Arcadia Vietnam War Monument

Photo credit: Gene Glasco

MEMORIAL DAY IN ARCADIA, CA

This Memorial Day, fourteen US servicemen from Arcadia, California, who died in the Vietnam War, were honored in the county park at the newly constructed Arcadia Vietnam War Monument. The project was spearheaded by Gene Glasco, a veteran of the Vietnam War and Arcadia City Clerk. The monument structure was fabricated and set in time for a special dedication ceremony on Saturday, May 29th. 

For Arcadia Weekly, Glasco stated that “the Arcadia Vietnam War Monument has been built in honor of Arcadia’s sons lost in battle, but it also stands in tribute to all living Vietnam Era veterans.” The bronze plaque on the front of the monument commemorates the fourteen Arcadia casualties of the Vietnam War. On the back are three cast aluminum plaques, one of which commemorates additional veterans from WWI, WW2, Korea, Vietnam and as recent as Afghanistan.  

In addition to the four cast bronze and aluminum plaques, Masterwork Plaques designed and fabricated the waterjet cut letters and military seals which were also inset into the front of the monument.  

Photo credit: Gene Glasco

WATERJET CUT LETTERS

“Waterjet” refers to machinery that uses a pressurized stream of water to cut through a variety of materials (most commonly metal). The water is forced through a small hole to focus high pressure water into a very thin stream. This stream is powerful enough to cut out precise, free-form shapes, which we use primarily to cut individual metal letters (from any font) in a wide range of sizes. The individual bronze letters shown in the monument are 3” in height and 1/4” thick.

DONOR SIGNAGE

The cast plaques on this monument are a great examples of donor signage. The majority of the money needed to create this monument was fundraised and donated by organizations and generous individuals from Arcadia. Masterwork Plaques can create donor plaques at just about any size, to fit a large or small list of names for honored donors.

OUR STUDIO'S DONOR PLAQUES CAN BE CREATED IN TWO WAYS:

1. Perpetual Plaques:  When a continually growing list of donors needs to be honored, individual name plaques can be added to the plaque over time.  

2. Cast List Plaques:  This donor list plaque can be created in one piece for a list of contributors that does not need to be added to over time.  Every few years a new plaque can be added to a wall featuring an updated list of recent donors.

For more information on our cast donor plaques and waterjet cut projects, contact us at info@masterworkplaques.com.

Bronze Plaques & Winter Weather

December is half way over, and temperatures are in the mid 60’s with sunny days and little wind.  Here in Brooklyn, we are cherishing the unusually warm winter weather.  All of our last minute winter preparations can be addressed without a rush, giving us an extra week or two to put away those favorite warm weather-clothing items, seal the windows and bring out our slippers. For our clients, this surprisingly warm period also provides a last minute opportunity to prepare their bronze plaques for another harsh winter.  We’ve included some valuable information on our bronze plaque winter prep process below.

One of the many benefits of bronze is that it is low maintenance metal.  Cast bronze plaques are very durable.  They hold up well underfoot and on the wall, indoors or out.  However, over time in harsh winter climates, the cold and salty conditions can sometimes begin to show on the surface of the bronze.   

Our studio finishes all of our plaques with a clear protective lacquer.  This lacquer serves as a sacrificial layer, creating a barrier between the plaque and any graffiti, humidity, salt, rain or snow which can otherwise cause the plaque to oxidize and turn green.  Bronze is a metal alloy composed of nearly 90% copper, so left without the protective coat, the metal's coloration will change over time.  Many of our clients enjoy the natural patina of bronze, and some even request that we do not apply the clear lacquer to their plaques.  This encourages the natural aging process, and the bronze will react and oxidize at a faster rate. 

For our clients who prefer that their outdoor bronze plaques remain as unchanged as possible over a period of years (keeping that natural peachy gold hue), we often recommend reapplying a clear coat once a year.  The initial clear coat applied in our studio lasts about one to two years; greatly depending on how harshly it has been treated under foot traffic, changing weather conditions, etc.  

HOW TO CLEAN AND RE-LACQUER YOUR CAST BRONZE PLAQUE

This process should only be attempted on a good weather day with dry conditions.  Reapplying the lacquer finish will ensure that your plaque is protected for the next 6 months to a year. Please note: Re-application of the clear lacquer is an optional process, and is meant as an extra precautionary measure.

CLEANING YOUR PLAQUE:

Many companies will recommend expensive oils and cleaning products used specifically for bronze.  In our experience, a mild soap (the plainer the better) and tap water are all you need to clean your plaque.  Use a rag or soft toothbrush to loosen any dirt or dust from the surface of the bronze.  If there has been any unwanted oxidation on your plaque, we often recommend using a Scotchbrite pad to gently scrub away the changed areas.

