We can cut “Yellow Brass”, “Naval Brass”, “Red Brass” and Solid Copper. Generally, the more copper in the alloy, the more expensive the material. “Yellow Brass” is the most commonly used, but the “Red Brass” has a beautiful color.
Common thickness: 1/16”, 1/8”, 3/16”, 1/4", 3/8” and 1/2”
Surface Finish
These metal letters can be polished or satin finished; edges can be polished, satin finished, or sandblasted. All these metals are subject to tarnishing and oxidation and must have a protective coating unless natural oxidation is desired.
Recommended coatings include high-grade automotive acrylic lacquers or urethanes (we use PPG and Matthews) or clear powder coating. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Theoretically, the powder coating should last a long time. However, it seems that the powder coaters sometimes have trouble getting a glass-smooth finish on brass, bronze and copper. It tends to orange peel. The clear lacquer will last for quite a while, but probably not as long as the urethanes or the powder coating. However, when the time comes to re-polish and re-finish the letter, it is much easier to remove lacquer than urethane or powder coated finishes.
Besides the mechanical finishing of the material (i.e. polished or satin) we can patinate the surface. We can achieve a wide range of patinas - lightly antiqued to heavily tarnished, oil rubbed bronze to blue or green or brown patinas.
Tip: Sometimes a very nice effect can be attained by combining different finishes and materials in the same graphic. For example: polished letters on a satin background; a light, oil rubbed plaque where the engraved areas have a dark patina; oil rubbed bronze (red brass) on a naval brass background.
Tip: Don't forget that these metals can be engraved also. 3-D engraving a brass plate, then giving the surface a satin finish, produces an especially elegant finish.
Advantages
It's... Brass!
See #1
Disadvantages
Cost: This material is not cheap!
Upkeep: Temper the cost of refinishing every few years with the fact that the letters will last for centuries.
Stud Mounting
Since we use the same computer to drill the stud holes and to draw the installation pattern, you are assured of an accurate installation!
Examples
(Click on an image to see photos and descriptions!)
