How to finish brass or copper for outside railings

letter 30004

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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
Deck building project - Rochester , New York

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 in spray cans, Staybrite brass lacquer [link is to product info and a source].