• Use mild soap and water – Avoid using too much soap, which can leave a foggy residue on the plaque.

• Wait for the plaque to dry completely or tamp dry with a lint-free, soft cloth. 

• Blow away any remaining dust / particles from the plaque.

• IMPORTANT NOTE:  Never use power washers, or astringent cleaners of any kind to clean metal plaques (i.e. Fantastic, Windex). The protective lacquer and patina can be stripped away by everyday cleaners and power washers. If for any reason the methods above are not sufficient, contact our studio and we can discuss alternative measures to address any damage or unwanted discoloration.

APPLYING THE CLEAR LACQUER:

We can supply a can of clear lacquer for a small cost, which typically will be delivered to you in about one week.  The lacquer should be applied in even strokes in three different directions over the bronze (i.e. spray horizontal strokes - let dry, spray vertical strokes - let dry, spray diagonal strokes - let dry.)  Depending on the amount of wear the plaque is exposed to over time, it may be desirable to reapply this coating annually. 

• Make sure the plaque is clean and no dust or particles can be seen on the plaque during the reapplication process.

• Let each coat dry completely before applying additional layers of the lacquer.

• Apply the spray in three different directions

Holiday Gift Guide : Healthy, High Quality and Material-free Gifts

Winter is here, and the holidays are quickly approaching.  For many, December 1st marks the beginning of the annual madness of holiday shopping. Throughout the month, we search, we shop, we wrap and finally, we give.  Come December 26th, empty boxes and gift-wrap are strewn about the living room, and eleven months later, we begin the cycle again.  While the holidays are filled with love, tradition, family and friends, there is an undercurrent of materialistic tendencies that can get the better of us if we’re not careful.  

So in the spirit of a meaningful and less wasteful holiday, we’ve put together a list of healthy, high quality and material-free gifts this season. 

INDOOR PLANTS

Winter can be so gray.  Bring some green into your home this year.  Not only do plants absorb carbon dioxide (and release oxygen), but many also remove toxins from the air, as well as improve your overall health and level of focus.  (For our fellow New Yorkers with not so many windows, we recommend the ZZ Plant, the Snake Plant and the Peace Lily.)

QUOTATION PLAQUES 

Small quotations and poems can be a daily source of inspiration and guidance.  Create a custom bronze or aluminum plaque in the color and finish of your choice, depicting a personal mantra or quote of your choosing.  Our custom plaques can be installed indoors or out, as metal plaques hold up well under various weather conditions.  Install the plaque in a place where you will see it everyday to encourage positivity and reflection.

FAMILY CRESTS / HOME PLAQUES

Need a gift for the family member that has everything?  Commemorate a family seal, a childhood home or family portrait as a long-lasting gift for their home.  Our studio can help you design a plaque in the size and material of your choosing.  Just send us over an image, and we can recommend a variety of techniques to pay tribute to your family’s unique history. 

GIVE THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE 

Great plans beat “more stuff” just about any day.  Spend time with friends and family outdoors, visit a museum or see a play.  Activities often create memories that are longer lasting than the material gifts we give to each other.

GIVE BACK

Volunteering your time is a valuable gift to loved-ones and others in your community. Spend time with a grandparent or out of town relative, or donate to a charitable organization in the name of someone you love.  Helping others is the gift that gives back.

Commission from Beth Ravitz & Cast Bronze Portrait Plaques

BROOKLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL, 1150 MICHIGAN AVE NE, WASHINGTON DC – PUBLIC ART PROJECT

Public artist, Beth Ravitz, recently commissioned Masterwork Plaques to fabricate seven cast bronze portrait medallions for Brookland Middle School in Washington, D.C.  In addition to our medallions, Ravitz also created and installed three aluminum banners that decorate the side of the school. 

Brookland Middle School is a magnet school for the arts and language and starts its first school year in fall of 2015.  The public art project tells the story of Brookland’s history and fosters a sense of community around the newly constructed middle school.  Ravitz’s goal in creating these banners and portrait medallions is to create harmony between the old and new architecture of the community and inspire hope and progress to the residents and students through visual language.  The seven portrait medallions were created to commemorate influential individuals that lived or were connected to Brookland in some way. (Images at bottom of blog)

Using the Masterwork Plaque bronze “photo-rendering” technique, each portrait was recreated in bronze.  Photo-rendered portraits are a great alternative to the time-intensive, bas-relief carved portraits that our studio also offers.  Photo-portraits are very low-relief, dimensional images translated into bronze directly from a client’s photograph.  We can create these photo-renderings from both recent and historic images, provided that the image is not blurry or pixelated.  The Brookland medallions were created from historic photographs of artists, writers, singers and others.  Each black and white photograph was cropped and inset into the design for these 18” diameter bronze medallions.  The portraits were then accompanied by a short summary of each artist’s achievements and finished with a surrounding border containing his/her name, birth and death, and profession.  The medallions were secured to low concrete pedestals on site.  Each pedestal is twelve inches off the ground at the front and rises to eighteen inches at the back so that they can be easily read by passersby.

