Wall & Building Signage

Sidebar

Categories

Showing 0 of 0 products

No products found
Use fewer filters or clear all

A Mark of Distinction: Bronze Building & Historical Plaques

A bronze plaque is the universal symbol of permanence and prestige. Whether you are designating a structure on the National Register of Historic Places, commemorating a new municipal building, or honoring a major donor, our Custom Cast Bronze Wall Plaques provide the official, architectural finish that your project demands.

The Standard for Historical Societies

History must be preserved. We work with local historical commissions and preservation groups to cast markers that meet strict aesthetic standards.

  • National Register Plaques: We offer standard formats for properties listed on the National Register.

  • Custom Restoration: Match the font and border style of existing signage on older buildings to maintain historical accuracy.

  • Deep Relief: Our casting process creates raised letters that are easy to read and can be refinished decades later, ensuring the history is never lost.

Commercial & Civic Dedications

For new construction or major renovations, a plaque serves as the permanent "signature" of the building.

  • The "Signing" of the Building: Perfect for listing the year of construction, the names of the architects, the board of directors, or the mayor/city council in office at the time of dedication.

  • Donor Walls: Create a cohesive look for capital campaign recognition walls using individual bronze plates for major contributors.

Architectural Installation

We understand that these plaques often mount to granite, brick, or limestone.

  • Concealed Mounting: For a seamless look that prevents theft, we recommend "blind stud" mounts (threaded rods on the back). This leaves the front face of the plaque clean, with no visible screw heads.

  • Rosettes: For a more traditional look, we offer decorative rosettes to cover standard screw heads.

Template Guide: How to Word a Building Plaque

Building plaques often follow a strict hierarchy. Here are the standard formats used for civic and commercial projects.

1. The "Cornerstone" Format (Civic/Public Buildings)

Used for libraries, city halls, and schools.

NAME OF BUILDING Dedicated [Month, Year]

Board of Directors: [Name 1] [Name 2] [Name 3]

Mayor: [Name] Architect: [Firm Name] Builder: [Construction Co. Name]

2. The Historical Marker Format

Used to denote significance.

HISTORIC SITE NAME Built Circa 1890

This property has been placed on the NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES by the United States Department of the Interior.

3. The "In Grateful Appreciation" (Donor/Corporate)

Used for lobbies and wings of buildings.

THE [NAME] WING Made possible by the generosity of [Donor Name]

"A quote about vision or philanthropy." 2024

Contact us for bulk pricing on campus-wide signage projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Custom bronze plaques are durable, elegant, and permanent forms of recognition. They are commonly used for:

  • Memorials and Dedications: Honoring individuals, events, or historical sites.

  • Architectural Signage: Building names, cornerstones, and wayfinding.

  • Donor Recognition: Acknowledging contributions in universities, hospitals, and non-profits.

  • Historical Markers: Commemorating significant places or moments.

  • Trophy and Award Backing: Providing a premium, lasting award element.

Bronze plaques are typically made using the sand-casting process. This involves creating a mold of the desired design in sand, pouring molten bronze into the mold, allowing it to cool and solidify, and then finishing the casting by polishing, adding patinas (colors), and applying protective coatings.

The production time for a custom bronze plaque can vary based on complexity, but generally, it takes approximately 2-4 days after the final design approval. This timeframe includes design, molding, casting, and finishing.

Design and Customization

Bronze plaques offer extensive customization, including:

  • Size and Shape: Virtually any size and shape can be cast.

  • Text and Fonts: Custom fonts and multiple text lines are standard.

  • Logos and Images: Engraved or raised graphics, logos, and emblems.

  • Borders: Various edge styles, such as single line, double line, or decorative borders.

  • Patina/Color: Common finishes include a dark oxide background (statuary brown) with polished, raised elements. Custom color fills (color-matching) can also be added.

  • Raised Design: The letters, graphics, and border are elevated above the background surface. These raised areas are typically polished for contrast.

  • Recessed Design: The letters, graphics, and border are engraved or etched into the surface. The recessed areas are usually filled with paint or left natural. For bronze plaques, the standard is usually a raised design.

For the best results, high-resolution vector artwork files (like AI, EPS, or PDF) are preferred for logos and graphics. Text can be provided in a standard word processing document. If vector art is unavailable, our design team can often convert or recreate the artwork for a small fee. Please submit your artwork to Get Design & Quote.

To order a custom shape, please contact our design team at info@customplaquesin.com to discuss your architectural requirements and receive a quote.

Installation and Maintenance

Most plaques come with mounting hardware suitable for the intended surface (e.g., walls, stone, or posts). Common mounting methods include:

  • Blind Mount (Stud Mount): Threaded rods are attached to the back of the plaque and inserted into drilled holes in the wall, creating a flush look with no visible screws.

  • Drilled and Tapped: Holes are drilled through the plaque face, allowing screws to be used. Decorative rosette caps are often supplied to cover the screw heads.

Yes, bronze is a naturally durable material that is highly resistant to corrosion, making it excellent for all outdoor environments.

Bronze plaques require minimal maintenance. To clean, simply wipe the surface with a soft cloth and mild, non-abrasive soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the protective coating or patina. For severe stains, contact a professional restoration service.

Ordering and Cost

To receive an accurate quote, please provide the following details:

  1. Desired plaque dimensions (height and width).

  2. The full text to be included.

  3. Any graphics or logos (attach artwork if possible).

  4. Intended installation method and location (indoor/outdoor).


You can request a quote by submitting details here: Get Design & Quote

No, we specialize in custom work and can accommodate single-plaque orders, though pricing is often more economical with larger quantities.

Custom bronze plaques require time for design approval, molding, casting, and finishing. The standard production takes 2-4 business days and delivery time is approximately 5-10 days after the final design is approved. We will provide a specific production schedule upon order confirmation.
Yes, all our bronze historical plaques come with a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. For more details on the warranty coverage, please review the warranty document.