Fireback backsplash. Need advice
 

I'm building a new home and want to put a fireback behind the rangetop as a backsplash like the one in the photo (but not as fancy).

I found an antique copper plated steel fireback. How should I clean and maybe seal the fireback before installation. Want to preserve the patina, but protect it if possible. Any ideas?

Concept

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1390343749.jpg

My fireback

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1390343787.jpg

I talked with our painter who we have worked with on period films. He says the best sealer/ protectant he has used for copper and other metals is Permalac PERMALAC - Permalac Products

Also, there are many different ways to patina copper, both hot and cold applications. Patina Formulas for Brass, Bronze and Copper

Good luck, I like the patina the way it is now, great find!

Thats beautiful

Jeezus- after you're done you'll be able to rent the place out to Hollywood.

Nice work.

rjp

I like it.

What will you use as the field of the surrounding back splash?

Not sure. Travertine? Any thoughts?

Tumbled travertine always looks good, maybe with some Batchelder tile as accents? Lots of good nature oriented ones.

http://www.pasadenacraftsmantile.com/page7/page7.html

Cruise over to Import Tile in Berkeley with your piece.

There should be a nice selection of material that you will enjoy.
Both natural and handmade.

Thank you! Permalac looks like just the right stuff!

I'm worried about surface prep. I don't want to ruin the patina. Should I use TCE? Acetone? Thinner? My instinct says to degrease it and clean it with alcohol but I could be way off the mark.

IIRC, it is tax-free income if used less than a week...
(someone else might know better)

Damn - that is REALLY pretty, but you are right, the prep for the preservation might destroy the look you are after!! We debated a similar backsplash but went with a painting on the back of some textured glass so we could keep it clean easily. How 3D is your piece? If it has deep recesses the grease is going to collect there, regardless of what you do. Maybe that is part of the charm? Tough call....

Like what you've got however....sorry I don't have any good ideas on treatments....

td

I've used MSC Industrial supplies as a resource for chemicals in the past.

How far along are you on the build?

Moses,

Have you broke ground on the project yet? You might have some time so why not get something similar but cheaper and try treating it with various chemicals and actually secure it to your existing back splash temporary and see what happens. I have never done one like that. It looks pretty good.

We break ground May 1. Lots of time to explore.

In the instructions, it says for re-application wipe with acetone. I would try on a spare piece of copper to see if there is any reaction.

We did our shower in travertine and I wish now we'd used tile instead. Travertine is porous and has lots of nooks and crannies. I'd be worried about grease getting into and staining the travertine. You can seal it, but you need to be diligent about keeping it clean and sealed.

I vote for porcelain tile.

A backsplash, even one behind the cooktop, is not going to experience near the wear or dirt that a shower does. I had a tumbled travertine backsplash in my kitchen for over 10 years and it looked the same as the day I installed it.

Nice copper accent Moses.