Photo-rendered portraits are great solutions for historic plaques with black and white photos, memorial plaques for loved ones, dedication plaques for company founders, employees and more. This technique is suitable for both inset medallions and wall-mounted plaques and can be created using both cast bronze and cast aluminum.

Important notes for photo-rendered portrait plaques:

• The provided image can be black & white or color.

• The provided image should be sharp, high-quality and preferably 300 dpi in resolution.

• The provided image should NOT have significant pixilation, blurriness, or dramatic shadowing.

• Manufacturing time is approximately four weeks after the order is placed.

Our bronze plaques are created using a true chemical patina.  A true chemical patina chemically changes the surface color of the bronze, which eliminates the possibility of chipping away or peeling off over time, as occurs with a layer of paint or a stain from imitation patinas.  Often times plaque companies will apply a layer of paint rather than a chemical patina, which is cheaper, but will not last the test of time.

Cast Bronze Military Plaques

In addition to custom bronze plaques, Masterwork Plaques can create a variety of armed service medallions, military insignias, service crests, badges and veteran memorials from existing military artwork and logos.  These metal military seals can be created from any of the materials we offer, from cast bronze and cast aluminum, to etched bronze, aluminum, stainless steel, brass and zinc.  Each metal offers its own function and unique qualities.  Bronze and brass typically are considered more traditional looking metals whereas stainless steel, aluminum and zinc give the armed service plaque a contemporary feel.  

MILITARY SEALS & CRESTS

BAS-RELIEF MILITARY SEALS

Military seals are most traditionally created using a cast bronze, bas-relief technique.  This armed service seal style includes prismatic, hand-carved emblems and surrounding raised text with customized border. We have a variety of existing bas-relief patterns for military seals in stock at our studio. If another version of the military crest is requested, our studio clay-artists can hand-carve a new pattern to recreate the specific armed service seal to our client’s specific needs.

Our in-stock patterns include:

• U.S. Army plaques

• Department of the Navy plaques

• Department of the Air Force plaques

• U.S. Marine Corps plaques

• U.S. Coast Guard plaques

• Etched or Cast Military Plaques

• Bas-Relief and Flat Relief military plaques

ETCHED MILITARY SEALS

As a cost-effective alternative to cast bronze bas-relief medallions, we also offer “etched” military seals.  Etched plaques and medallions are lighter in weight and offer a more contemporary look.  Rather than including dimensional elements, these emblems are created graphically, with simple raised and recessed areas.  Graphic military seals give each plaque an illustrated and sleek design. 

FULL-COLOR MILITARY SEALS

Another alternative we offer is the recreation of full color logos and seals on metal military plaques. This process is best used for interior applications.  Using your high-quality photograph, we can create a full-color, printed metal replication of the logo or military crest of your choice.  This process is not created by digitally printing onto laminate or plastic; instead, it seals various dyes into anodized aluminum for a long-lasting, quality product.

VETERAN MEMORIALS / MILITARY BASE PLAQUES

Masterwork Plaques specializes in the creation of Veteran memorials and custom military base plaques.  Tributes to veterans can consist of cast bronze nameplates, commemorative plaques, illustrated bas-relief carvings, photo-portraits, etc.  Veteran recognition plaques can be installed on a wall, at a memorial site, inset into custom plinths or be given as gifts to deserving service members.  Masterwork Plaques provides design assistance and the necessary hardware for all these installations.

 Our studio has experience creating large-scale medallions for the entrances of various military bases and training facilities, as an alternative to plastic or glass signage.  Our custom circular medallions can be inset into the paving, on a wall, or the entrance lobby of your building to include a military base logo, armed forces seal, or other artwork.  Masterwork Plaques past clients include: The West Point Military Academy, The F.B.I., NASA Washington DC, US Department of State, The Los Angeles Police Department, The Los Angeles Fire Department, The Dallas Police Department, The City of New York and more.

For more information on government and military insignias, contact us at masterworkplaques@gmail.com.

