copper question

I wasn't sure in which forum to ask this. I just bought a used copper basin with handles (maybe like the size of a grapes crushing thingy). Well, I think it's copper. It's copper colored. There are some chips and one little quarter-sized area is green (I guess from rust?).

I want to bathe in this thing because I have no running water, no mains electricity, etc., no bathroom. I just want to pour boiled water into this thing. But I'm concerned about the chipped areas. Like, I don't want to get metal poisoning or have my skin turn a funny color.

Does anyone know: 1. is the green dangerous to bathe in; 2. how to I fix the copper? do I have to find a coppersmith?

I'm in Portugal now and don't know anything or anyone or where to find a metal-worker.

Thank you for any help!!

I'm not sure what you mean by chipped. Couple ways to clean the copper, and if it is just a natural occurring patina the green will come right off. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle the cut surface with salt. Use the lemon to scour the basin. I' m not sure how readily available tomato ketchup is available in Portugal but coating the basins surface with ketchup and leaving for a bit before a good scrub will also clean the copper. This will strip any current patina off the surface so maybe try a discrete spot to test if you like the current condition. Any chance we could see what you mean by chip with a picture? Copper tubs are one of the most expensive bathtubs out there. If it is copper you will be just fine. One thing about copper sinks and basins is that they acquire what many call a living finish, the color changing as the fixture ages. True copper is actually anti bacterial and anti fungal. If it is a copper tub you won't be turning green by bathing in it.

Hi Robert,
Thank you for responding! I looked at it just now and maybe it isn't "chipped," but like a growth maybe. ?? I also discovered some cracks. So, no matter what, I guess I have to find a welder or coppersmith to help me patch the cracks. Dunno if I can find such a person here. It's hard to find workers here.

For the green parts, I will do the lemon and salt suggestion. Thank you!!

Hoping I can wash soon because it's hard not being able to wash on one's own place. Sigh. Thank you!

Gorgeous copper basin. It looks in fine shape; if there are leaks, they will just need to be soldered. A small leak can be closed with solder alone, while a larger one may need a copper patch soldered over the crack. Any plumber who works with copper piping can do this. Ideally you would use lead-free solder, as is required in the US at least for drinking water piping.

That is a beautiful basin. I agree a plumber would probably be who I sought out in the States to repair a piece like that if one wasn't comfortable with doing the work themselves. A perfect shower basin. I see what appears to be a shower stem behind it. Is that where you will place it? The spots of green unless they go completely through don't concern me if using as a wash basin.. Many people working with copper try to get that verdigris color. I use a ziploc bag vinegar, ammonia and old coffee grounds to get a piece of copper jewellery to  develop a patina of green. No telling what was splashed or let sit on those spots that have turned green.

Thank you, Glenn! I'll try to find a plumber!! I don't even know what is solder.

Thank you!!

Glenn Herbert wrote:Gorgeous copper basin. It looks in fine shape; if there are leaks, they will just need to be soldered. A small leak can be closed with solder alone, while a larger one may need a copper patch soldered over the crack. Any plumber who works with copper piping can do this. Ideally you would use lead-free solder, as is required in the US at least for drinking water piping.

Hi Robert,

Thank you!

I hope to find a plumber who can help!

I don't know where I'll put it yet. That solar shower is just for show now because I don't have running water and haven't bought a large enough water vessel to take showers; also, I prolly need a pump of some sort since I'm not on mains water. I think I will put the basin in a shed for now. Ideally, I'd like to put up my Springbar tent with a tarp over the tent and bathe in there, but I haven't gotten around to figuring out the tarp situation yet.

Thank you!! :)

Robert Ray wrote:That is a beautiful basin. I agree a plumber would probably be who I sought out in the States to repair a piece like that if one wasn't comfortable with doing the work themselves. A perfect shower basin. I see what appears to be a shower stem behind it. Is that where you will place it? The spots of green unless they go completely through don't concern me if using as a wash basin.. Many people working with copper try to get that verdigris color. I use a ziploc bag vinegar, ammonia and old coffee grounds to get a piece of copper jewellery to  develop a patina of green. No telling what was splashed or let sit on those spots that have turned green.

Couple of things to consider if you have to find someone to repair a leak. Are you going to want to install a drain? If so, that would be the time to do it. Wherever it is going to be placed permanently, I would consider running the waste water to a bed for irrigation. Will end up being a great addition to your home.

Hi Robert,

Thanks!! I probably was thinking about this somewhere in the back of my mind, but thank you for bringing it to the front. Yeah, that would be awesome. Just need to have enough money to pay someone to do that 'cause I'm kinda not able to do anything like that (I know I could try.....).

Thank you!!

Robert Ray wrote:Couple of things to consider if you have to find someone to repair a leak. Are you going to want to install a drain? If so, that would be the time to do it. Wherever it is going to be placed permanently, I would consider running the waste water to a bed for irrigation. Will end up being a great addition to your home.

Is the divot next to the Euro a hole? A lavatory sink drain would be something you might be able to use and install yourself if you can use a hole saw.

Hi Robert,

No holes that I see. It probably wasn't used that way. There are a couple of cracks.

Ouuuu, I dunno how to use any kind of saw. I probably won't do a drain for this basin. I dunno. I'm afraid if I get someone to make one, it will leak.

Would be nice if someone came over here and helped me, ha ha. I'm probably the least capable permie on this site.

Thank you!!

Robert Ray wrote:Is the divot next to the Euro a hole? A lavatory sink drain would be something you might be able to use and install yourself if you can use a hole saw.

We all start at zero, you'll be fine.

Thank you for your kindness!!

Robert Ray wrote:We all start at zero, you'll be fine.