[Robin Craig]

Professionally polishing brass employs big tools at high speed and various compounds. The dust given off is awful and a respirator should be worn, nothing less.

Once polished, various clear type finishes can be applied to hold it in that or near to that condition.

I worked in a specialty metal fabrication shop welding such items and installing them.

All of the polishing staff worked their behinds off under awful conditions, I am happy I fabricated and welded and installed and didn't do that work.

Polished brass can look wonderful for years but costs large to get it like that.