REQUEST A QUOTE FOR A MILITARY PLAQUE

Bas-Relief Portraits: Hand-Carved Bronze Plaques

Masterwork Plaques can provide a large range of options when translating imagery, graphics and portraits into cast bronze plaques.  One of the most unique and artistic methods we use is what is called a “bas-relief” technique.  This hand carving technique is a time-intensive, one-of-a-kind process, created with help from our studio’s experienced clay artists. “Bas-relief” is a traditional method of low relief sculpture, and is often found on historic bronze plaques. While it is most often associated with portraits, it can be used for logos, architectural renderings and depictions of plants, animals and people. Bas-relief imagery adds an authenticity and character to your cast bronze plaque project that can't be matched.

The bas-relief carving process starts with an image.  When creating portrait plaques, we ask our customers to provide an image of the person they are looking to memorialize in bronze.  We then share this image with our clay artists and after sitting with the portrait; they attempt to capture the person’s features, smile and unique qualities in clay.  Our studio works closely with both our clients and sculptors to ensure that the carving has a true likeness to the subject. 

Once the clay carving is complete, our designers mold the carving using a two-part rubber mold, and finally cast it again in plastic.  This gives us a more sturdy relief pattern that is safe for casting in bronze.  After the portrait plaque is cast in bronze, we then finish our bronze plaques with a true chemical patina, so that the bronze plaque will last for years, without the risk of peeling or chipping.

 Important notes for Bas-Relief Portrait Plaques

• The subjects face must be at least 6” high from chin to crown.

• The provided image must be of high quality with minimal pixilation, blurriness, and shadowing.

• Two rounds of revisions are included, to ensure a true likeness to the subject.

• Manufacturing time is approximately 8-10 weeks after the order is placed. 

Bas-relief carvings are a great way to differentiate your plaque from the mass-produced signage and template based memorial plaques that too often dominate in the plaque-making industry.  Our studio has created portrait plaques, historical markers, and even architectural renderings using bronze bas relief.  Masterwork Plaques is committed to revolutionizing the plaque making business, from a field with mass-produced signage and standard template based plaques, into an industry where each plaque is created from unique designs and materials of the finest quality. 

Edgewood Plaza, Palo Alto, CA: Joseph Eichler Commemorative Bronze Plaques

THE RENOVATION OF EDGEWOOD SHOPPING CENTER, 72" X 48" CAST BRONZE PLAQUES

Masterwork Plaques was invited to create two large-scale commemorative plaques for the Edgewood Plaza Shopping Center, located in Palo Alto, CA, which were recently installed in May 2015.  The shopping center was originally developed by the well-known real estate developer, Joseph Eichler, in the mid-1950’s.  Over the past few years, the site has gone through restoration and redevelopment by Sand Hill Property Company.  Our custom-designed bronze plaques include the original site plans created by Eichler and architect A. Quincy Jones in 1955, in addition to providing a brief history of Eichler’s well-known “California Modern” style

Image provided by Sand Hill Property Company and the Charles E. Young Research Library, UCLA.

Joseph Eichler developed over 11,000 affordable houses in California, and is considered one of the most influential builders of his day.  He was influenced by the styles of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe, and even lived in a Frank Lloyd Wright house himself.  His goal was to “bring the outside in” with floor to ceiling windows, patios and gardens.  He incorporated these ideas into Edgewood Plaza, the only commercial property Eichler ever built. The original shopping center was considered a landmark for its suburban post-war design, and for this reason, the two custom bronze plaques were created. 

Edgewood Plaza: Cast Bronze Plaque (1 of 2)

Our studio was able to recreate several of Eichler’s original site drawings and architectural plans in bronze. Taken from a scan from historic archives, the first plaque shows two different renderings created in the mid 1950’s (the third is a photograph from 2014).  Our studio can depict historic renderings in two ways: either illustrated in flat-relief, or recreated as a photo-rendered image.  The illustrated drawing spans across the bottom half of the first plaque.  This drawing from A. Quincy Jones was originally rendered in a simple black and white style. We felt this style was important to keep alive when translated into bronze. The second image in the top left corner of the first plaque is rendered in a photographic style, because the original rendering was composed of complex shading, more like a photographic image.  It is contrasted with a photo from the 2014 renovated site to its right. On the second plaque (shown below), the original illustrated plan view from the 1955 shopping center is shown contrasted against its 2014 renovated layout, giving us another before and after look at Edgewood Plaza, then and now.

