Material & Care Guide

The Nature of Cast Bronze

At CustomPlaquesIN, we do not sell "bronze-effect" plastic or thin laser-etched metal. We deal exclusively in Solid Cast Bronze.

Bronze is an alloy consisting primarily of copper, with the addition of tin and other metals for strength. It has been used for thousands of years—from ancient statues to naval cannons—because of its incredible resistance to corrosion.

Cast vs. Etched: What is the difference?

Laser Etched (What we DON'T do): A machine scratches the surface of a flat sheet of metal. It is fast and cheap, but the text is shallow and hard to read from a distance.
Foundry Cast (What we DO): We pour molten metal into a sand mold. The text is raised (3-dimensional) and is part of the solid block of metal. This means your text can never "rub off" or fade away.

The Patina Finish

You will notice our plaques have a distinct look: Gold/Bronze letters against a dark background. This is not paint. This is a Patina.

How it works

Oxidation: We apply a chemical solution to the background areas of the raw bronze. This forces the metal to oxidize rapidly, turning it a rich, dark brown (or black).
Highlighting: We hand-sand the raised letters to reveal the bright, natural gold color of the raw bronze.
The Clear Coat: Finally, the entire plaque is sprayed with a high-grade, exterior polyurethane clear coat. This "locks in" the contrast and protects the raw bronze from the air.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Your bronze plaque is designed to be virtually maintenance-free. However, like any fine material exposed to the elements, a little care goes a long way.

Routine Cleaning (Once a Year)

Dirt, bird droppings, and pollen can accumulate on the raised letters.

Wash: Use a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild liquid dish soap (like Dawn).
Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with water.
Dry: Wipe dry with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

⚠️ What to AVOID

NEVER use abrasive pads (like steel wool or the green side of a sponge). This will scratch the clear coat.
NEVER use harsh chemicals, bleach, or ammonia-based cleaners. These can strip the protective lacquer and damage the patina.
NEVER use a pressure washer directly on the plaque.

Pro Tip: The "Wax" Secret

If your plaque is in a harsh environment (like direct oceanfront with salt spray), you can extend the life of the finish significantly by applying a coat of high-quality Carnauba Wax (automotive wax) once a year.

Apply the wax gently.
Let it dry to a haze.
Buff it off with a soft cloth.
This adds an extra layer of UV and moisture protection.

Aging: The "Living" Metal

Bronze is often called a "living material." Over many decades, the protective clear coat may eventually weather away. When this happens, the bronze will begin to age naturally.

Verdigris: Raw bronze exposed to air will eventually develop a turquoise/green hue (like the Statue of Liberty).
Is this bad? No. This is the metal protecting itself. Many people prize this antique look.
Restoration: If you prefer the "new" look, cast bronze can always be professionally refinished. The plaque is sandblasted, re-patinated, and re-coated to look brand new again—even 100 years later.