Choice of Metal for Custom Awards: Bronze vs Pewter
- Price. These extra steps in the casting process are one of the reasons bronze awards are more expensive than pewter awards.
- Durability. Durability is another distinction that results from the properties of these metals. ...
- Design Fit. Design can also dictate the preferred choice of metal. ...
- Size. ...
- Color and Finish. ...
What is the difference between bronze resin and bronze metal?
And while Bronze Resin is strong in large sized sculpture, Foundry Bronze metal is far more resistant to knocks and climbing. What is cold cast Bronze Resin?
What is the difference between bronze and spelter?
The quality of spelter is in its casting. After casting the body of the work it can be painted or gilded. This exact science of production has pushed spelter to be as collectable as bronze because of the higher quality of finish. Many bronzes are cast using the ‘lost-wax’ method, in existence since ancient times.
How can you tell the difference between bronze and brass?
You will also tell the difference between bronze and brass because bronze will have faint rings on its surface. Bronze is tough and brittle. It melts at a rather higher temperature at 950 centigrade, but this relies on the quantity of tin present within the alloy.
What color is natural bronze?
Natural bronze color has a mix of copper and tin that gives it its tint. It has a natural blond, gold hue before it is aged into its distinct mottled brown patina.
Is pewter cheaper than bronze?
Pewter tends to be a softer metal than white bronze. Therefore, it's not typically recommended for intricate designs or designs that feature sharp edges or precise shapes. However, it is more affordable and faster to use pewter for art casting applications.
Is pewter a brass?
The Antique Pewter finish is usually nickel plating on brass which has been dulled and darkened to simulate pewter. This may also be referred to as pewter or antique nickel.
Does pewter Rust outdoors?
Does Pewter Rust? Since pewter is an alloy of tin and iron, it will not rust, but you may experience a bit of oxidation after a period.
How can you tell the difference between bronze?
2:093:24The Difference Between Copper, Brass and Bronze - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd density bronze is a copper alloy with the main element being tin and contains various otherMoreAnd density bronze is a copper alloy with the main element being tin and contains various other elements such as phosphorus aluminum manganese and much more bronze can be identified. By its dull gold.
What are the disadvantages of pewter?
consIt is soft- Pewter is delicate: At room temperature, the metal can quickly get dents and damages, which would look ugly in an ornament or jewelry. ... Contains lead: Antique Pewter contains information that is not advisable for items in contact with human skin.
How can you tell if it's pewter?
Silver is usually shiny and "silvery," after its name. It's a bright metal with a high luster. Pewter, on the other hand, looks more like lead and has a much darker, duller sheen than silver.
Does baking soda clean pewter?
1:062:30House Cleaning & Stain Removal : How to Clean Pewter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd another thing that works really well on any kind of metal. Including pewter is baking soda youMoreAnd another thing that works really well on any kind of metal. Including pewter is baking soda you can make a paste with baking soda and water. After you make your paste.
Should you polish pewter?
Oxidized pewter does not need to be polished. Polishing it runs the risk of removing the dark layer for which this type of pewter is known, devaluing the piece. To keep oxidized pewter looking its best, you should gently wash it with warm water and dishwashing detergent, then rinse and towel dry.
Does vinegar hurt pewter?
Mix one cup white vinegar with a half-cup white flour to create a paste (for grainy-finished satin pewter, add in one teaspoon of salt, which makes the paste slightly abrasive and improves its cleaning ability).
Does bronze turn green?
Did you know high-quality bronze can still turn some people's skin that greenish color? Sounds strange, but it's true! Bronze is an alloy that contains copper, which can oxidize when combined with moisture, creating patina.
Does magnet stick to bronze?
Bronze is a mixture (alloy) of mostly copper with about 12% tin, and sometimes small amounts of nickel (nickel can make it very slightly magnetic but, generally, bronze is not magnetic).
Can bronze rust?
Bronze does not rust due to its minimal iron content. Keep in mind, however, bronze can react to oxygen in other ways. Bronze is not naturally occurring like pure aluminum or iron. Instead, bronze is a mixture of copper and tin.
What is the oldest metal used to cast?
Pewter . Pewter is one of the oldest casting metals. It was first used in the 11th century to cast large and small cauldrons and for religious items. Today, it can be used to craft jewelry and create large and small decorative items and statuettes.