Edgewood Plaza: Cast Bronze Plaque (2 of 2)

Masterwork Plaques has worked with many commercial properties in the past on projects ranging in complexity from building management plaques, to historic commemorations and landmark projects.  For a bronze plaque project of this scope, “before and after” images both commemorate the original designs and welcome any changes to the newly renovated properties.  The custom plaques also provide an opportunity for education and historic context for the casual passerby.  For more information on historic landmark plaques and building management plaques, send us an email at info@masterworkplaques.com.

McGown’s Pass, Central Park NYC: Historic Bronze Replication Plaques

CENTRAL PARK: EAST SIDE AT 107TH STREET ENTRANCE JUST SOUTH OF THE HARLEM MEER

Masterwork Plaques recently collaborated with the Central Park Conservancy and the NYC Parks Department to recreate a historic commemorative plaque.  Designed and installed just in time for spring of 2015, this custom bronze plaque is an exact replica of the original dedicated in 1906, which was lost sometime in the 1970’s.

2015 Replica of the original McGown's Pass plaque

McGown’s Pass (sometimes spelled “McGowan’s”) is a small part of the northeast section of Central Park and is named after the McGown family, who owned a tavern in the area from 1756 until the Revolutionary War.  The plaque commemorates the area’s advantageous position during the British occupation of New York from 1776 to 1783, in addition to its use during the War of 1812, where Fort Clinton was built to better arm and protect the city.  McGown’s Pass is a high-topographical point in the park, and today, a commemorative site (where the newly installed plaque can be found) rests at the high point of the hill. 

McGown's Pass site, Before and After; Black and white photo courtesy of the Central Park Conservancy.

Masterwork Plaques was able to recreate this custom-shaped plaque from the reference of two black and white photos and an incomplete image of the original design plans.  This was the only remaining evidence of the original plaque’s design.  Using our extensive font library, we were able to design and customize each letter to best imitate the look of the original hand-tooled type.  Masterwork Plaques also modified our lamb’s tongue decorative border to include a sloped and dimensional ogee curve and custom corner details, which were present on the original historic plaque. Custom rosettes were also replicated and hand-carved based on the specifications on the original design plan. 

of the original plaque, courtesy of the Central Park Conservancy

Most importantly, when replicating a historic bronze plaque, is to capture the natural aged, antique look of a real chemical patina.  Masterwork Plaques’ offers specialty services from highly skilled artisans who can imitate natural tarnishing, corrosion, and weathering that occurs over time.  A true chemical patina chemically changes the surface color of the bronze, which eliminates the possibility of chipping away or peeling off over time, as occurs with a layer of paint or a stain from imitation patinas.  Oftentimes plaque companies will apply a layer of paint rather than a chemical patina, which is cheaper, but will not last the test of time.

All of these elements were vital to creating an exact replica of this historic bronze plaque. Techniques from this project can be used on any plaque project, whether the goal is to replicate a historic landmark, or to simply add an antique quality to any personal or commercial plaque that may aim to look like it has been in place for decades.  Our studio specializes in these custom design techniques.  Masterwork Plaques came into being from the desire to revolutionize the bronze plaque industry so that each plaque is created with one-of-a-kind designs and materials of the finest quality.

Starbucks Medallions, Brooklyn NY: Custom Bronze Relief Plaques

STARBUCKS COFFEE: N7TH STREET, WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN

These newly installed Starbucks medallions were created to commemorate the origin of the renowned coffee company in Seattle and welcome the franchise to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The eight-inch diameter bronze medallions are installed in the second Starbucks location in Williamsburg, and share the space with other works of art from local Brooklyn artisans. The two bronze medallions are inset into a custom walnut table, suited for coffee tastings, and depict an image of the original “Pike’s Place” café and the Williamsburg bridge using traditional bas-relief techniques. Customers sitting in the café are encouraged to interact with the bronze while tasting coffee from around the world.  The bronze coffee beans and various hand-carved cocoa leaves give each plaque a unique tactile texture and give the tasting area an artisanal and unique quality.  New collaborations with Starbucks are underway at our studio, with every new medallion created commemorating the local histories from each unique location.  

Custom bronze medallions modernize and differentiate familiar spaces.  With thousands of locations across the country and world, the unique artworks are what set the Williamsburg Starbucks location apart, making the café feel local, original and a part of the Williamsburg community. Each medallion features a custom border made from casting actual coffee beans, which make the bronze insets unique to Starbucks.  Cast bronze medallions can be created at any size and shape using bas-relief carving techniques and can be customized with photographs, carvings, tactile objects and text.   

Make Your Own Plaque – Adding a Portrait?

