Damper Spoon Polish/Coating

[Farrell]

I'm in the process of assembling a new action for an upright (all new except
for wippens, action rails and brackets). I completely rebuilt the old damper
levers (new dampers, new felt where the spoon rides, new springs, repinned,
etc.). I hit the old damper spoon with the buffing wheel and they turn a
nice bright brass-looking color in about two seconds. Now I know someone is
going to say that I just buffed off the nice nickel plating or whatever that
was on there. The spoons were quite tarnished and absolutely required an
aggressive polishing approach. Anyway, should the spoons be coated with
something to prevent/retard future corrosion? Or should they fair well on
their own? Or have I completely screwed up the whole piano by polishing
them? Or do I need to replace them? Polishing seems sooooo much quicker than
replacement.

Also, should I lubricate the action cloth on the damper level that the
spoons and damper lifter rod rides on? If so, with what? Teflon power?

Thanks

Terry Farrell