What is white bronze?
White Bronze. White bronze is known for its hardness, durability and color that is similar to white gold. It’s ideal for large awards and large decorative items, like belt buckles, larger statues, awards and items that need sharp, crisp edges and fine details. White bronze can also be ground and polished to create a smooth and refined finish.
What is hard metal?
Hard metal, extremely durable. Can be ground and polished to create the ideal finish. Create for designs that need hard, sharp edges and precise shapes. Great choice for large items or items that must be cast in separate pieces and assembled.
What are the drawbacks of pewter?
Drawbacks of Pewter. Softer metal, not as durable as bronze. Not good for designs that require fine, crisp edges and precise designs. Not the ideal choice for large pieces or items that need to be molded as separate pieces and assembled.
Is pewter better than bronze?
Pewter tends to be a softer metal than white bronze. Therefore, it’s not typically recommended for intricate designs or designs that feature sharp edges or precise shapes. However, it is more affordable and faster to use pewter for art casting applications.
Is white bronze hard to make?
The added steps in the casting process can increase the time to create the white bronze art casting and the cost. The good news is that white bronze is harder ...
Can you ground white bronze?
White bronze can also be ground and polished to create a smooth and refined finish. However, white bronze tends to be more expensive to purchase and requires additional steps during the casting process because it cannot be directly poured into the rubber mold. Instead, wax must be poured into the rubber mold and dipped in a ceramic slurry.
What is venetian bronze?
Advertisement. Venetian bronze – The metal in the Venetian bronze finish reflects more light than its darker oil-rubbed bronze cousin.
What is satin brass?
Satin brass. Advertisement. Brass was a popular decorating choice for shower edging, faucets and mirror edging in the '90s. It can make any decorator or new homeowner balk. However, the durable material easily flips to bronze with the correct application of paint and sanding. Advertisement.
What is a bronze finish?
A long-standing favorite is a bronze finish, which comes in a wide variety of shades and sheens. A bronze finish on faucets, locksets, kitchen drawers or office cabinets complements most existing finishes and colors in your kitchen, bathroom , office and bedroom. Advertisement.
Is bronze a durable material?
It is a durable and versatile material that provides heft in sink fixtures or a delicate touch to the knobs on your drawers and cabinets . Bronze will continue to age and look styl ish for decades after installation . Advertisement.
Does oil rubbed bronze show fingerprints?
Oil-Rubbed Bronze and Décor. It doesn't easily show water spots or fingerprints and lasts for years. It looks dramatic against bright and soft colors such as antique white or ocean blue cabinets and porcelain sinks.
Is brass more golden than bronze?
Brass tones are more golden than bronze. They can be given a golden-based patina of bronze by sanding down and applying black and gold paints along with a clear topcoat. Popular brass finishes include:
What is patina in bronze?
PATINA. On an artwork in bronze the ‘patina’ refers to the gilding or chasing, or the chemical oxide process resulting in a green coloration. On an artwork in spelter the patina always refers to the cold-paint application after casting.
Why is spelter bronze so collectable?
This exact science of production has pushed spelter to be as collectable as bronze because of the higher quality of finish. ART DECO BRONZE. Many bronzes are cast using the ‘lost-wax’ method, in existence since ancient times. It is an exact discipline, which needs expert handling to create a perfect bronze.
What metal was used in Art Deco sculpture?
Art Deco sculpture materials. BRONZE. In ancient times ‘bronze’ was a term that could denote copper or the far more durable alloy fusion of copper and tin. The metal terms ‘bronze’ ‘copper’ and ‘brass’ are all recorded in the earliest Classical writings.
What is bronze used for?
In Classical times bronze was a prized material for life-size sculptures, and smaller temple offerings. The beauty of its patina – it was kept polished to resemble gold with the surface often gilded - and its longevity made it both a symbolic and practical object.
Where did spelter come from?
SPELTER (Fr. Regule) It is generally understood that China and East India were the first to produce spelter from zinc. It was known as ‘tutanego’. Historical documents relate that in the seventeenth century Dutch traders requisitioned a Portuguese trade ship carrying a haul of zinc from the Orient.
Is spelter a good investment?