HOW CAN I ADD A PORTRAIT OR PHOTOGRAPH TO A CAST BRONZE PLAQUE?

More often than not, cast bronze memorial and commemorative plaques will include an image of a loved one, principal, board member or friend in addition to a paragraph listing their accomplishments.  Our studio can recreate portraits and photographs onto a cast bronze plaque in one of three ways: photo-rendered portraits, bas-relief portraits and illustrated portraits.

Bas relief portrait of John McCain

BAS-RELIEF PORTRAITS

The most traditional portrait type is created using a bas-relief technique.  Using this method, one of our professional artists will hand carve a sculpted portrait of the subject based on the photograph of your choice. Originally carved in clay, then molded and cast in bronze or aluminum, this technique largely relies on the skills of our clay artists. This portrait technique takes 8-10 weeks to complete, and is the most expensive portrait option we offer.

PHOTO-RENDERED PORTRAITS

One of our studio's more contemporary techniques we use for portraits is the photo-rendering technique.  This method digitally translates a high-resolution photograph into a low relief, multi-dimensional casting.  It retains many of the details of the photograph, ensuring a high-quality exact reproduction in bronze.  This is a less time-consuming technique, with manufacturing time running around 4 weeks.  It is also the most affordable portrait option at our studio.

ILLUSTRATED PORTRAITS

Another more contemporary portrait technique is the illustrated portrait option.  Our designers will use a photograph of your choice as a template for a black & white illustrated drawing of the subject.  All the white areas in the illustration will convert into raised bronze colored areas on the plaque, and the black portions of the drawing will be recessed and dark and will become the plaque background. Manufacturing time for an illustrated plaque runs around 5-6 weeks.  

LAFD Bronze Memorial Medallions

LAFD METRO FIRE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER ON TEMPLE STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA

Commissioned by the Los Angeles Fire Department, these bronze castings memorialize Captain Matthew McKnight, a fallen firefighter and 31-year veteran of the LAFD.  The twelve inch diameter medallions were created in cast bronze, using the logo of the city's fire department. Based on the preferences of the client, the medallion was filled with three different paint colors, rather than a standard chemical patina.  

In addition to the bronze medallion, a larger plaque was created for a memorial wall dedicated in McKnight's name.  This central plaque includes the circular memorial medallion and an illustration of McKnight's personal captain's badge. This illustration was created based off of a photograph provided by the client, and replicated by our designers at our studio.  The black areas are translated into raised bronze colored areas on the finished plaque, whereas the white areas are translated as recessed and become the same level as the plaque's background.  Masterwork Plaques can translate any object, landscape or portrait into a flat relief illustration using this technique.  

MORE GOVERNMENT SEALS AND MILITARY CRESTS

LAFD Badge, Photograph courtesy of the LAFD

Studio Illustration with McKnight's badge number

Donations can be made to the LAFD website in honor of Captain McKnight on their donations page.

Make Your Own Plaque – Border Styles

WHAT BORDERS CAN I ADD TO MY CAST BRONZE PLAQUE?

Cast bronze plaques can be created with a variety of different border styles.  Typically a cast bronze plaque will have a simple border that is raised extending about ¼” from the edge of the plaque.  Borders are typically recommended on most cast bronze plaques, as they give the piece a finished and refined quality and also protect the central text and graphics from general damage. However, on occasion a borderless cast plaque may be preferred if the plaque will be inset into brick or into the ground and needs to have a seamless and integrated look with its surroundings. If a border is preferred, a standard single line border can be expanded to a double line border, beveled edge border, or even a combination of more than one border technique.  These borders are standard at our studio and are included in the price of the plaque (shown below).

In contrast to standard borders, decorative borders are custom made to fit your cast bronze plaque.  These borders are more complex and can consist of hand-carved elements, which give your plaque a customized look.  These borders, shown on our cast metal materials page, are typically used for more traditional plaques such as national register plaques, monument plaques, commemorative plaques, etc.  They can be especially helpful for large-scale plaques that do not have any graphic or illustrated elements, as the intricate borders provide an interesting contrast to the simplicity of the text. Decorative borders range from leaf borders, ogee borders, and classic lamb’s tongue and egg & dart borders.

Cast Bronze Plaques with Textured Backgrounds

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF A TEXTURED BACKGROUND ON A CAST BRONZE PLAQUE?

The recessed background of a cast bronze plaque is typically created with a subtle background texture and color, which provides contrast to the plaque’s raised text and border elements.  If a large plaque is created without a background texture, the casting process can leave subtle water marks on the surface of the background. These marks are normal occurrences on larger plaques, which are caused by the pouring of the molten bronze in the casting process.  Masterwork Plaques encourages textures on larger plaque projects to help disguise these flow marks, unless the client prefers the natural texture-free look.

