Heat Treated "Fire" Top

Ammonia/Salt Solution

vinegar/Salt Solution

Our products are made from 16 oz., copper sheeting (24 Gage, .0216 mil).  This type of copper is commonly referred to as roofers copper and will last a lifetime. The unique design of the Indian River Copper Company cap provides for a perfectly fitting cap even if your piling is not round.   They can easily be installed by the dock owner with only a hammer.  Before you begin your installation, please review the instructions and videos on the Installation web page for some helpful tips.  

Copper Patinas and Other Finishes

The caps come standard in clean copper finish that will begin to patina as soon as they are exposed to the elements.  Within just a few days the bright copper finish will begin to change and take on a reddish brown appearance.  Over a period of several years the cap will take on the rich blue green appearance that is associated with old copper.

The bright copper appearance can be retained by coating the cap with wax, lacquer or a clear coat.  Conversely the patina process can be accelerated by applying some simple household chemicals to the copper caps once they are installed.  Two easy recipes which can be made with simple household chemicals are listed below.

Vinegar and Salt Solution -Add 3 teaspoons of salt to 1 ounce of vinegar.  Using a small paintbrush, rag or paper towel spread this solution over the top and sides of the piling cap and let the solution set overnight.  This will generally produce a light green finish on the copper piling cap.

Ammonia and Salt Solution - Add 3 teaspoons of salt to 1 once of household ammonia.  Using a small paint brush, rag or paper towel spread this solution over the top and sides of the piling cap and let the solution set for a minimum of 3 hours.  This will generally produce a green/blue finish on the copper cap.  It helps to cover the piling top/copper cap with a plastic bag to hold in the ammonia vapors.  also, you can obtain a darker blue color by letting the vapors work for longer periods. (Caution: Always wear protective eye covering and rubber gloves when handling ammonia and use in a well ventilated area)

​Heat Treatment - An Iridescent Appearance can be achieved at home by heating the copper cap with a propane touch before the cap is installed on the piling.  Never try to do this after the cap has been installed.  

Brite Finish

If you want to keep the copper finish looking new you have two choices.  1) You can seal the cap immediately after they are installed with clear lacquer or clear coat.  2) You can periodically remove the patina by wiping the copper top with a tarnish remover.  I have found that a quick wipe down with Goof Off Rust Stain Remover or Lime-A-Way will produce a brite copper finish again almost instantly.