Bronze
Jenny Lee
General Information
Bronze is an alloy composed of copper and typically tin. It is a versatile material that is valued for its durability, ductility, and corrosion resistance.
This reddish-brown metal is made by melting down 2+ metals. Once it reaches a liquid state, the molten bronze is poured into a mold through a process called casting. It is left to cool down and harden for a few days.
Although this material is weather-resistant, it ages into a deep brown or greenish-brown patina. To highlight this natural sheen, an oil-rubbed finish is applied using linseed oil or lemon oil. For this metal, it is recommended to use Windex or plain soap and water for daily cleaning.
Use in Interior Setting
1. This set of bronze furniture showcases the natural patina of the metal with an eclectic pattern that is created using corrosive chemicals.
2. Intricate bronze sheets envelop this elevator shaft which pays homage to the Art Deco style.
3. This bronze staircase is a prime example of an innovative approach to making a structural component become a beautiful sculpture.
4. Bronze is an integral element in this space because it blends the cabinetry and refrigerator seamlessly into the wall.
5. These bronze lighting fixtures feature an oil-rubbed finish to add to the warm industrial feel of the space.
Environmental Impact
Bronze is a very sustainable material because it is completely recyclable. Scrap can be recycled at local centers while old bronze castings can be remelted into new material. This metal also has a long-lasting life cycle as its high copper content makes it extremely durable.
The oxidization of the top layer allows for weather resistance to several environmental factors.
Bronze has no effect on indoor air quality.
Bench
For a bronze bench, different finishes can be applied to either highlight its natural patina or to protect it from corrosion. Venetian bronze, satin bronze, and oil-rubbed bronze are a few of the several options available. What finish is chosen depends on the desired end-product. Venetian bronze is matte and reflects more light while oil-rubbed appears to have a greasy texture and has a black matte sheen.
Testing Organizations:
Contract Laboratories https://www.contractlaboratory.com/directory/laboratories/by-industry.cfm?Metals---Bronze-Testing-Laboratories&i=2096
Oxford Authentication - https://www.oxfordauthentication.com/authenticity-testing/bronze/
United States Bronze - https://usbronze.com/
Relevant standards through ASTM:
B824 - Specification for General Requirements for Copper Alloy Castings
E10 - Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
E8/E8M - Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
Sources
1. Knowles, E. & Miller, K. (2014) "A Comprehensive Guide for Selecting Interior Finishes." (p.24)
2. https://rotaxmetals.net/the-characteristics-of-bronze-that-make-it-great-for-metalworking/
3. https://brookscustom.com/bronze-countertops/bronze-care/
4. https://espimetals.com/index.php/msds/457-Bronze
5. https://prestivac.com/blog/how-to-safely-recover-bronze-toxic-dust
6. https://blog.dahlstromrollform.com/sustainable-architectural-materials-does-bronze-count
7. https://www.hunker.com/12000271/different-colors-of-bronze-finish