Monolithic nitride coatings and multilayer ceramic/metallic coatings were deposited onto brass (CuZn40Pb2) substrates by dc magnetron sputtering. The ceramic coatings or layers are Cr-, Ti-, TiAl-, Zr-nitrides. The mechanical properties, tribological behaviour, and corrosion resistance were studied. To improve adhesion and corrosion resistance, a thin metallic layer was deposited prior to deposition of ceramic monolithic coatings. Two sets of multilayer coatings for each nitride family were produced. One of the sets with 15 monolayers and the other with 150 monolayers. The results show that all coatings demonstrate good adhesion. Monolithic coatings present better mechanical properties and tribological behaviour, but multilayer coatings present a corrosion resistance 3 to 4 times better when compared to monolithic ones.