Avoided this subject so far until I had more understanding of the problem. Have heard recently of others reporting the same problems so more willing to give my opinion. In one sentence: the "brass finish" on the lockbar and siderails tarnishes very easily. I tried taking a picture, but because of the reflections it's incredibly difficult to document in a photo. Found brown tarnish spots near where your thumbs rest on the the siderails and also some bad brown discoloration marks and places with 'black specks' on the lockbar. This is within 3-4 months from NIB. Got in touch with Stern and they offered to swap out the lockbar for another new one under guarantee. I would have to return the original, which is fine.
So when I got the replacement, I figured I would clean it up and try to seal it. No wax or other finish on it, and I tried Krylon "triple thick". Did a dry coat and then one wet coat. Big mistake, it looked like a hammered finish and only went clear in a few areas. I had to 'T-cut' it back off, no not with 'T-cut' !!! I used a brass polish called 'brasso' that I like and it acted like a solvent and a slightly abrasive compound. After a few minutes carefully cutting only the Krylon off, it was back to shiny and bright. But I'm not sure of the long term effect of this step, seems OK and I plan to wipe it down after game use.
I learned my lesson. It needs a lacquer of some sort and not a polyurethane. Auto clear might be perfect, but I don't have the ability to shoot a 2-part clear at home. Perhaps next I will get in touch with the local metal plating and chroming shop and ask advice.
Personally, I won't be buying a 'gold effect version' game again. Unless it really is gold plated. Brass seems to scratch and tarnish much too easily. I like chrome, which is more durable. They actually have to nickel plate the metal and then add a chrome plate layer on top, if I'm not mistaken.
