Hot Rods Does Bronze Plating Tarnish

I would like to plate some mild steel with Bronze for a out door sign, and was wondering if it will tarnish like the way Copper turns green

Thanks DND

 

all the neat old antique bronze sculptures are tarnished, aren't they?

 

You tell me:

 

The History Channel had a show on The Monument Guys from Oklahoma that was interesting. They cast bronze art & monuments in pieces, fused the parts together then smoothed & polished the pieces. They used different solutions to get the various shades of bronze patina colors then waxed the pieces to preserve the patina. https://www.thecruciblellc.com/

 

The Crucible is local to me. I have worked on large-scale art projects with the guys who run that place.

 

Hi Gimpy

Thanks for your post, I will call those guys on Monday to see about the bronze plating

DND

 

You could have them copper plated. I believe bronze turns brown. A thick coat of pure copper should turn green in time.

 

Rusty i'am looking for the brown color that will not turn any other color, that is why i'am hoping the bronze will not tarnish and stay the same like it comes out of the plating tank

DND

 

Why not clear coat it? That's what I did to bronze I polished out on my old wooden cruiser..

 

Yes it does. brasso will help keep it untarnished bronze is what you like.

 

Hi. From memory either bronze or copper turns white over time. Pidgeons love them.
Jimmie

 

I'am a hoping the birds will not get to it as it will be a sign [ Casa Granada ] on the side of my house , with some roof overhang

If the bronze is going to turn I might do it in wrought iron black and let age

DND

 

Bronze will tarnish over time. A clear lacquer finish will help prevent tarnishing.
Here's the alloy make up of brass and bronze.
https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/difference-between-copper-brass-bronze/

 

Best to clear an exterior bronze sign with a non yellowing clear coat with UV inhibitors. Marine clear finishes like spar varnish or urethane have UV protection built into to prevent the coating from breaking down in the sun. The clear coat keeps the elements off the metal so there is no atmospheric reaction to hold the metal's natural color.

We had brass coal oil lamps from a CPR rail station that my mother used for ornaments. They were polished with Brasso & cleared with lacquer that kept them shiny for about 50 years. Agree with others that a good clear coat for exterior would work for the bronze.

 

X2 Brasso works awesome