Bronze vs. Brass: A Comprehensive Guide for Signage November 25, 2024 Plaques Resources Bronze and brass are two of the most popularly used metals in the entire world. Their use throughout history for practical and aesthetic uses continues to persist. Even today, you can find bronze plaques or brass lettering in office buildings. When it comes to bronze vs. brass, which is better? The differences between the two can change how your sign appears over the coming years. Impact Signs has been handcrafting bronze and brass 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 type of metal alloy typically consisting of 12% copper or tin but can also be made of other metals — like aluminum, zinc, or phosphorus — to change its properties. Its malleability and durability allowed it to be used for everything from architecture to weaponry. Its widespread use was so integral that The Bronze Age (~3000 – 1000 BC) was named after its continued use. Bronze properties Bronze’s properties make it both beneficial and aesthetically pleasing for outdoor signage. These properties, such as its unique color and long-lasting capabilities, make bronze a suitable component in various applications. That said, there are pros and cons of bronze to know about. Durability and longevity One of the reasons bronze is so popular is its strength and the amount of stress it can handle. It doesn’t bend or break easily and is both fatigue and friction-resistant, meaning it can withstand repeated pressure and won’t generate sparks when rubbed against other metals. Another aspect of bronze’s durability is its ability to withstand extreme temperatures. When casting bronze, it’s heated to between +500º – +750º. Doing so develops its strong and resistant nature. Simply put, bronze is an incredibly strong and hard metal that works for almost any application. It’s one of the reasons why it’s lasted the test of time. Weather resistance Another large part of bronze’s popularity is its weather-resistant properties. Due to its durability, bronze can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations. This means you can put bronze outside in extreme heat or cold, and you won’t have to worry about it negatively affecting your plaque, sculpture, or building. Corrosion resistance Metals naturally deteriorate when exposed to chemicals or certain environments, such as salty water. Bronze, however, is incredibly corrosion-resistant, which is why its maritime applications are so popular. If you’re planning to install an outdoor memorial plaque, bronze is a great choice as its corrosive-resistant nature reduces replacement costs, especially for any sign near the ocean. While it is corrosion-resistant, bronze does develop a beautiful patina over time. The clear protective coating on a bronze plaque will eventually break down and the patina will develop, which adds character and timelessness to these plaques. Aesthetic appeal Bronze has been a preferred material for plaques and statues throughout the centuries for two reasons. The first is because its strength and durability make it so the statues aren’t likely to break. The second is because of a natural phenomenon that occurs over time: patina. Patina is a thin layer of green film that covers bronze or brass over time. It’s naturally occurring and emphasizes the character of each bronze plaque, statue, or sign. It’s a sought-after bronze feature, signifying a natural aging that enhances the quality and aesthetics of the metal. It’s worth noting that bronze is heavier than other metals, so you have to be careful to install it correctly. Maintenance requirements Although bronze is known to be strong, and its naturally occurring patina is often sought out for sculptures and plaques, some regular maintenance practices can help it keep its luster. You can remove the natural patina that may accumulate, but doing so incorrectly can permanently damage it. To clean bronze: 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. After cleaning your bronze item, it should look nice and clean. Some general maintenance tips to keep that bronze sheen looking timeless include: Avoid using any harsh chemicals. Don’t use any pressure washers on any bronze features, as they can damage the metal. Unless it’s a cooking utensil or instrument, try to avoid touching bronze pieces with bare hands as the dust and oils can cause damage. Try to avoid excess moisture. The U.S. General Services Administration also has some tips on cleaning and polishing bronze. However, when it comes to bronze maintenance, a good rule of thumb is to keep it simple. Uses for bronze Bronze etchings have long been a favored form for signs and plaques, owing to their durability, elegance, and timeless appeal. Some of the more common uses for bronze signs include: Instruments Artwork Cookware Utensils Jewelry Plaques Memorial Signs Directional Markers Building/Company Letterings Dedication Signs Awards Addresses Donor Recognition Historical Markers Logo Signs Bronze