Oil paint on copper?

[Margaret Port]

Michele,

I painted in oils on copper shim about fifteen years ago. I cleaned it with a product called Tarnoff, dried it with a hair drier and then varnished it with Increlac, which is a very fine coating designed specifically for metals, and which dries absolutely clear. I then painted directly onto the surface. I had a couple of spots where I missed with the varnish and that area has tarnished. But on the whole, they are still OK. The paint is still intact. You can't have any oils or cleaning residue on the surface when you varnish. I'm sure the products I mentioned are still available. It is quite a nice effect.