We offer a variety of textures that range from subtle to dramatic.  The leatherette and pebbled backgrounds are two of our most popular choices for clients looking for only slight variations in the background.  Both textures are subtle and are best for plaques with a heavy amount of text and graphics, as they do not distract the viewer.

Textured backgrounds can also make your cast bronze plaque look distinctive and artistic. For a more striking texture, we would recommend the travertine and sculptured texture options.  For plaques with a decent amount of background space, we recommend textures which are more dramatic, to keep these open areas interesting. All of our textures can be used to differentiate your plaque project from the mass-produced, template based signage.  More information on background textures and other decorative elements can be found on our material options pages. 

SEE CUSTOM OPTIONS FOR CAST PLAQUES

Ask the Plaque Maker: Mounting Methods

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO MOUNT MY CUSTOM PLAQUE?

It is necessary to mount your plaque with care.  Cast bronze, in particular, is a very dense and therefore heavy metal, and installing a heavy plaque incorrectly can be hazardous.  Our most popular mounting techniques for our cast bronze plaques are “Front Mounts” and “Hidden Stud Mounts”.

FRONT MOUNT INSTALLATION METHOD

A front mount is the ideal option for a plaque that may need to be moved in the future.  It is also a great choice for interior wall-mounted plaques, especially when a plaque is installed to dry wall or sheet rock.  A front-mounted cast bronze plaque will be shipped to you with four holes through the face of the plaque—one in each corner.  Depending on the size and shape, certain plaques may require more or less attachments.  The plaque is then mounted to the wall with threaded screws through each hole. We will send the appropriate screws for your front-mounted bronze plaque depending on the particular wall type.

Sometimes our clients prefer adding decorative rosettes in place of standard screw heads.  These dimensional elements add a touch of design interest and sophistication to a front mounted plaque.  Different sizes and shapes of decorative rosettes are available, as shown in the image below.  And don’t let the name fool you; as you can see, rosettes don’t always look like flowers!

HIDDEN STUD MOUNT INSTALLATION METHOD

For a more permanent installation method, we recommend the hidden stud mount technique. This type of installation is ideal for situations with greater risk of theft, i.e. public parks or other high-traffic areas. A hidden stud mounted plaque has special mounting hardware cast onto the backside of the plaque.  This hardware allows for stainless steel rods to be secured and hidden from the viewer (this technique is also aptly called a "blind mount").  Using our provided template, holes are drilled into the wall or stone where the cast plaque is to be mounted.  The steel rods are inserted and secured into the holes with epoxy.  The blind mount should not be used for interior plaques installed on sheet rock or drywall.  

Hidden stud mounted cast bronze plaques provide a very clean and seamless look.  Property owners, management companies and other businesses often use a hidden stud mount to secure cast bronze plaques to the exterior walls of their buildings for pedestrians to see at street level.

LEARN ABOUT IDENTIFICATION PLAQUES

Ask the Plaque Maker: What is Patina?

WHY IS A CHEMICAL PATINA BETTER THAN STANDARD PAINT?

Cast bronze plaques can be finished with a paint or finished with a chemical patina with a variety of different effects.  The natural color of bronze is actually a very light gold, but the common belief is that bronze is actually a darker brown.  Most people only see bronze sculptures after a patina has already been applied, which is what makes people think bronze is naturally a dark colored metal.

ABOUT CHEMICAL PATINAS

A patina can occur naturally over time on the surface of most metals, caused as a result of oxidization, age, or exposure to changing weather and environment. Patinas can also be applied to metals when they are produced, which prevents weathering and general wear and tear on a plaque and also makes the plaque more visually pleasing.  

What is important to note is that a true patina, whether it occurs naturally or is applied, chemically changes the surface color of the bronze.  It will not peel away; it will not chip off.  Plaques that are finished with paint and not patina, can have adverse chipping affects because the paint simply sits on top of the metal.  With heavy foot traffic, the patina color will change and naturally burnish and shine, but this creates a pleasing look and gives the plaque a true luster, rather than a painted plaque that just looks badly maintained.

Often times other plaque companies will use the word patina or stain without actually using the true chemical process to color a cast bronze plaque.  Applying patina to a bronze plaque is a more expensive process than what most plaque-makers want to use.  Many companies use other products with names like chem-col, polychrome patina, and graphite sprays, which are really just paint.  If the bronze work is set in a horizontal position, or is subject to extreme weather conditions, these other products will start to peel in a few years.

