Copper sheathing

[pay2700]

Hello all,
Building the Mamoli model Yacht America (1851). First layer of planking completed. The second layer calls for copper tiles below the water line. Supplies include 4 mm copper foil tape roll. The plans are vague and images are not to scale. Looks like the tiles are rectangular in the drawings, but some variation in long axis. Looking for suggestions as to whether the tiles should all be cut to the same length and if so how to do that. Also would like some thoughts on final finishing of the copper.
Looking forward to hearing from any of you. Phil

 

[Thomas Marocke]

Hi Phil!

American copper plates were 48 x 14 inches. The first plate was down at the stern and was slightly overlapped by the following plate towards the bow. When you have finished the lower row, the second row follows with a half plate at the beginning. This row slightly overlaps the 1st row.
If you have 4 mm wide copper foil, the length of the plates is 14 mm. So you have to cut the foil every 14 mm with scissors or an office cutter to get the single plates. If you want a nail imitation, you can now apply it to all plates. An aging of the copper color comes in 3 to 4 years by itself. A premature patination can affect the adhesive layer of the plates.

With best regards
Thomas

 

[jimmystratos]

Here's a method of patination: https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/threads/santisima-trinidad.4067/post-91999

 

[pay2700]

Thanks to all. This is my first experience w copper plates. Very helpful
Phil

 

[shelk]

Here's a method of patination: https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/threads/santisima-trinidad.4067/post-91999

My method is good for copper plates, fmight be too aggressive for tape, if you are going to try, test on a small sample 1st