Bronze vs. Aluminum: A Guide to Signage and Plaques December 6, 2024 Plaques Two popular metals used for plaques and signs are bronze and aluminum. Their uses are versatile, ranging from simple signs to elegant works of art. And, if you walk around your downtown areas, you may notice that bronze signs and aluminum lettering catch your eye. But when choosing for yourself, how do you decide between bronze vs. aluminum? Impact Signs has been handcrafting bronze and aluminum signs since 1989, and we want you to be an informed decision-maker. Find out the differences between the two metals and how best to choose. What is bronze? Bronze is a well-known metal made with 12% copper, tin, or other metals like aluminum, zinc, or phosphorus. Depending on its chemical makeup, its properties, like its appearance, can change. It was such a popular metal when it was discovered that historians named the Bronze Age (~3000-1000 BC) after it. Why use bronze for plaques and signage? Bronze is durable and very pretty, which makes it incredibly popular for indoor and outdoor signs. Other bronze properties, such as its long lifespan, make it suitable for other applications like artwork or building materials. Durable and long-lasting Bronze doesn’t bend or break, is fatigue and friction-resistant, and can withstand extreme temperatures. When casting, bronze is heated to between 500º and 750º, which develops its strong and resistant nature. This is one of the reasons why we still use it today. Weather resistant Another reason bronze is popular is its weather-resistant properties. Due to its durability, bronze can withstand extreme temperatures. In fact, the only way temperatures can affect bronze is through improper development. Corrosion resistant All metals will deteriorate if exposed to the elements or certain chemicals. That said, bronze is naturally corrosion-resistant, which is when a metal naturally deteriorates. This resistance makes bronze a popular metal for use in the ocean. For outdoor signs or plaques, bronze is a great choice, as its resistance to corrosion reduces replacement times and costs, especially for any sign in a humid area. Aesthetic appeal Bronze’s strength and long lifespan have made it very popular for displays, signs, and artwork. In addition to its long-lasting nature, the natural oxidation that occurs, called patina, is an often sought-after feature. It can also be oxidized, giving it an oil rubbed, antique bronze look. Patina is a thin green film that covers signs, statues, and other bronze materials, emphasizing the item’s characteristics. It shows natural aging that enhances the quality and aesthetics while showcasing its resilience to time. How to maintain bronze Even though bronze is durable and can last generations, regular maintenance can help the metal keep its luster. To maintain bronze and keep it looking sharp: Gently dust with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. Use a sponge with mild soap and warm water to clean. Rinse with clean water. Dry with a clean microfiber cloth. Although the patina is natural and sometimes desired, you may also find yourself looking to keep the original color. Be aware of methods of removing the patina that can permanently damage bronze. Some general maintenance tips to keep that bronze sheen looking timeless include: Don’t use any harsh chemicals. Don’t use high-pressure washers or other harsh cleaning methods. Use gloves when cleaning to prevent oil and dust build-up (does not apply to cookware). Keep bronze away from excess moisture to prevent oxidation (if you want to keep the bronze material patina-free). A good rule of thumb when it comes to bronze maintenance is to keep it simple. The U.S. General Services Administration provides tips on cleaning and polishing bronze. Uses for bronze The durability and versatility of bronze lends itself to some unique options for signage. Some of the more common uses of bronze are: Addresses Artwork Awards Building/Company Letterings Cookware Dedication Signs Directional Markers Donor Recognition Historical Markers Jewelry Logo Signs Memorial Signs Musical Instruments Utensils Plaques Bronze is an incredibly versatile metal with almost limitless applications, including signs and signage. Types of bronze signage As technology has advanced, the types of bronze signs have evolved. Through traditional and modern methods, you get the best of both worlds. The types of bronze signs available now include: Cast Bronze Signs Etched Bronze Signs Bronze Markers Bronze Plaques Art Installations What is aluminum? Aluminum is a commonly used metal known for its lightweight and silver attributes. The modern form of aluminum that we are familiar with dates back to the 18th century, but its history can be traced back to at least the 5th century. It’s the world’s third most common chemical element and is known for its many uses, from cookware to electronics. Aluminum is typically used for signage for the following reasons: Cost effectiveness: Aluminum is