Rust on Copper

Does Copper Rust?

You may think that the grayish-green stain on copper is a form of rust; however, since there is no iron in this metal, it does not rust. Iron’s exposure to air and moisture is what causes oxidation. Not all metals rust when exposed to the elements, though steel and other iron-containing metals, do. Copper, like aluminum, is in a family of metals known to produce its own protective coating when exposed to corrosive elements such as oxygen and moisture.

If copper is rust-proof, then what’s that green stuff? The ancient Latin's called this coating "patina;” it is also referred to as verdigris. Surprisingly, copper coins buried beneath Rome for nearly two thousand years continued to maintain clear inscriptions due mainly to this grayish-green protective coating. While the greenish coating on copper is not harmful to the metal, it can be easily removed if you don’t like it and want to keep the metal shiny and bright.

Copper Rust Stains

If you discover a red or brown colored stain on a copper surface, it not because the copper itself has rusted. More likely, the copper surface has been stained with rust from a nearby metal. If an iron-containing metal rests on, is attached to, or drips water on another surface, it can create a reddish-brown stain and it will appear that the copper has rusted, however, it has come from something else.

So, can you remove rust from copper? Absolutely! RustAid Spray Gel dissolves rust stains on contact, and will work safely on copper and many other surfaces including aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, and more. If you don’t like the green-colored patina that forms on copper, RustAid will easily remove that too. For larger, tougher stains, RustAid Outdoor Rust Stain Remover neutralizes and removes rust stains from almost any surface. It works wonders on your outdoor rust problems and also removes calcium and lime. Keep RustAid Rust Stain Remover on hand for easy clean up with no rubbing, and no scrubbing required.