lacquered silver

[GC]

I know this is a strange question, but has anyone ever encountered a silver-plated instrument that was lacqered to prevent tarnish? Does anyone know of a company that ever offered it as an option? Is it even possible; will lacquer stick to silver properly?

[Tom]

Never seen this on an instrument, but I'm sure someone...somewhere has done this.

As soon as the lacquer was scratched or worn through in any spot, the silver plate under it would begin to tarnish. I can't see it really being very practical. Plus, repairs would be a nightmare!

[GC]

I have my doubts about doing it, but I have a vague memory of seeing a custom trumpet job years ago that had silver with gold trim and was lacquered. I'm just wondering if anyone else has come across this or if I'm hallucinating.

[JohnMCooper]

The guy that sits next to me in the band I play in has a King 2B Silversonic that he recently had refurbed by a So Cal instrument maker who will remain nameless. He had the horn lacquered (including the silver bell). It's been about 3 years since he had it done and so far is holding up and looks great.

[SousaSaver]

Lacquer doesn't particularly like to stick to silver for some reason. If the lacquer job isn't really great or exposes the metal underneath, then the whole thing will tarnish. Even under the lacquer.

It sounds like a great idea on the surface (hehe) but it is harder to execute.

[TUbajohn20J]

Yamaha clear lacquers their silver sousas

Really?? I haven't heard that, but it wouldn't surprise me. And Jupiter lacquers their silver plated Artist saxophones

[Matt Walters]

Ever seen an old silver plated horn that has a purple hue that can't be polished out? That is an old horn that had lacquer over the silver plating. When air gets under the lacquer, the silver goes ahead and tarnishes and you can't get to it until you take the lacquer off.

Short term: Lacquer over silver will look good and keep it from tarnishing for a while.
Long Term: Lacquer over silver will eventually allow air to get in and tarnish the horn under the lacquer and then you can't do a thing about it but strip the lacquer to get to the silver.

That said, the horns that I have seen which have this problem were older horns using lacquer instead of the modern epoxy. Epoxy could last longer, but again once the air gets under the finish (scratch or dent, etc,) silver will tarnish.