This work is made in America, by Americans. We use the best copper in the world, 99.98% pure (and we’ve tried others—-yuk). We only use heavy 16 ounce architectural grade Revere Copper…. made in America, by Americans. (No thin foil used here.) Incidentally, it is named after Paul Revere (of the midnight ride)….. because…..he founded the company!
Each piece is individually made using only hand tools. For this reason, there will be slight variations from one to the next. The dimensions given are representative, not exact. If you are planning to incorporate a piece into a tight spot where a half inch (or less) variation will cause you problems, please note that when ordering and we will gladly take pains to insure your piece fits.
The most frequent question we get is how we get the vibrant colors. The short answer is: It is due to the gas we use to cut and braze the copper. We make it on site, in our shop, from water. The molecular reaction between this gas and the copper produces the color as well as leaving a smooth, beaded edge of molten copper.
All the bottled gases we have tried (acetylene, MAPP gas, propane) don’t even come close. As far as we know, we are the only people in the world using this process. For more information about the gas, it’s properties, and how it is made, leave a comment on the blog because we will be discussing it there from time to time, and your question will speed the dialogue.
The green patina (verdigris) on parts or all of some pieces is what occurs over time to unprotected copper exposed to the elements and is the reason copper implements thousands of years old are still being found in reasonably good condition. Once this patina (actually copper oxide) forms, it protects the metal it covers from deteriorating further.
We accelerate this process by brushing on an acid solution, exposing it to a fine water mist until the patina forms, and then blowing off any clear coated areas with compressed air to prevent water spots.
Like natural copper patina, it is loosely bonded to the surface in the form of a fine powder. If you rub it, IT WILL COME OFF ON YOUR HANDS and can only be restored by leaving it in the weather for a year or more. It is for decorative purposes only. If you plan to pet the piece frequently, let us know and we will clear coat the whole thing for you.
You no doubt notice a wide range of colors in the patina. We have experimented for years in an effort to understand what causes this and control it, but we still have no clue. Two identical pieces from the same sheet of copper, treated exactly the same way, at the same time will often produce radically different results as they lay side by side. All this is to say we can’t predict how the patina will form. What we get is what you get.
For clear coated pieces and areas we use spar urethane, the most durable and UV resistant finish we have found yet. If you are aware of a better or more durable clear finish that bonds well to metal, please let us know.
All of our joinery is brazed with copper rods. There is no solder or lead in our work. This added strength lets you bend to adjust the copper hanging wires on the back of the pieces to make them hang the way you want them to without fear of the thing coming apart in your hands.