Red Brass alternative?

[vicbee]

I wanted to use solid red brass on a furniture project because of its color but I realized that its high density would create serious weight problems. Is there a lighter alternative to red brass, but with the same redish color? Can I use a light alloy like Aluminum as the base and lay a thin layer of red brass on it?
Also, is there an industrial product I can use to prevent or slow down the natural corrosion of brass so that it only needs to be polished once every couple of years?
Finally, the brass element would be flush with wood. Does anyone know how the polish to clean brass would affect the wood? Thank you for your insight.

 

[etch]

why do you not just either electroplate aluminium, colour anodise or electrolytically colour it. Electrolytic colouring is especially suitable for architectural work. this would give you a red colour

 

[vicbee]

Thanks Etch. I've just verified that I can copper plate (I assume both yellow and red) on aluminum. Will the end product look exactly like copper? I understand this is an aesthetic question but for my design purpose, it's pretty important.
You mention electrolytic colouring and what pops to my mind are the different colored aluminum parts I can buy for my mountain bike... (can you tell I'm not and engineer?!). If so, that won't do. I must have the natural metal colors.
Thanks

 

[etch]

sorry for not answering back sooner,

Copper plate will eventually end up green copper oxide (Verdi grais) if you look at any old church roof and see that its green, then it was originally when first laid copper, bright and shiney.

I would look at anodising, if you are in the uk I can give you a few names that will be able to talk you through it

 

[vicbee]

Thanks etch. I can be reached at vicbee@hotmail.com. I'm based in Hong Kong but will talk to anyone who'll help me move forward with this project.