Posts Tagged ‘Copper Fountains’

Learn About Copper Water Fountains

When seeking a beautiful, long lasting fountain that offers relaxing sounds as well as aesthetic appeal, a copper fountain makes a wonderful choice. The metal itself can be designed to have a brilliant shine or to provide a wonderful antiqued look, and the acoustics on these fountains are unlike any other. Copper fountains amplify sound considerably, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The shine of the metal also provides a unique aesthetic effect as the water runs or trickles down the fountain.

In general, there are two types of copper water fountains, those that are all natural and those that have had a clear coat applied. Natural fountains will take on a green or blue coloring (verdigris color) over time that will contrast with the shine of the copper to provide an organic and antiqued look, this the natural aging process of natural copper.  Copper that has a clear coat will remain shiny and beautiful, though it must be waxed with a hard shell type of wax every few months and should have furniture polish applied quite regularly. When applying the polish, it is important to ensure that the polish never makes contact with the water, however, as it can clog or damage your fountain pump.

The type of copper fountain that will work best for you will depend largely on your personal tastes. Many fountain owners prefer the natural look of standard copper fountains as they slowly develop a patina and oxidize, while others believe that fountains with a clear coat applied will offer a better version of the artist’s intent over time. There is certainly no right or wrong choice, and your personal preferences should help you make your decision. One thing that is important to keep in mind, however, is that maintenance will vary greatly depending on the type of fountain you choose.

When you purchase a copper fountain, it is important to read all of the manufacturer’s recommendations very carefully. The products used to clean a fountain with clear coat can be very damaging to a fountain that has no such protection. Because of this it is very important to ensure that any products or cleaning tools used are recommended for the type of fountain that you have installed.

Copper water fountains are ideal for many different places and spaces. There are numerous beautiful indoor fountains that employ a copper design as well as many outdoor, garden, and wall fountains made of copper. Outdoor fountains without a clear coat will often develop a patina quickly, due to air and rain exposure, helping you to get that antique look much more quickly. Whatever fountain type you choose, you are certain to find that your copper fountain is simply a work of beauty.

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How to Choose the Right Fountain Material for Your Water Fountain

When looking to purchase a water fountain for your home, yard, or garden, you will quickly learn that there are many building materials to choose from. While the beauty and appeal of your fountain can be one of the largest factors in the choice you make, you will also want to pay attention to the needs and requirements of different materials. The climate you live in, the space where you intend to place the fountain, and other factors can help you decide which material will be best for you. In the next few paragraphs, we will take a look at some of the more common fountain materials.

When browsing water features, you will certainly find that copper is a common choice. Copper is warm and bright and offers a very upscale feel. Clear coated copper will retain a beautiful shine that looks new and radiant for years with proper maintenance, while natural copper will develop a patina, offering beautiful color changes as the metal oxidizes. Copper fountains can be used both indoors and outdoors and make wonderful choices. Slate fountains are also popular and offer an organic feel. Both thick and  lightweight slate fountains can be purchased for use on walls and  floors indoors and or outdoors.

Stone fountains are also quite popular, especially marble and granite. These fountains age beautifully and can make a wonderful investment, provided they are well maintained. These fountains are quite heavy and are most commonly used outdoors. Cast stone fountains are also common and offer the same look as natural stone without the same price. This material is most commonly used in garden water fountains. Ceramic fountains provide a handmade feel and can offer a sense of tranquility to a home, garden, or yard.

Glass fountains are often used for floor and wall fountains. They offer a beautiful artistic appeal and can look more like a work of art than a water feature. Acrylic fountains offer the same visual appeal as glass without the risk of breakage, making them ideal for many spaces. Fiberglass fountains are durable and can be placed outdoors in even the harshest weather conditions while remaining lightweight enough to be moved easily. Resin fountains are perhaps the most durable of all, and this material can be used for virtually any space while providing numerous looks and finishes.

In short, there are numerous options for fountain building materials. Many water fountains also make use of multiple materials to create a unique look. Your personal taste will likely be the biggest factor when choosing water features, but knowing the benefits of different materials can help you make the right choice for your space as well.

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Care of Copper Fountains

When looking at different types of indoor and outdoor fountains, you will find that copper is a popular material choice. These fountains are quite beautiful, and the choice of metal helps to create a relaxing sound when the water is moving. When you purchase a copper water fountain, however, there is a bit of care that you will need to provide. Caring for these fountains is a bit different than caring for other fountain types, and today we will explore the different tips and tricks you will need to know to keep your copper fountain beautiful and running smoothly.

If your copper fountain has a clear coating over it, you will want to use a hard shell wax every two to three months. This will help to protect the finish on your fountain, keeping it beautiful for many years to come. With proper maintenance, you will find that your fountain can look new years after your purchase and install it. In addition to waxing every few months, you can also use a furniture polish on a daily basis using a soft cloth. One thing that is absolutely imperative to remember, however, is that you cannot let the polish make contact with the water, as the chemicals can damage to your pump.

While it may seem that copper cleaner would be an excellent way to maintain your fountain, the truth is that it can damage the finish. If you get mineral buildup on your fountain, you will find that calcium and lime remover is the best way to eliminate it without damaging the fountain. Follow instructions on the bottle carefully and make certain that you rinse the fountain very well when you have finished.

If  copper water fountains do not have a clear coat on it, you will want to avoid calcium and lime remover. Instead, you will want to use Pledge (or a similar product used for dusting) for cleaning the fountain. Adding a patina to the fountain can offer benefit, or you can simply allow the fountain to form its own by allowing it to oxidize. This will offer a unique color scheme to the fountain that will give it an antiqued look. Keep in mind that sunlight, air exposure, and water exposure will all affect the coloring of your copper fountain over time. Caring for your fountain can be a great deal of fun and requires only minimal maintenance. Keeping the copper looking new and beautiful can help make it more appealing, but the key is to find the coloring or treatment that works best for you.

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