All of our brass products are cast from high quality solid brass and have been manufactured to the highest standards. They are un-lacquered and will therefore naturally age through oxidization. Polished Brass items will need to be maintained at regular intervals if you would like to keep the original quality and finish, especially if being used externally or in high moisture areas (bathrooms etc). A monthly polish will suffice in these situations and will be enough to maintain the quality finish. Alternatively, the brass can be left to age through oxidization and will gain a darkened patina over the years. The Antique Brass finish has been treated to speed up this natural tarnishing and ageing process which produces the antique feel of the product. It is burnished making it smooth in appearance and is used as an alternative finish where a highly polished surface is not desired. To maintain this ageing process no care needs to be taken other than the occasional oiling of working parts. However, if you require a semi gloss finish, this can be achieved by applying a coating of Brasso and following the manufacturers directions. Aged Brass is achieved by accelerating the ageing process of the un-lacquered brass then re-polishing. The result is a beautiful finish which hightlights any dark detail on the product. To retain the original finish, regular polishing with a good quality metal polish is essential. However, if the intention is to allow the surface to age through oxidization, no attention needs to be given. Over time the brass will acquire a darker and more aged patina.