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

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.  

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.