Clear coating on copper

[TheBaconLard]

I’m currently waiting on some copper to build my first still. I’m pretty sure the copper comes with some sort of chemical clear coating to prevent corrosion or oxidization. Should I remove this on the side that will be facing inwards? How could I go about doing this?

[Yummyrum]

What makes you think it is clear coated ?
I’d doubt it .
Most copper you see , sheet, pipe , fittings all look perfectly clean and not oxidised . It’s only when we touch them they start to go brown .

Copper sheet sold with the intension of being processed by welding or soldering would be a nightmere to use if it was clear coated

[NZChris]

The only clear coating I've had on copper is a plastic protective film that easily peels off.

[Saltbush Bill]

I'll third that, I've bought and built with quite a bit of copper, never seen it coated.

[TheBaconLard]

Thanks for the replies, I’m not exactly an expert on crafting stills so I was a little confused. Wish me luck!

[jonnys_spirit]

Thanks for the replies, I’m not an expert yet on crafting stills so I was a little confused. Wish me luck!

There - I fixed that for you and good luck. Pay it forward some day some way

Cheers,
jonny

[shadylane]

I'll third that, I've bought and built with quite a bit of copper, never seen it coated.

Copper sheet might have a protective peel off layer. Think the good stuff meant for fancy work.
It also might have a layer of clear coat just to make it pretty.
When in doubt, look, research and ask.

[Saltbush Bill]

When in doubt, look, research and ask.

Very true Shady, best to play it safe, it can't hurt to ask the retailer or manufacturer.
Different things could well apply in different locations around the globe.

[NZChris]

I've only come across clear coat on finished products, not on sheet. Heating a corner to red hot should tell you if it has any sort of coating.

[shadylane]

I've only come across clear coat on finished products, not on sheet. Heating a corner to red hot should tell you if it has any sort of coating.

Trial by fire NZ
If it was clear coated. Scotch bright and water after annealing.
Be gentle with the annealed copper--it's butter soft and ready for shaping.

[NZChris]

I had to anneal the bottom of my still at least twice while shaping it to take an element at 45 degrees, which was then bent to horizontal to give me a very low element for small runs if needed. It was well worth the effort and I've done many small experimental runs with this still, even though it is the same one that I'm using to produce my bulk spirit for neutral and rum/whiskey/etc..