Bronze markers and plaques are both beautiful ways to celebrate the achievements of a person's lifetime. While bronze markers are presented under what most would consider much less pleasant circumstances than are plaques, both are elegant ways to commemorate and honor a person. At Bronze Marker Info, our goal is to help you understand how bronze is made, why bronze is chosen, and where to turn when you need bronze markers and plaques.
Bronze is an alloy. It is composed primarily of copper and tin, though small amounts of lead and zinc are also included. When bronze markers and plaques are made from bronze, a mold of the marker or plaque (complete with lettering, dates, and design pattern) is prepared for pouring. Ingots of bronze are placed in a crucible (like a pot) and melted under intense heat. Temperatures in a crucible must reach 2000 degrees in order for the bronze to properly melt. The molten bronze is then poured into the mold.
The next phase in the bronze casting process is called "chasing." It involves removing imperfections by lightly grinding the bronze until the desired surface texture and shape has been achieved. In wood working, this process would be called sanding. The chasing gives the finished project the texture desired by the craftsman. After chasing, a craftsman will then touch up and define any areas of detail that may not have transferred during the casting process.
In the last stages of the process, the craftsman will apply several coats of paint to the bronze piece. When the paint has dried, he or she will then rub areas of the bronze markers and plaques with a solvent. This process (which removes the paint and exposes the top edge of both the letters and the sculpted design features) brings out the contrast between the natural bronze coloring and the painted background. Finally, a lacquer coating is applied to provide the finish.
Bronze's popularity is due as much to its durability as its beauty. Because it is a metal alloy, it stands up extremely well when subjected to the elements. Bronze markers and plaques, as well as bronze urns, are just a few of the objects that can be crafted from bronze. While statues, hardware, fixtures, and other items can also be crafted from bronze; markers, plaques, and urns are bronze's most common usage.
Bronze Grave Markers
There are countless styles of bronze markers. The most popular bronze marker is the nameplate. Nameplates include the name of the departed along with a bas relief border or design. These designs can be simple like those found on VA grave markers) or elaborate. Religious symbols are often included in the design, as are images from nature. Sometimes a family crest can be added if the foundry does custom work. Nameplates can also have an urn attached to them for holding flowers.
Bronze Urns
Bronze urns can be found adorning the gravesides of many memorial parks and cemeteries in America. Leaving flowers is one of the more reflective features of a graveside memorial. Bronze urns are mounted to bronze markers and are virtually impervious to the elements.
Bronze Plaques
Bronze plaques are a wonderful way to honor the contributions that individuals and/or groups have made to your company or organization. With a cast bronze plaque, the achievements of the plaque's honoree(s) will be remembered for generations. Whether it is placed in an office, a lobby, or above the front door to the building, the plaque will serve as a permanent "thank you" to those who have made remarkable contributions.