Frames
Bronze and brass
Bronze and brass are copper alloys. Brass is mainly copper and zinc, and traditional bronze is mainly copper and tin, although architectural bronze is usually a brass in the strict metallurgical sense. Both are used for door furniture, shop window trims, thresholds and lettering on period frontages.
Where does it work well?
Period frontages, restored original shopfronts, door furniture, kick plates, stall riser vents and lettering, where the owner wants the character of a warm metal finish that ages with use.
Pros
- Warm traditional look
- Can be repolished or left to patina
- Hard-wearing on touch points
- Good corrosion resistance
Cons
- Expensive
- Tarnishes without polish or lacquer
- Matching sections can be hard to source
How long does it last?
Typically very long-lived, with the finish changing over time unless it is polished or lacquered.
What should you check when buying?
Decide early whether you want a bright or a natural aged finish, because lacquered and unlacquered metal need different care. Ask for the exact alloy and finish in writing, and check that fixings will not stain or corrode against it.
Common questions
Will brass door furniture go dull?
Yes, unlacquered brass darkens with touch and weather unless polished. Lacquered brass stays brighter for longer, until the lacquer wears through. Many owners of period shops like the natural patina, so decide this before ordering.
Can original bronze shopfronts be restored?
Usually yes. Cleaning and repolishing are often possible on site, and damaged sections can be copied by a specialist. On a listed building, treatment of original metalwork may need listed building consent, so check with the council first.