I have been experimenting with creating different finishes for vintage saxophones for a long time. I recently discovered a company that specializes in chemicals that produce different finishes on all types of metals. Their patina formulas that turn brass several different colors are designed to be used at room temperature which is a big plus.
The photos below show some examples of just one of their formulas. The first step is to produce a "brushed" satin finish on the key using the 3M fine wheel in a bench motor which takes under a minute. Then the key is immersed in the solution for a measured period of time. It is then rinsed with clear water and dried with a paper towel. Then the finish is "highlighted" using light strokes in one direction with the 3M very fine pad. The buffed finish key is shown just as a comparison. When dipped and highlighted, the buffed key is virtually identical to the ones with the satin finish.
The answer to where I am going with all of this is simple. Unfortunately saxophones that have been buffed and re-lacquered have been given an undeserved bad reputation in the sax world. This process provides a way to give a vintage saxophone an attractive and even finish after stripping whatever lacquer remains without giving it a negative label that takes away from its value. Until something better comes along a carnauba wax finish is used to protect the new finish and impede the natural tarnishing process that raw brass undergoes.
The photos below show some examples of just one of their formulas. The first step is to produce a "brushed" satin finish on the key using the 3M fine wheel in a bench motor which takes under a minute. Then the key is immersed in the solution for a measured period of time. It is then rinsed with clear water and dried with a paper towel. Then the finish is "highlighted" using light strokes in one direction with the 3M very fine pad. The buffed finish key is shown just as a comparison. When dipped and highlighted, the buffed key is virtually identical to the ones with the satin finish.
The answer to where I am going with all of this is simple. Unfortunately saxophones that have been buffed and re-lacquered have been given an undeserved bad reputation in the sax world. This process provides a way to give a vintage saxophone an attractive and even finish after stripping whatever lacquer remains without giving it a negative label that takes away from its value. Until something better comes along a carnauba wax finish is used to protect the new finish and impede the natural tarnishing process that raw brass undergoes.