Polishing slides and valves

[CKH]

Hello again,

I recently used some of my brother's brass polish to clean some of my slides. Overall, it worked really well. I still have some discoloration on one part of the main tuning slide, and I don't think additional polishings will take it off. Is this permanent, or will I have to use some other form to get rid of it? Also, for future reference, what are the slides made of?

I would also like to polish the valves. I play a Willson 2900. I read that they're stainless steel, so I should be able to take care of that. Any recommendations on those kinds of polishes?
I've got one more question. I would also like to polish/clean the holes on the valves (I know that's not the actual name, bear with me on this one... Would anyone enlighten me?). What's it plated with and what can I use to clean it?

Thanks,
Christian

[Rev Rob]

Be careful in your using polish on your slides and valves. If the polish has any abrasive material, as you polish an item you will be removing - ever so slightly - material. As you remove material your tolerances between the valve and case, or between the slide and the tubing, will open up. They will not fit as tightly as they once did.

Tubatinker, bloke, the elephant and others who are engaged in tuba repair work may offer more informed opinions than mine. I am a conservative tuba care taker. You can't put material back, easily, once it is removed.