If I'm not mistaken Wilier Triestinas aren't copper plated (well technically under the chrome layer of the plating maybe) but are cromavelata (sp?) which is a clear orange tinted finish over chrome plate. I doubt copper plate would make a satisfactory bicycle finish.
Kurt Sperry Bellingham Washington USA
On Sun, Apr 6, 2008 at 11:30 AM, Nick March <nicbordeaux@yahoo.fr> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have absolutely no experience whatsoever of polishing copper plated bi
cycles, which I guess qualifies me best to answer the questions (cc of orig
inal post follows my message).
>
> Copper plate is not thick, you're looking at microns, not mm, unless som
ebody 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 (e
ven lemon juice is citric acid) on a corroded or greenish surface, this wil
l 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 extensiv
e experience.
>
> If the copper is just dull, a light polish with a soft cotton rag and ap
propriate metal polish will do the job nicely. Avoid anything which will sc
ratch the copper. You can't polish scratches out, but you can definitely pu
t 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 checki
ng. 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 o
f any polishing operation is to try on a piece of similar metal until you g
et 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 imag
ine 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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