Has anyone cleaned copper gutters? Any advice/warnings/etc.? Thanks!
Insides or out?
We do the insides of some, they are kinda common in certain areas around here. Dont lean your ladder on them.
Thanks, Chris. Part of what I wondered is whether people with copper gutters would want the outsides cleaned as well. There’s a couple places nearby with these and I’m thinking of approaching them but want to find out more about it first.
I’m assuming you could clean the outsides with something like citric acid? On the other hand, would they even want the outsides cleaned since many people like the patina of copper - and besides, it would come right back, right?
That was my thoughts…the recurrence of petina…and people usually like it…I have one that has a whole roof in copper…the concrete gets copper staining in a few spots…but I don’t clean any copper gutters etc…
I’m assuming you could clean the outsides with something like citric acid? On the other hand, would they even want the outsides cleaned since many people like the patina of copper - and besides, it would come right back, right?[/QUOTE]
I got into copper cleaning a while back. But most like the petina look. There are chemicals you can use to get copper back to it’s original luster but you would have to seal the copper after the clean to keep it from going petina. I would just focus on getting the insides cleaned. But definitely do not lean your ladder up against them. On the few jobs I have done I have used a some chemical I buy from California. I can forward you the info if you are still interested.
Alex
Clean and Bright Window Cleaning & More
1-806-448-8965
Around here, you take the patina off of copper gutters, you go to jail.
[MENTION=4]Alex[/MENTION] - yes, please forward it.
Went to see one today. You can tell the copper was cleaned since it had clean areas and green/black areas (spotty, kind of). Come to find out the owner ordered some kit online for cleaning & clear-coating the gutters. He said it was kind of a pain to clean them but they looked “great” until he applied the clear coat, at which time the green/black spots and streaks appeared. The owner swears up and down that instructions were followed to the letter.
Just from basic cleaning knowledge, I would guess that the cleaner was a rather strong acid and wasn’t completely neutralized before applying the clear coat. So I’m thinking the clear coat somehow reacted with the acidic residue in places. I ran into something like this many years ago on a terrazzo floor that had brass inlays that turned bright green after a company waxed the floors. (Still can’t believe people actually wax stone floors.)
Anyway, I’m not sure which “kit” the guy used, but I looked at some online after I got home and it seems the clear coat (generally) has to be removed with xylene.
Uh… not really interested in that one. One thing I’ve always hated about refinishing bathtubs and tile is having to strip failed coatings from tubs - not going there on a ladder with copper gutters. I say just paint 'em 
Hello David,
The company is called Everbrite. They are in California. If the copper has not been cleaned in more than 5 years I would just pass on it. IMO. Like all acids you must neutralize them completely before applying the sealant. The going rate for cleaning copper varies. But you can count on starting at the low end of $6/sq.ft. to $10/sq.ft. Gutters are linear so you might adjust these rates to cover your cost and labor. Here is the contact info: 800-304-0566 How to Restore Metal, Protect Metal & Keep Metal Looking It’s Best.. Ask for a lady named ZOE. Wish you well. Feel free to call me or e-mail if you have any more questions. [email protected]
Alex
Clean and Bright Window Cleaning & More
1-806-448-8965
