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How to finish brass or copper for outside railings

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I am building a major outdoor deck on my house that I want it to stand out any way I can. I have been frustrated by non-wood baluster options.....I recently saw a question similar to my issue on your web site...I would like to use copper or brass balusters, and would like them to be relatively maintenance free.If the copper is lacquered would it prevent tarnish or the need for cleaning? Copper would be cheaper but my impression is that brass may be the better option..the most important issue is how to keep the finish in our adverse weather?...thanks in advance

tim h [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
Deck building project - Rochester , New York

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Either copper or brass can be cleaned and then lacquered. It's not a lifetime finish by any stretch, but you may be happy with it for a period. And after that you may change your mind and let it patina naturally over the years.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey

Sourcing:: Brass lacquer in large quantity, G J Nikolas.; brass lacquer [linked by editor to product info at Amazon] in spray cans,.

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