Posted by Chuck(G) on April 18, 2002 at 10:19:00:
In Reply to: Re: Laquer Question posted by Pat on April 16, 2002 at 12:51:13:
Brass will slowly tarnish (darken) under nitrocellulose lacquer, which is just porous enough to let this happen.
A good even patina is kind of cool--it's something that gives a lot of character to an instrument. Heck, if you were an interior decorator, you'd pay good money for a piece with a nice patina on it. Just be sure to wipe your fingerprints and any drool off your unlacquered tuba (could be corrosive) after playing it. A coat or two of microcrystalline wax might even help preserve the patina.