There is nothing like walking into a kitchen that has the warm look of a copper back splash. Copper sheet suitable for use as a back splash comes in a variety of finishes: smooth, hammered & a number of completely unique textures are available. A copper back splash can be installed just like flashing on a roof, or you can cover a board with the copper sheet material & install that, as you choose. Generally, when copper sheet is used as a back splash it’s not nailed or screwed to the wall, instead, use an adhesive caulk that is compatible with metals. If you want to preserve the shiny look, use many thin coats of lacquer on the copper. This will help protect it from fingerprints or changing color. Leaving it natural will result in darkening & even some greening. Do you follow? This is a self-protective patina, which is valued by many because it adds character & depth to the metal. You may also clean it periodically with Twinkle (or some other copper cleaner/polisher). Keep in mind that copper is a softer metal which is subject to scratching & denting; again, this is a look that many people desire.
Copper sheet comes in a large range of thicknesses. There is more. The appropriate thickness for a back splash depends on the application. The best advice we can give you is rather obvious. There is more. The thinner the material the easier it’s to form around corners & cut with shears or saw. However – the thinner material dents & curls much easier. Also, thinner copper sheet will not hide wall imperfections as well as thicker material.
As a rule of thumb, if the wall surface is smooth and/or you really need to form the sheet around a corner .020 or .032 thickness sheet will work well as a back splash. If the wall isn’t smooth & you do not want to form the material, .040 or .050 will make a very durable bask splash.
One final point to consider is the weight of the sheet. The heavier the sheet the better the mounting adhesive must be or a greater quantity must be used. The easiest way to determine the weight of copper sheet is to use this formula ‘thickness x width x length x .322′. As an example, copper sheet with the dimensions of .032′ x 24′ x 36′ will weigh (.032 x 24 x 36 x .322) 8.9/lbs.
Good luck with your project.
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