for scrubbing saucepans).
Lasts much longer than steel wool and easy on your hands. Although some fine grade steel wool is hard to beat

 

[Best]

If you are simply soldering copper pipes together, try 'grease' based flux, like traditional Yorkshire or Fluxite. It will let the solder flow well and leave the pipe fairly clean if you don't overheat it

 

[Last Plumber]

As above or use a roll of fine grit emery paper.

 

[Chuck]

Try 'Scotch Brite' abrasive pads and sponges. They come in various grades and sizes so you'll need to experiment to find the perfect combination. People often use two. One for the initial clean and then a second finer (or more worn out) one to finish.

See for example:

Abrasive Pads: Paint & Body Shop Supplies | eBay

 

[Electronurd]

Thanks for your help. I'll give the abrasive pads a try. I do think though I heat my pipe up too much.

 

[Dkdc71]

Try some brown sauce seen it been done on an old victorian slab urinal with copper pipework brought it up like new