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Best brass finish for outdoors: goldleaf or e-coat?

I am interested in getting a recommendation for coating solid unpolished brass finials which will be installed on top of my church which is near the ocean. I am considering either gold leaf (like the Statue of Liberty) or e-coating. I am interested in getting the most long lasting finish or one that some years down the road can be easily re-applied and that will preserve the beauty of the brass finish. I am on the bldgs and grds committee and just a layman and need to make a decision soon.

Thanks.

A.M. Erwin
- Rumson, New Jersey, U.S.A.

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You probably know it, A.M., but to avoid confusing the readers, note that only the torch of the Statue of Liberty is gold leaf. Gold leaf will not preserve the beauty of the brass, but it will make the filials gold (not that that's bad). E-coating will yellow, and if not replaced it will eventually wear off. It's more opinion and aesthetics than engineering decision, but I'd go with the gold leaf. You didn't mention gold electroplating which also applies pure gold, but may be less expensive than the leafing.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey