Signature Streetscapes Cast Bronze and Cast Aluminum Plaques and Signs User Guide
- June 13, 2024
- Signature Streetscapes
Table of Contents
Signature Streetscapes Cast Bronze and Cast Aluminum Plaques and Signs
Product Information
The product is a cast bronze and aluminum signage produced by Port City Architectural Signage. The cast parts have a high gloss baked enamel urethane clear-coat applied, which acts as aprotective barrier. The signage is designed to provide many years of service with little to no maintenance required, as long as the protective barrier is not damaged during installation, vandalism, or improper handling.
When choosing between bronze and aluminum, there are a few things to consider.
Aluminum castings will not rust but can oxidize over time, leading to the
development of a white, chalk-likeresidue that can affect the finish. The
environmental factors and exposure that the signage will face should be
carefully considered before making a final decision. Both bronze and aluminum
are excellent materials when installed in the appropriate environment.
Aluminum is a less expensive material and weighs about one-third of
bronze.
For engraved signage, the material used is Recycled Plastic (HDPE). This material is UV stable and highly durable. By removing the top layer of the material with a router bit, the core color is exposed. The color combination of the material is limited to whatis available. However, custom colors can be added using special rethane resins to fill the recessed areas of the sign. HDPE recycled plastic is an economical and durable material that can be customized for various applications.
Product Usage Instructions
- Ensure that the protective barrier of the cast bronze andaluminum signage is not damaged during installation, vandalism, or improper handling.
- Carefully consider the environmental factors and exposure that the signage will face before choosing between bronze and aluminum.
- If using engraved recycled plastic signage, use a router bit to remove the top layer and expose the core color.
- Custom colors can be added to the engraved recycled plastic signage by filling the recessed areas with special urethane resins.
- For any maintenance or cleaning needs, contact the toll-free number provided (1-800-705-1446) for assistance.
For more information and to explore other products, visit the official website at signaturestreetscapes.com or call 1-800-705-1446.
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING OF CAST BRONZE & ALUMINUM SIGNAGE
Cast bronze and aluminum parts produced by Port City Architectural Signage
have a high gloss baked enamel urethane clear-coat applied. Provided that this
protective barrier is not damaged during the installation process, vandalism,
or from improper handling, many years of service can be expected with little
to no maintenance required.
Periodic cleaning is recommended for products that are exposed to excessive
dirt and dust, fertilizers or standing water. When cleaning, use a mild
detergent with a soft cloth or sponge. Wiping motions should follow the grain
of the finish to minimize the visual effect of any minor surface scratching of
the clear-coat. Never use strong chemicals, abrasives or cleaning solutions;
damage to the protective coating will result. Mishandling that compromise the
protective coating will accelerate the aging process and will void the 1-year
finish warranty.
CHOOSING BETWEEN BRONZE AND ALUMINUM
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING BETWEEN BRONZE AND ALUMINUM
Red Bronze is made of 85% copper, which gives the metal a red/orange
appearance when polished. This bronze alloy out performs most metals in harsh
environments. Over time the metal surface will darken and begin to look aged.
When the clear-coat barrier eventually wears down, a chemical patina may form
on the surface of the marker with a wide range of effects depending on what it
is exposed to. This natural patina will enhance the aged look of the bronze
and actually further protect the object if left intact. Bronze markers can be
refinished and brought back to their original luster for a fraction of the
original cost. Call Port City Architectural Signage about obtaining a cost to
refinish your cast aluminum or bronze plaques and markers.
Aluminum castings will not rust, but will oxidize over time. Depending on the
environment and exposure, castings can develop a white, chalk like residue,
which will affect the finish. It is important to carefully consider all the
elements your product will be exposed to before making a final decision. Both
bronze and aluminum are superior materials when installed in the proper
environment. Aluminum is a less expensive material and weighs about one-third
of bronze.
ENGRAVED RECYCLED PLASTIC (HDPE)
Engraved Recycled Plastic is a UV stable and highly durable sign material. By
removing the top layer of the material with a router bit, the core color is
exposed. This process is limited to the color combination of material that is
available. Our special urethane resins allow us to add custom colors by
filling the recessed areas of your sign. HDPE recycled plastic is an
economical, durable material that can be customized for almost any application
needed.
The samples above show how each material has aged over time when exposed to extreme in field conditions. The effects shown above were documented over a 3 year period. The markers were all expose to the same conditions on a golf course (coastal region, in ground application, standing water, salt water, fertilizers, golf cart & foot traffic, lawn maintenance equipment, etc.) While bronze has darkened it remains Pristine, the aluminum has started to oxidize and a white chalk -like powder has started to develop on the metal surface. The HDPE material had no visible effects.