The aim of this study was to determine the optimal procedure for the formation of polymer nanocoatings on copper from self - assembled (SAM) fatty acids crosslinked using ionizing radiation and to examine the longevity of their protection in a simulated urban atmosphere. The compound used for self - assembling on copper is elaidic acid, EA, C18H34O2, an unsaturated fatty acid with one double bond in a trans position. EA spontaneously self - assembles on copper into layers of nanometer thickness with a high degree of arrangement. The immersion method was used in the work. Once the molecules are arranged on the surface of copper, they are crosslinked using gamma radiation via the double bond into 3D structures of nanometer thickness formed on the surface of the metal. Polymerization of fatty acids improves the electrochemical and mechanical properties of self - organized coatings. This paper examines the optimal procedure for applying EA to the surface, which after radiation forms polymer coatings of the highest degree of protection. With the help of electrochemical methods with direct and alternating current, the protective properties of the coatings were investigated. Tafel extrapolation method, linear polarization method and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used. Goniometry and Infrared spectrometry with Fourier Signal Transformation (FTIR) were used to characterize the formed coatings. The obtained results showed that the optimal procedure for the formation of EA SAM on the copper surface is with oxidation and adsorption of 24 h and without drying, with a 10 mM concentration of ethanolic solution of EA. The presence of EA on copper surface makes it hydrophobic, regardless of whether the molecules are crosslinked or not. Tests of long-term protection of coatings have shown that the non-crosslinked layer has better protective properties than copper itself, but provides significantly less protection than the cross-linked coatings and that it loses its protective properties after only nine days. The crosslinked polymer nanocoating provides copper with 30 times greater protection than the non-crosslinked coating and retains its protective properties even after 20 days of immersion in a simulated rain solution.