Custom Bronze Plaques Installed Underfoot

WHAT TYPE OF METAL CAN BE USED FOR IN-GROUND PLAQUES?

Often times for walk of fame projects, interpretive trails and other installations, our clients may prefer to install a custom plaque project underfoot and inset into the ground, rather than installing on a wall.  Can this be done? Absolutely, however special requirements will apply if you choose to install a plaque in this way.

The plaque material is very important.  Some metals (such as aluminum) are too soft to be installed underfoot.  Aluminum is less dense than other metals and can chip away and corrode too easily when exposed to the constant wear and tear of foot traffic.  Stainless steel is a strong and non-corrosive metal, however the price point is often out of reach for most clients.  Cast bronze plaques are stronger and more durable than most other metal types. This makes cast bronze ideal for projects inset into cement, pavers, terrazzo, sidewalks, etc.  Cast bronze plaques hold up very well against heavy foot traffic, as they share many of stainless steels durable qualities.  In fact, inset custom bronze plaques installed in cities and busy areas will enhance the luster and quality of the design over time - keeping raised areas buffed and looking good.

In addition to the metal choice for inset plaques, it is important to color and finish these projects in a particular way.  Masterwork Plaques uses a real chemical patina to color all of our studio's inset bronze plaque projects. This is a more expensive process than what most plaque makers would like to use.  Many other companies use products with names like chem-col, polychrome patinas, and graphite sprays which are really just fancy words for "paint".  If the bronze work is set in a horizontal position, i.e. in the pavement, these other products will start to peel in a few years.  Sometimes getting a “great deal” with a painted plaque seems more appealing upfront, but the cost and hassle of refinishing the painted plaque changes minds quickly!

Real patina finishes chemically change the surface color of the bronze.  This technique ensures that no coloration will peel away when the plaques are set in the paving.  Under heavy foot traffic, the patina will stay bright and buffed, so that the bronze work looks highlighted and burnished, as opposed to looking peeled and badly maintained.

Cast Bronze vs. Cast Aluminum Plaques

DETERMINING THE PROPER METAL FOR YOUR PLAQUE PROJECT

After browsing through various plaques online and in your neighborhood, you have very likely come across both bronze and aluminum plaques.  Both plaque types are very popular and are used for both indoor and outdoor use, for traditional and unique purposes.  Masterwork Plaques creates both cast aluminum and cast bronze plaques at our studio, and each plaque is custom-made to your liking.  After working with each metal type over the years, we would recommend aluminum and bronze plaques for different applications. 

CAST BRONZE PLAQUES

The benefit of a cast bronze plaque is its exceptional durability.  Bronze is an alloy made primarily of copper and tin.  It is stronger and harder than any other common metal alloy, with the exception of stainless steel.  This makes a cast bronze plaque an ideal choice for exterior plaques used as standard signage, commemorative plaques, memorials and plaques that are inset into the ground. Cast bronze will hold up well against a variety of weather conditions and is finished with a clear lacquer for extra protection.  If you are looking for a plaque installed under foot, bronze plaques hold up well under heavy foot traffic. Bronze is also the most traditional material used for plaques, so this metal type will give your project a look of class, distinction and strength.  Bronze plaques have a recognizable luster created by the application of a true chemical patina, which holds up better than a paint or stain.

Benefits of Cast Bronze:

• Durability and strength

• Classic, traditional look

• Ability to hold fine detail

• Rich luster and chemical patina

• Wall installation and in-ground installation

CAST ALUMINUM PLAQUES

Cast aluminum plaques have unique benefits of their own.  Although aluminum is a much softer metal, it is significantly lighter in weight than cast bronze, while still retaining the ability to hold up well against a variety of weather conditions. The silver coloring of aluminum plaques also has a sleek, contemporary look, perfect for modern buildings with a materials palette of glass and steel. Aluminum is durable enough for both interior and exterior plaque installations, and can be mounted to just about any type of wall, stone or platform, as can bronze. However, because of the softness of the metal, aluminum plaques are not recommended for plaques that are inset into the ground or installed in very high-usage areas.  At our studio, cast aluminum is a great alternative to a bronze plaque if you are looking to create a large durable plaque on a smaller budget.  The background of an aluminum plaque can be painted virtually any color, making it a nice choice for corporate logo plaques or other graphic signs where the company’s colors are integral to the overall design.

Benefits of Cast Aluminum:

• Lightweight metal

• Budget friendly

• Contemporary, silver coloring

• Colored backgrounds

• Wall-only installation

For more information on the metal types we offer at our studio, check out our material options on our website.