Good trick, or a real no-no?

It's acid, so removes the oxidation. I'd be inclined to *wash* it off.

I was taught to always wipe a new joint with a damp cloth while it's still warm (i.e. after the solder has hardened). As well as cooling the pipe for safety, any left-over flux is removed so it won't go green and the pipe is cleaned up in the process.

I don't think you'll ever keep the solder shiny for very long, lead-free or not. maybe you could try end feed fittings with silver solder. :o)

Why not just give it a 'polish' with wire wool if you're worried about looks?

Could do...

The only reason I am that bothered is that SWMBO thinks that some of the new pipework, where it is exposed to view, looks grubby - but she is perfectly happy with bare copper. I normally give a good wipe with a damp cloth after the joint is cool-ish (to get rid of any remaining flux) but this doesn't remove all the oxidization.

I shall continue using a smear of flux to remove bad cases of blackening as it seems to do the trick perfectly. I expect the piepwork will all be painted before the end of 2006.

Why not use primer? Keeps SWMBO happy for years, and takes minutes.

It wouldn't keep me happy but as I'm the one who does all the painting I suppose I don't count.

Better than bare pipes though.

An alternative (assuming you can live with paint on the walls and floor, plus bits of carpet in the paintwork) is to let her paint it.

This is the recommended method to clean up pipes provided the flux is thoroughly removed. It it not done often as it often isn't needed.

bare copper looks fantastic if its polished and kept shiny, but its a high maintenance business, as copper oxidises and corrodes readily. I saw one place where the copper pipework was polished up regularly, and it did look quite something. Beats boxing in any day.

NT