Copper Wire Mesh

Compared to plain steel, weathering alloys have been utilized for millennia, making them a highly sought-after material in the wire mesh industry. Copper wire mesh exhibits excellent ductility, malleability, and superior thermal and electrical conductivity. Its high resistance to corrosion in marine environments renders it an ideal choice for applications in saline and salty conditions. Consequently, copper wire mesh is extensively employed for RFI shielding in Faraday Cages, roofing, HVAC systems, and various electrical applications. Additionally, copper’s resistance to marine organisms such as snails and mussels and its antibacterial properties enhance its utility.

Copper wire mesh demonstrates durability across diverse atmospheres and environments. Despite being softer than stainless steel wire mesh, it maintains resistance to atmospheric corrosion. However, it is susceptible to degradation by oxidizing agents, including nitric acid, ferric chloride, cyanides, and ammonia compounds.

The distinctive coloration of copper wire mesh makes it a favored choice among designers, artists, architects, and homeowners. Residential customers and designers frequently select copper woven wire mesh for projects such as gutter guards, soffit screens, insect screens, fireplace screens, and custom-manufactured infill or decorative wall panels. Its unique dark amber-red hue and broad aesthetic appeal also attract sculptors, woodworkers, metal artisans, and architects.

Copper Chemical Composition (by Percentage)

	Copper [Cu]	Other Trace Elements
Min/Max	99.9%	< 0.1%
Nominals	100%	-

*Materials adhere to ASTM B250 and others. Please Contact us if looking to meet a specific ASTM standard.

Copper Wire mesh in Architectural applications:
Pure C110 Copper wire is drawn bright and exhibits a shiny salmon red color. Copper is rich in color and contrasts well when woven together with Stainless Steel. Considered a “Living Finish”, the natural color change does occur quickly and depending on the environmental conditions, the end color will vary. In general, under exterior conditions in the presence of salt, moisture, and sunlight, Copper will transition from bright to shades of brown, then grays, then finally a blue-green or gray green patina. Because of the enormous range of Copper’s natural colors experienced through weathering, there are a number of coatings or chemicals that can be used to either speed up or slow down the process. Finishing copper to the desired color is an art and should be done through consulting an experienced metal finisher.

Considerations when specifying Copper wire mesh for Architectural applications:
Pure C110 Copper wire is drawn bright and exhibits a shiny salmon red color. Copper is rich in color and contrasts well when woven together with Stainless Steel. When Banker Wire weaves a wire mesh out of copper wire, the copper wire starts out “Bright” but is considered “Bare”. This means that the copper wire will almost immediately be susceptible to color changes due to tarnishing. Banker Wire cannot guarantee the color consistency by the time it arrives to its final installation point. A chemical or physical removal of the tarnish will be required prior to a clear coat application if the desired final “Bright” finish is to be maintained.

Brass, Bronze, and Copper all contain some percentage of copper content. The reactive nature of copper towards oxygen and moisture puts this group of alloys in an ever changing state of oxidation that we know as “Tarnish”. The timing and degree of this tarnish will vary and is dependent upon the situation of both handling of the material and the environment in which this material is located. There are ways to preserve the original sheen of the metal.

Learn More About Living Finishes