Cast bronze is metal formed by pouring molten bronze into a mold and letting it harden. Bronze is an alloy made mostly of copper. In sign making, the process is usually sand casting. First, a pattern of the design leaves an impression in sand. Then the molten metal fills it. As a result, the raised letters and borders form in the casting itself, not on top of it.
What Makes Cast Bronze Different
Cast bronze has real depth, since the lettering stands up from the surface. In addition, textures are cast into the plaque rather than painted on. That’s why a cast plaque looks and feels so different from a flat, engraved one. The metal also holds up outdoors, so it suits memorials, dedications, and building markers meant to stay for decades.
Cast Bronze Plaques in Our Work
From our shop in Edgewater, Maryland, we design and install plaques for churches, memorials, and businesses. For example, our Gustave Ring plaque at Washington Hebrew Congregation in Washington, DC shows how raised, polished letters catch the eye. We also made polished plaques with a recessed leatherette background for First Presbyterian of Annapolis. For a memorial example, see our Dreyfuss Patio plaque. Once you approve the design, a plaque is usually ready to install in about 3 to 4 weeks.
Cast Bronze Letters
Bronze isn’t only for plaques. Individual letters above an entrance make a church or office feel official and important. For instance, we installed bronze wall letters at First Presbyterian of Annapolis. Likewise, we installed brushed bronze letters at Washington Hebrew Congregation.
Choosing a Finish, Texture, and Border
Every plaque is its own project. So we work with you on the lettering, the background texture, and the border. Clean artwork gives the casting its crisp edges. If you’d like to explore the options first, Matthews has a helpful guide to cast plaque finishes, textures, and borders.
Cast Aluminum as an Alternative
When the budget is tighter, cast aluminum gives a similar raised look. For example, we made aluminum plaques for Pepco headquarters and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. We also made a memorial plaque for Maryland Vision Institute in Hagerstown.
See the Work
- Gustave Ring plaque at Washington Hebrew Congregation
- Polished plaques for First Presbyterian of Annapolis
- Dreyfuss Patio memorial plaque
- Wall letters at First Presbyterian of Annapolis
- Brushed letters at Washington Hebrew Congregation
Browse our full bronze plaque gallery and our aluminum plaque gallery. Our What We Do page shows everything we build.
Contact Designs & Signs
Need a plaque for a memorial or a building? Send us a message through our contact form, or call (410) 798-5115.