Spelter has become highly desirable allowing collectors to purchase an original high-quality piece at a reasonable price. Spelter has gained the trust of buyers as a solid investment. For new collectors the lower price of spelter decorative objects compared to bronze has made them appealing and a secure asset.
When was spelter first introduced?
Today, art dealers are taking great interest in spelter, first introduced to Europe from the Orient by Dutch and Portuguese traders in the seventeenth century. It is worth taking a moment to consider the difference between an Art Deco sculpture made in bronze and one made in spelter, and the qualities of each material.
What is cold cast bronze?
Bronze Resin sculpture also known as “cold cast bronze” or bonded bronze, is made of real bronze powder, mixed with polyester, epoxy or another resin and poured into a rubber reusable mould. This is backed up with very strong fiberglass and resin. Because real bronze powder is used over its surface, cold cast bronze can be colored or patinated ...
How to tell the difference between hot and cold cast bronze?
The best way to tell the difference between Foundry Bronze metal and cold cast Bronze Resin is with sound. Foundry Bronze metal sounds metallic when you tap it with your wedding ring.
How long does bronze resin last?
Cold cast bronze resin can last outside for over 35 years, and most last between 50 to 100 years. Depending on the shape some cracking may occur over time. If water pools constantly in one area, cracking may appear if water sits and then freezes.
What is foundry bronze?
Foundry Bronze metal is a copper and tin alloy that is shaped using the traditional method of bronze casting, using the lost wax process – used by sculptors in ancient Greece. The bronze is melted at extremely high temperatures and then poured into a ceramic mould. The lost wax method of casting is a highly skilled, complex, ...
Is bronze heavier than resin?
Foundry Bronze metal sculptures are normally heavier in the hand than cold cast Bronze Resin sculpture would be. Weight is not a reliable way to tell the difference because cold cast Bronze Resin can be heavier than a Foundry Bronze metal statue, because large bronze resin sculpture will sometimes be filled with a heavy filler to give it substance ...
Is cold cast bronze more durable than foundry bronze?
It’s generally very durable and much more affordable, normally approximately half the cost of Found ry Bronze. Cold cast Bronze Resin is usually much lighter in weight than Foundry Bronze metal is. But it can be filled, to create a more substantial or wind resistant sculpture for the garden.
Can you repair a cold cast bronze caster?
Cracking is also more likely along the seam lines. Cold cast Bronze Resin is relatively inexpensive to repair, but make sure you keep the contact details of the artist, as they may be able to help arrange a repair for you at their casters, or with a caster in your own country.
What is guinea gold?
This is an alloy that is both in brass and bronze (red silicon brasses and red silicon bronzes). They typically contain 20% zinc and 6% silicon. guinea gold has high strength and corrosion resistance and is usually used for valve stems.
What is the color of brass and bronze?
Brass and bronze are two popular metals that are similar in many ways. In fact, they are usually referred to as the ‘Red Metals’ since both appear to be reddish in color and are copper alloys. They also have a wide range of applications which are also somehow connected in one way or the other.
How to tell the difference between brass and bronze?
Perhaps the simplest way to distinguish between brass and bronze is by their color. Brass usually features a muted yellow shade, very similar to dull gold, which makes it an ideal material for furniture and fixtures. Bronze, on the opposite hand, looks nearly always a sepia.
Why is brass used?
Brass is mainly used for decoration purposes. This is due to the aesthetic value that it holds. This copper alloy can be easily confused with gold. Most people use brass for making musical instruments.
What are the properties of brass?
Brasses can have varying quantities of zinc or other elements added to them. These varying mixtures produce a wide range of properties and variations in color. Increased amounts of zinc provide the fabric with improved strength and ductility. This can affect the main property of brass.
Why is bronze considered a material?
It is the material of choice for sculptors who specialize in metals. This is mainly due to its amazing property, which allows it to expand and cool down slowly. Construction. Despite being superseded by steel in an array of construction-related applications, bronze still preserves its place in a number of them.
Which is better, brass or bronze?
Brass is more malleable and ductile than bronze, and that’s just because tin does a far better job of pinning the copper lattice than zinc. Meaning, the lattices that structure brass can slide more freely on top of every other when the metal is rolled, pressed, or hammered.
