Hi,
I have absolutely no experience whatsoever of polishing copper plated bicycles, which I guess qualifies me best to answer the questions (cc of original post follows my message).
Copper plate is not thick, you're looking at microns, not mm, unless somebody left the bike in the bath too long. It is thence very easy to polish through copper plate, especially as copper is a soft material. I'd say from experience of restoring archeological artefacts: avoid any form of acid (even lemon juice is citric acid) on a corroded or greenish surface, this will lead to pitting if not properly cleaned off or left on too long. In fact, avoid acid point blank on copper plate unless you have very, very extensive experience.
If the copper is just dull, a light polish with a soft cotton rag and appropriate metal polish will do the job nicely. Avoid anything which will scratch the copper. You can't polish scratches out, but you can definitely put them three, or polish the plate off. In England, there is a copper/barss/bronze specific polish called Brasso. Works well, just follow instructions and rub very lightly. I think it contains amonia, but that will need checking. In canada, I imagine similar products exist.
To summarize, rub very lightly, and if your surface has greenish copper disease (sulphates), there is a high likelyhood of pitting whatever you use.
And as if sumarizing weren't enough, I shall conclude: the golden rule of any polishing operation is to try on a piece of similar metal until you get the touch or feel. And then, once you feel safe, don't hurry and go for it with bared teeth, use precaution and start polishing a small area on a "hidden" or not normally visible part of the bike. Just guessing, but I imagine there will be plate inside the steerer tube, the seat tube etc.
Finally, a useful tip: pay somebody else to do it, that way if anything goes wrong, you sue them silly and get your bike replated free.
Nick March, Agen, 47000, Lot et Garonne, France.
Hi all,
I home someone with experience can help me with "do's" and "don'ts" abou t cleaning and polishing a copper plated frame and fork such as a Wilier. D oes it clean up like chrome? Are the better pastes or creams to use, and wh ich one should I stay away from? Is there a risk of polishing through the p lating? Enlightenment needed please and thank you.
Regards, Peter Schwar Montréal, Quebec Canada
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