What Is Architectural Bronze?
Architectural bronze is a copper alloy frequently used for building projects. Much like Muntz metal and naval brass, it contains mostly copper (55-59%) and zinc (40%). However, architectural bronze differs in that it also typically includes around 3% lead, as well as trace amounts of iron.
Despite its name, architectural bronze is actually a form of brass due to its composition of copper and zinc, rather than copper and tin like traditional bronze. However, its coloration and use cases overlap more with that of bronze, giving it the colloquial name “architectural bronze.”
Uses of Architectural Bronze
Architectural bronze is, of course, commonly used across many architectural projects. Designers use sheets and plates of 385 bronze as exterior cladding for buildings, as well as for decorative entranceways, facades, and more.
This metal is also popular for detailing on architectural projects, with extruded shapes such as bars, tubes, and channels all being employed as trim, window frames, railings, ornamentation, and more.
385 bronze may be used on building exteriors or interiors, with interior use cases including building lobbies, detailing, and elevator and escalator projects.
History and properties
Bronze has been in use for thousands of years, gaining favor in architectural usage around the Middle Ages. Bronze-clad doors and windows dating back centuries demonstrate the incredible durability of this material.
Older examples of architectural bronze also demonstrate its shift in appearance over time, gaining a natural patina that is often intentionally left to develop and lend an elegant look to the buildings that include this metal in their design.
Leading Supplier for Finished Architectural Bronze
Pride Polishing is a leader on the West Coast when it comes to top-quality metal finishing services. We maintain a large stock of metal types, including 385 or architectural bronze products in varying shapes and sizes. Our team believes strongly in quality and consistency across all projects we complete, and our large facility and experience enables us to process high-volume orders while keeping to tight timelines and exact specifications.
If you have questions about our architectural bronze offerings or any other metal type, product, or finish, please reach out to us.
