Bronze lettering is a terrific way to display the title of your company above the entrance to your building. It is elegant, classy, and stylish. Bronze lettering looks far better than any synthetic material and resists wear and corrosion far better than wood. It is also surprisingly affordable.
Bronze is a durable alloy composed of copper and tin. When lettering is made from bronze, a mold of each letter (in the appropriate font) is prepared for pouring. Pieces of bronze (called ingots) are placed in a pot or crucible and subjected to intense heat (about 2000 degrees). Once the bronze has melted, it is carefully poured into the mold and then allowed to cool.
"Chasing" is the next phase in the bronze casting process. Chasing is the process of removing the imperfections of the cast by lightly grinding the bronze until the desired surface texture and shape has been achieved. The chasing gives the finished project the desired texture. After chasing, a craftsman will touch up and define any areas of detail that may not have transferred during the casting process. It is during this phase that any last detail work will be added.
Bronze lettering can be customized by any full-service bronze foundry. Some companies and groups prefer simple block lettering while others prefer a more elegant font. No matter which style you choose, it's best to choose a foundry with lettering experience. Also look for a foundry that is willing to provide a free estimate and that will guarantee the quality of their work. If you can, talk to people in your area that have used a bronze foundry in the past.