is an incredibly versatile metal, with applications being almost limitless, including for signs and signage. Types of bronze signs Because of its durability and aesthetics, a popular use for bronze is signage. As technology has advanced, the types of bronze signs have evolved, and by merging traditional and modern etching and casting methods, you get the best of both worlds. Now, the types of bronze signs have increased, including: Cast Bronze Signs Etched Bronze Signs Bronze Markers Bronze Plaques Art Installations What is brass Brass is another popular metal that has a versatile amount of uses. It’s similar to bronze, but instead of copper and tin, it’s made of copper and zinc. However, brass that has more copper will have that classic gold shine while brass with more zinc will appear more silver. Like bronze, brass has been used throughout human history, dating back to 500 B.C. Its popularity has lasted, with its development becoming more refined and its uses still being applied today. Brass properties Similar to bronze, brass properties give the metal a wide range of uses, from instruments to the zippers on your pants, with many more uses in between due to its useful properties. As with anything, brass has pros and cons to consider. Durability and longevity Because of its makeup, brass is a strong and durable metal that, with proper maintenance and care, some say could last forever. However, its malleability means it’s not as strong as bronze. Nevertheless, it can withstand a lot, including being thrown. While it doesn’t develop patina like bronze, it does discolor over time, turning black. For this reason, it’s not used as much outdoors as bronze is. Weather resistance Similar to bronze, brass is also very weather-resistant and has been used for many outdoor applications. In fact, its weather resistance is one of the reasons that brass is a popular choice for doorknobs, as they won’t become compromised when left outside of the elements. Corrosion resistance Brass is also resistant to corrosion, although it will tarnish and lose its luster if it isn’t cared for, and isn’t recommended for outdoor use. Some types of brass, depending on their makeup, are resistant to galvanic seawater corrosion, but submerging brass underwater indefinitely can cause it to lose its zinc component, reducing the structural integrity of the metal. Its corrosive-resistant abilities make it great for electrical connectors and even aviation. For signage, we recommend using brass for interior plaques. Aesthetic appeal Brass naturally has a shiny, gold hue, an attractive feature that can be applied to anything worth showcasing, such as awards, picture frames, statues, and more. In fact, its pleasing looks and affordability make it a popular metal for jewelry. When left outside in the elements, brass will turn darker and gain a bluish-green hue. This isn’t rust but rather the patina that naturally forms, and it’s often a property of brass that many find aesthetically pleasing. In many museums, you’ll find brass sculptures with a natural patina, proving its timeless attraction. Maintenance requirements Even though it is incredibly durable and long-lasting, brass does need to be maintained or else it can lose its natural finish and become tarnished. Less is more with brass when it comes to cleaning and maintaining. Simply use a soft brush to dust the brass item and then use mild soap and warm water with a soft rag to clean it. Uses for brass Brass has withstood the test of time with its properties and potential. As such, there are many uses for brass: Door Markers Nameplates Decorative Signs Zippers Doorknobs Signs Instruments Artwork Types of brass signs Brass is a classic metal to use for signs because of its durability and weather resistance. Many types of signs include: Cast brass signs Etched brass signs Brass plaques Brass nameplates Bronze vs. brass: which is better? When it comes to bronze vs. brass, both are suitable for different applications. For example, bronze is preferred for outdoor plaques and signage, while brass is better suited for interior plaques and signage. Things to consider when deciding between the two include: Budget Desired appearance Aesthetics Functional Requirements Maintenance upkeep and costs Bronze is a better option with signs, as it can last longer both in the elements and aesthetically. However, if you choose a brass sign or brass letters, know that more maintenance may be required. Make a statement with bronze or brass signage When all is said and done, there are benefits to both bronze and brass. Both are durable, weather-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing, and they’ll age like fine wine. We recommend using bronze for outdoor signage and brass for indoor. If you’re looking to create a bronze or brass sign, get a custom quote from Impact Signs. No matter your metal choice in signage, you’ll receive a quality sign that’ll have everything you’re looking for right down to the detail!