ASTM B882-10(2018)

Standard Specification for Pre-Patinated Copper for Architectural Applications

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes of the requirements for pre-patinated (artificially aged) copper sheets and strips in ounce-weight thicknesses supplied in flat lengths for roofing, flashing, and other architectural applications. Materials made to this specification are not intended to be used for electrical applications. The pre-patinated surface shall not be the result of coating applications such as painting, but rather the result of chemical treatment that artificially ages the base metal to form green- to turquoise-colored protective layer. Products shall be produced in tempers H00 (eighth hard, cold-rolled), H01 (quarter hard, cold-rolled high yield), and H02 (half hard). Products shall be tested to examine their conformance to dimensional (mass, thickness, weight, width, length, and straightness), mechanical (tensile and yield strengths, and Rockwell hardness), and chemical composition requirements. Products shall also undergo color fade resistance and resistance to flaking tests.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the establishment of the requirements for pre-patinated (artificially aged) copper sheet and strip in ounce-weight thicknesses supplied in flat lengths for roofing, flashing, and other architectural applications.  
1.2 The pre-patinated surface is the result of chemical reaction with the copper and shall be applied on one side of the product.  
1.2.1 The pre-patinated surface formed is comparable in color and ability to be bent or formed to the surface formed in naturally occurring patinated copper.  
1.3 The pre-patinated surface is not the result of coating applications such as painting.  
1.4 Materials made to this specification are not intended to be used for electrical applications.  
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
Note 1: A companion specification for copper sheet and strip for building construction is Specification B370.  
1.6 The following precautionary statement pertains only to the test method portion, Section 12, of this specification:  This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2018
• ICS: 77.150.30 - Copper products
• ICS: 91.100.99 - Other construction materials
• Technical Committee: B05 - Copper and Copper Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B05.01 - Plate, Sheet, and Strip

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B882-10 - Specification for Pre-Patinated Copper for Architectural Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-24 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM B571-23 - Standard Practice for Qualitative Adhesion Testing of Metallic Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM B846-19a - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM B846-19 - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM B601-18a - Standard Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM B571-18 - Standard Practice for Qualitative Adhesion Testing of Metallic Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2018
• Refers: ASTM B601-18 - Standard Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM B601-16 - Standard Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-16 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2016
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-15 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM B571-97(2013) - Standard Practice for Qualitative Adhesion Testing of Metallic Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-13 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM B370-12 - Standard Specification for Copper Sheet and Strip for Building Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2012
• Refers: ASTM B601-12 - Standard Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2012

Overview

ASTM B882-10(2018), Standard Specification for Pre-Patinated Copper for Architectural Applications, published by ASTM International, defines the requirements for pre-patinated (artificially aged) copper sheet and strip, designed especially for architectural uses such as roofing, flashing, and exterior detailing. This specification covers copper materials in ounce-weight thicknesses supplied in flat lengths, with a pre-patinated surface created by a controlled chemical process to closely mimic the protective green to turquoise finish of weathered copper. Importantly, these products are not intended for electrical purposes.

Key Topics

• Material Requirements: Covers copper sheets/strips meeting minimum purity and composition standards. Base copper must conform to specific ASTM copper requirements, with a minimum copper content of 99.5% (including silver).
• Pre-Patination Process: The specification mandates that the patina be the result of a chemical reaction applied to one side of the product, not a painted or coated finish. The patina provides a durable, self-healing surface similar in appearance and formability to naturally aged copper.
• Physical Properties and Testing: Products are tested to verify conformance with dimensional tolerances (thickness, width, length, straightness), mechanical properties (tensile/yield strengths, Rockwell hardness), and other finish aspects, such as color and resistance to flaking and color fade.
• Tempers and Thicknesses: The standard describes copper tempers (H00, H01, H02) and prescribes thickness and weight tolerances for a range of architectural applications.
• Ordering Guidance: Outlines information to include in purchase orders to ensure correct product specification - including ASTM designation, ounce weight, dimensions, temper, and quantity.

Applications

The primary applications for pre-patinated copper under ASTM B882 include:

• Roofing: Flat and panel roofing where architectural aesthetics and corrosion resistance are critical.
• Flashing: Wall, window, and chimney flashing, utilizing copper’s weather-resistant qualities and its attractive, maintenance-free patina.
• Exterior Cladding and Facades: Used for decorative exterior elements, building facades, and wall coverings, where the pre-patinated finish provides an immediate and enduring aged copper look.
• Architectural Accents: Includes gutters, downspouts, parapet caps, spires, domes, and other decorative building features requiring both durability and visual appeal.

These applications benefit from copper’s long service life, natural antimicrobial properties, and the pre-patinated surface, which delivers an established look and reduces the aesthetic unpredictability associated with natural patina formation.

Related Standards

When specifying or working with pre-patinated copper in architecture and construction, familiarity with the following related ASTM standards can be valuable:

• ASTM B248 - General requirements for wrought copper and copper-alloy plate, sheet, strip, and rolled bar.
• ASTM B370 - Copper sheet and strip for building construction; companion to B882 for non-patinated products.
• ASTM B571 - Practice for qualitative adhesion testing of metallic coatings; referenced for flaking resistance.
• ASTM B601 - Classification for temper designations for copper and copper alloys.
• ASTM B846 - Terminology for copper and copper alloys.
• ASTM E8/E8M - Test methods for tension testing of metallic materials.
• ASTM E478 - Test methods for the chemical analysis of copper alloys.

