I've covered this before in other threads, but I'll re-hash...
If you are like me and want a still that is always shiny, it only takes a little extra work when building and you will never have to treat the outside of it again.
- Buy a few different grades of sandpaper (400 grit - 2000 grit).
- Start by sanding at the lowest grit paper you have. 400 is usually a good starting point...if you have excessive gauges and scratches you may need to start on 200.
- As it gets nice and even, go to the next grade of paper. Eg. 400, 800, 1200, 2000.
- Keep moving to the next grade of paper and the sanding will get finer and finer.
- Once you finish on the 2000 grit, it will be looking pretty good. If the copper has had a lot of work like on my bubbler, I finished at the 2000 and sealed it. If it's fairly good pipe that doesn't have hammer dings and scratches in it, you can look to apply some polishing compound and use a polishing buffer wheel. I did this on my first stills and it worked a treat.
- Now the most important part is the clear coat sealant. I don't care what anyone says, you are only applying it externally and it gives the still a beautiful professional finish. I tape up all openings, and coat it with
THIS PRODUCT from Wattyl which is available at Masters. It was developed by the International Copper Research Association, and puts a clear lacquer finish on the external copper surfaces, leaving that mirror shine permanently and avoiding tarnishing and the 'patina' that people talk about (the brown dull colour), which is what should happen inside the still. My first stills look brand new after 2 years without any external cleaning, and my bubbler looks as good as the day I finished building it a year ago...I swear by this stuff. Check my build thread to see pieces taped up and being sprayed...
Happy polishing :handgestures-thumbupleft: