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I've mentioned in a few threads recently that my current project is a koa and redwood small jumbo. The binding is macassar ebony. Because I have a lot of browns and reds, I think copper would look particularly good for "halo" fret position markers/fretboard dots, and found this copper tubing on Amazon. However, we also know that copper is known for it's oxidation. Do you think oxidation would be much of an issue if it's sealed under lacquer?

Yes, eventually. Most lacquers are not "waterproof". Although they will slow the transmission of vapors (water and air) they will not totally block them. Baked epoxy finishes, as used on brass instruments, work better, but may not be practical for position markers.

I agree with Clay. Oxygen moves through wood too.

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"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

Never used copper but I have used sterling silver. Used water based KTM 4 on one about 20 years ago and KTM 9 on one about 8. Neither has tarnished, but they probably will in time.

Not sure it relates directly to copper but then oxidation is oxidation.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

I have a 4+ year old sterling silver inlay with nothing but a bit of shellac over it and it still just just as lustrous as it was when I installed it.

Ed

Thanks, guys. I've found some interesting resources over the past few days. This is a long Q&A type thread, but it references nearly all of them: Clear coating brass, copper and bronze furniture, sculpture, and jewelry

Reading through these things helped me remember the thin coating of Z-poxy between the lacquer and copper, adding another factor to the mix.