Conclusion

ASTM B882-10(2018) serves as a comprehensive reference for manufacturers, architects, and builders seeking pre-patinated copper materials for lasting and visually distinctive architectural projects. The standard ensures consistent quality, reliable performance, and verified properties essential for demanding architectural applications, helping to maintain durability, sustainability, and aesthetic standards in modern and historic building designs.

For anyone specifying copper for architectural use, referencing ASTM B882 allows for informed material selection and predictable project outcomes.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:B882 −10 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Specification for
Pre-Patinated Copper for Architectural Applications
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B882; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification covers the establishment of the re-
B248 Specification for General Requirements for Wrought
quirements for pre-patinated (artificially aged) copper sheet
Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled
and strip in ounce-weight thicknesses supplied in flat lengths
Bar
for roofing, flashing, and other architectural applications.
B370 Specification for Copper Sheet and Strip for Building
1.2 The pre-patinated surface is the result of chemical
Construction
reaction with the copper and shall be applied on one side of the
B571 Practice for Qualitative Adhesion Testing of Metallic
product.
Coatings
1.2.1 The pre-patinated surface formed is comparable in
B601 Classification forTemper Designations for Copper and
color and ability to be bent or formed to the surface formed in
Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
naturally occurring patinated copper.
B846 Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Ma-
1.3 The pre-patinated surface is not the result of coating
terials
applications such as painting.
E478 Test Methods for ChemicalAnalysis of CopperAlloys
1.4 Materials made to this specification are not intended to
G23 Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus
be used for electrical applications.
(Carbon-Arc Type) With and Without Water for Exposure
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded of Nonmetallic Materials (Withdrawn 2000)
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3. Terminology
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms related to copper and copper
NOTE 1—A companion specification for copper sheet and strip for
alloys, refer to Terminology B846.
building construction is Specification B370.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.6 The following precautionary statement pertains only to
3.2.1 pre-patinated copper—copperthathasbeenartificially
the test method portion, Section 12, of this specification: This
aged under controlled and monitored conditions to produce a
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
protective surface that is within the range of colors from green
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
to turquoise.
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
4. Ordering Information
regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 Orders for product produced to this specification should
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
include the following information:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1.2 Ounce weight thickness of the base copper sheet (see
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Table 1),
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1.3 Temper (see Table 2),
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1.4 Dimensions—Width and length of sheets, and
1 2
ThisspecificationisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeB05onCopper For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
andCopperAlloysandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeB05.01onPlate, contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Sheet, and Strip. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018. Published October 2018. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as B882–10. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/B0882–10R18. www.astm.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B882−10 (2018)
TABLE 1 Thickness and Weight Tolerances of Sheet and Strip
7. Chemical Composition
Theoretical
Tolerances, Plus and Minus,
7.1 The copper sheet shall have a minimum copper content
A
Ounce-Weight/ft Thickness,
in. (mm)
in. (mm) of 99.5 % (including silver) as prescribed in Specification
6 0.0081 (0.206) 0.001 (0.026) B370.
8 0.0108 (0.274) 0.0011 (0.028)
7.1.1 Anycopperthatcomplieswith7.1shallbeacceptable.
10 0.0135 (0.343) 0.0011 (0.028)
12 0.0162 (0.411) 0.0012 (0.030) 7.2 When limits for unnamed elements are required, those
16 0.0216 (0.549) 0.0012 (0.031)
limits shall be established, and the concentration of such
20 0.0270 (0.686) 0.0012 (0.031)
elements determined by agreement between the manufacturer
24 0.0323 (0.820) 0.0015 (0.038)
32 0.0431 (1.09) 0.002 (0.05)
and the purchaser.
48 0.0646 (1.64) 0.0025 (0.06)
7.3 The artificial patina is composed of metallic salts which
A 3 3
Based on a density of 0.322 lb/in. (8.91 g/cm ).
are also found in naturally occurring patinas.
8. Temper
4.1.5 Quantity—Total weight or number of sheets of each 8.1 The nonpatinated base copper sheet, referred to in 6.1 of
size. this specification, is commercially available in the following
tempers as defined by Classification B601: H00 (eighth hard,
4.2 The following requirements are optional and shall be
cold-rolled), H01 (quarter hard, cold-rolled high yield), and
included in the purchase order or contract when required:
H02 (half hard) temper.
4.2.1 Certification, or
8.1.1 Unless otherwise specified, the product is normally
4.2.2 Mill test reports,
supplied in the H00 (eighth hard, cold-rolled) temper.
4.2.3 Supplementary requirements for agencies of the U.S.
Government as given in Specification B248, or both.
9. Mechanical Properties
9.1 Tensile Strength:
5. General Requirements
9.1.1 The nonpatinated base copper sheet material shall
5.1 The following sections of Specification B248 constitute
conform to the requirements of Table 2, for the temper
a part of this specification:
specified in the purchase order, when tested in accordance with
5.1.1 Sampling,
Test Methods E8/E8M.
5.1.2 Number of tests and retests,
9.1.2 The tension test results shall be the basis for purchaser
5.1.3 Specimen preparation,
acceptance or rejection based upon mechanical properties.
5.1.4 Test methods,
9.2 Rockwell Hardness:
5.1.5 Significance of numerical limits,
9.2.1 Since Rockwell hardness tests offer a quick and
5.1.6 Inspection,
convenient method of checking the conformity of the product
5.1.7 Rejection and rehearing,
to the requirements of tensile strength, approximate Rockwell
5.1.8 Certification,
hardness values are given in Table 2 for general information
5.1.9 Test reports,
and assistance in testing.
5.1.10 Packaging and package markings, and
9.2.1.1 The hardness testing must be performed on a non-
5.1.11 Supplementary
...