Copper Backsplash

ModernStyle

I need to put a backsplash behind roughly 5ft of new countertop that I installed today. I have looked online and havent seen anything that I really like. Now I am thinking that maybe I should find a place that will cut me a 5x1 sheet of copper, distress it a little with a sander and clear coat it with something. Anybody ever tried this ? I seen the panels they sell at HD but think they look cheap, I dont want stainless, and I dont want any visible seams. I know a sheet of copper price will vary with location, but whats a rough idea for a square foot?
I am still open to other ideas about what to make the backsplash out of so if you got any post em.

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Tinstaafl

Got a pic of the rough-in? More importantly, who's the customer, and what are his/her tastes? What is the new countertop made of, and why O why wasn't that decision already made?

ModernStyle

It is my kitchen, yanked the old countertops and realized that the new ones were shorter in the back by almost an inch. Old counters had been in the house for over 80 years, they plastered around them, so now I have an inch gap at the top of the counters.
Thought about giving the moziac tile a shot but now I think the copper would go better with the new cabinet hardware. I know this is a kind of DIY question, but I figured it would be cool since everyone who isnt a painter seems to ask us slack jawed fume junkies questions.
I just stripped down about an 8th inch of paint off the cabinets and repainted them, I really dont want to yank them and do drywall at this point so I figured a sheet of copper would look pretty cool.
I am by no means a carpenter, and would never try to step on anyones toes by pretending to be, if it wasnt my own house I would not even be attempting to do this.

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RayGoerdt

I restored a kitchen/bar counter with a copper sink in it for a museum a few years ago. I trusted the metal workers to do all the copper work including the finish coating. Copper can be a high maintenance product for use as a backsplash, alot depends on frequency of use and cleaners used on it.

Without knowing the expected/intended use, its hard to say, but I would leave the finish coat to the metal guys.

just my thoughts on it, I hope it helps........

ScipioAfricanus

My father and I made a copper hood for his kitchen about 20 yrs ago, I think we used 12 oz. copper. We set the sheets on asphalt and ran over it with a fork-lift. Turned out great. Then we formed it to his specs.
It may have been Shellac that we used to clear coat but I am not 100% on that. I will ask him and get back in the morning.


Andy.

Tinstaafl

Oh, if it's your own place, lack of forethought is forgiven. BTDT in spades.

Honestly, I'd be chicken to try doing a nice job with copper. I do have a fair amount of experience with sheet metal work, but not that sort. I'd feel a lot more confident with tile, even though I've done very little of that either. I just finished facing a [unused] fireplace with marble-faced ceramic tile, and the lady is so impressed that she's planning to have me do her kitchen counters and backsplashes with the same material.

If you're determined to go with copper, so be it. But a pic or two might garner some equally palatable and possibly cheaper suggestions.

gallerytungsten

What you want is some roofing copper. This is .0216 thick, and a 3x10 sheet goes for around $140 to $150.

Try calling some roofing places; plenty of them should have it. If you draw up exactly what you want, they'll probably even bend it up for you, if that's needed, for a nominal fee.

If you only need a flat piece, just give them the dimensions. Maybe get 2 or 3 so you can experiment.

As for distressing it with the sander, this might work; just try not to ding it up too much or it won't lay flat. If you clearcoat it, then you'll have to maintain that.

If you get enough pieces to experiment with, try hitting it with a blowtorch, you'll get lots of different colors.

RayGoerdt

check out "stormcopperstore.com" might give you some ideas.

WarnerConstInc.

Hey Modern,
Check out Rain trade out of Chicago. Last sheets of 16oz. copper I got were about 60-75 bucks for a 2'x8' piece.
Shipping is very reasonable too.

Any place that has copper sheets in the Fort will be twice their price.

I believe thier web site is www.guttersupply.com

Tom Struble

you could check with some commercial kitchen installers in your area they usually have the equipment and expertise to fabricate what you need

ModernStyle

OK thanks guys, I will be shopping around tomorrow. The wife doesn't like the idea of copper, but I am trying to win her over. I did see some diamond plate I liked today but she said no .........

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HomerJ

Have you thought about copper tile?

http://metalwalltiles.net/index.asp?...ATS&Category=5

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