Metal objects exhibited in house museums, historical societies, restored villages and other period room type collections are difficult to maintain, partly due to lack of environmental controls and indifferent care. Specific problems of the Winterthur study collection are identified; a metals coating program at the museum has been considered for the past 11 years. The choice of a coating is determined by the material and type of collection as well as by the type of museum and manner in which the objects are exhibited. Criteria for the coating properties are enumerated. The procedure is described for silver objects and copper or copper alloys. Unexplained iridescence occasionally still occurs; occasional blushing is due to high humidity and/or water in the air line in the spray booth. A method of lacquer removal which avoids abrasion is described, including solvent, treatment cloth, and technique.