typically half the price of bronze. Elegant finish: Silver is a popular finish choice. Customizable: Aluminum can be painted in custom colors. Why use aluminum for plaques and signage? Aluminum is a popular metal for signs and plaques because it’s strong, lightweight, durable, and very pretty. These specific aluminum properties give signs and plaques a unique look that can stand out and withstand many types of environments. Durable and lightweight Aluminum is a popular metal for plaques and signs due to its lightweight and versatile nature. Its durability allows aluminum to be used without worry. Because it’s lightweight, shipping costs are also heavily reduced as well, making aluminum an excellent option for anyone looking for a long-lasting and affordable sign. Weather resistant When looking for a metal for your outdoor plaques, aluminum is one of the best outdoor sign materials to use. It’s rust-proof and weather-resistant, meaning an aluminum sign can hang outside for years without breaking a sweat. Corrosion resistant On signs, especially outdoor ones, anodized aluminum should be used for maximum corrosion resistance. Through a chemical process, the aluminum is hardened, making it more durable. Standard aluminum can corrode when it gets wet. Versatile and easy to work with The chemical makeup of aluminum makes it a versatile material for signs and other artistic work that can’t be beaten. Aluminum is also more malleable than bronze, allowing you to create waterjet cut letters and engrave, tool, and cast for plaques. It can also be fabricated into panels for signs and fabricated letters. When it’s finished, its lightweight nature means you can hang it just about anywhere without too much worry. How to maintain aluminum Even though aluminum is durable and weatherproof, some maintenance tips are still necessary to keep its appeal. For starters, you want to keep aluminum clean, which means dusting and cleaning off dirt and grime. Don’t use harsh or abrasive chemicals when cleaning aluminum, as it can damage the protective layering, making it susceptible to damage. Use an aluminum cleaner at most to clean any aluminum signs or letters. After cleaning, use a soft, dry cloth to dry the aluminum sign thoroughly. Doing so can prevent water spots and corrosion if it’s wet too long or for long periods. Uses for aluminum With its versatility, durability, and lightweight features, aluminum is one of the best metals for almost any purpose. Some of the more common uses of aluminum include: Wall letterings Frames Awards Plaques Accents Nameplates Artwork Cookware Cars Whether it’s a welcome sign for the office or an award for a job well done, aluminum is a great material to use with limitless potential. Types of aluminum signage If you’re looking for inspiration for your sign ideas for your business or office, whether indoors or outdoors, and you’re interested in using aluminum, then you’re in luck. Aluminum’s versatility in signage includes: Waterjet and fabricated aluminum letterings Aluminum plaques Aluminum nameplate Panel signs Lighted outdoor signs Of course, the type of sign you have isn’t as important as opposed to how you customize it. Through engravings, custom designs, etchings, and more, there is a world of ideas to implement for your sign. Bronze vs. aluminum: Which is better? When all is said and done, you have two excellent choices for a sign: bronze and aluminum. Which one is better depends entirely on your needs, as each has its own unique pros and cons. Pros of bronze for signage include: Durable Long-lasting Ages well (patina) Cons of bronze for signage include: More expensive Heavier Not as customizable Aluminum also has several pros that make it ideal for signage: Durable Lightweight Versatile More cost-efficient But it does come with some drawbacks that might impact your choice to use it for signage: Softer More sensitive Cannot be refinished Ultimately, your choice of whether you want an aluminum or a bronze sign may depend entirely on where you want to place your sign. If it’s outdoors, bronze will last longer and develop a rich and attractive patina, whereas an aluminum sign indoors allows a more versatile and affordable option. Don’t forget to ask yourself how much your plaque will cost; cost is one of the biggest reasons for choosing your plaque material. The more you know, the better informed you’ll be, and the happier and better outcome you will have Make a statement with bronze or aluminum signage and plaques When deciding on your sign, there are benefits to choosing either bronze or aluminum. Consider the needs of your sign; if you need something durable that ages well, bronze is a great choice. If you need something completely versatile, modern aesthetic that won’t break the bank, aluminum may be your best bet. Whatever you’re looking for, Impact Signs can help. Get a custom quote based on your needs and ideas, and we’ll ensure you get a quality sign that has everything you’re looking for — right down to the specific details.