I have stripped and polished my brass and copper elektra microcasa. Very nice indeed but want to keep it that way!
I have used incralac on some parts
http://www.indestructible.co.uk/cat2/IP8024.html
http://www.rylardboats.com/datasheet/12...cralac.pdf
Very happy with the results. But not sure if it will withstand temperatures that the boiler reaches? So have tried hycote very high temperature paint (lacquer) but having trouble curing it as it needs to bake. Still can't seem to get a hard result. I could try the incralac on the boiler but if it fails I will have to strip the machine down again...not the best idea as far as the seals are concerned. Has anyone used lacquer to seal and protect their machines? If so what would be recommended and trusted? I am in the UK so ideally a product I can get here.

Probably not available in the UK but it looks pretty durable: http://www.permalac.com/product.asp

You might find this one in UK motorcycle shops or from auto restoration suppliers:
http://www.caswellplating.com/vht/vhtclear.htm

Your sadly right John I can't get permalac in the UK. Looks like a great product though!!