You probably can't. There are two reasons. First, the manufacturer will often have the faceplate goldplated over brass, or another metal which has been nickel or copper plated to be able to accept the gold plating. This gold plating is very very thin on a molecular level, and therefore cannot prevent air from oxidizing the metal beneath the plating. Knowing this, some manufacturers will put a clear protective coating over top of the gold plated surface. Unfortunately, if that coating is worn or damaged in any way, oxidation will occur. This will often look like brownish spots underneath the clear coating, radiating from a pit or scratch.
If it is important to you, there are plating companies that will strip and replate it. You just want to be sure that the quality of how it is done, and gentle use will allow it to remain looking good for a longer time.
It is surprising that you see this happen on some very costly gear, like the gold logo on some big MBL amps.
If it is important to you, there are plating companies that will strip and replate it. You just want to be sure that the quality of how it is done, and gentle use will allow it to remain looking good for a longer time.
It is surprising that you see this happen on some very costly gear, like the gold logo on some big MBL amps.