LAFD Metro Fire Communications Center on Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA

Commissioned by the Los Angeles Fire Department, these bronze castings memorialize Captain Matthew McKnight, a fallen firefighter and 31-year veteran of the LAFD.  The twelve inch diameter medallions were created in cast bronze, using the logo of the city's fire department. Based on the preferences of the client, the medallion was filled with three different paint colors, rather than a standard chemical patina.  

In addition to the bronze medallion, a larger plaque was created for a memorial wall dedicated in McKnight's name.  This central plaque includes the circular memorial medallion and an illustration of McKnight's personal captain's badge. This illustration was created based off of a photograph provided by the client, and replicated by our designers at our studio.  The black areas are translated into raised bronze colored areas on the finished plaque, whereas the white areas are translated as recessed and become the same level as the plaque's background.  Masterwork Plaques can translate any object, landscape or portrait into a flat relief illustration using this technique.  

LAFD Badge, Photograph courtesy of the LAFD

Studio Illustration with McKnight's badge number

Donations can be made to the LAFD website in honor of Captain McKnight on their donations page.

What borders can I add to my cast bronze plaque?

Cast bronze plaques can be created with a variety of different border styles.  Typically a cast bronze plaque will have a simple border that is raised extending about ¼” from the edge of the plaque.  Borders are typically recommended on most cast bronze plaques, as they give the piece a finished and refined quality and also protect the central text and graphics from general damage. However, on occasion a borderless cast plaque may be preferred if the plaque will be inset into brick or into the ground and needs to have a seamless and integrated look with its surroundings. If a border is preferred, a standard single line border can be expanded to a double line border, beveled edge border, or even a combination of more than one border technique.  These borders are standard at our studio and are included in the price of the plaque (shown below).

What is the benefit of a textured background on a cast bronze plaque?

The recessed background of a cast bronze plaque is typically created with a subtle background texture and color, which provides contrast to the plaque’s raised text and border elements.  If a large plaque is created without a background texture, the casting process can leave subtle water marks on the surface of the background. These marks are normal occurrences on larger plaques, which are caused by the pouring of the molten bronze in the casting process.  Masterwork Plaques encourages textures on larger plaque projects to help disguise these flow marks, unless the client prefers the natural texture-free look.

We offer a variety of textures that range from subtle to dramatic.  The leatherette and pebbled backgrounds are two of our most popular choices for clients looking for only slight variations in the background.  Both textures are subtle and are best for plaques with a heavy amount of text and graphics, as they do not distract the viewer.

Textured backgrounds can also make your cast bronze plaque look distinctive and artistic. For a more striking texture, we would recommend the travertine and sculptured texture options.  For plaques with a decent amount of background space, we recommend textures which are more dramatic, to keep these open areas interesting. All of our textures can be used to differentiate your plaque project from the mass-produced, template based signage.  More information on background textures and other decorative elements can be found on our material options pages. 

Why is a chemical patina better than standard paint?

Cast bronze plaques can be finished with a paint or finished with a chemical patina with a variety of different effects.  The natural color of bronze is actually a very light gold, but the common belief is that bronze is actually a darker brown.  Most people only see bronze sculptures after a patina has already been applied, which is what makes people think bronze is naturally a dark colored metal.

ABOUT CHEMICAL PATINAS

A patina can occur naturally over time on the surface of most metals, caused as a result of oxidization, age, or exposure to changing weather and environment. Patinas can also be applied to metals when they are produced, which prevents weathering and general wear and tear on a plaque and also makes the plaque more visually pleasing.  

What is important to note is that a true patina, whether it occurs naturally or is applied, chemically changes the surface color of the bronze.  It will not peel away; it will not chip off.  Plaques that are finished with paint and not patina, can have adverse chipping affects because the paint simply sits on top of the metal.  With heavy foot traffic, the patina color will change and naturally burnish and shine, but this creates a pleasing look and gives the plaque a true luster, rather than a painted plaque that just looks badly maintained.

Often times other plaque companies will use the word patina or stain without actually using the true chemical process to color a cast bronze plaque.  Applying patina to a bronze plaque is a more expensive process than what most plaque-makers want to use.  Many companies use other products with names like chem-col, polychrome patina, and graphite sprays, which are really just paint.  If the bronze work is set in a horizontal position, or is subject to extreme weather conditions, these other products will start to peel in a few years.

What type of metal can be used for in-ground plaques?

Often times for walk of fame projects, interpretive trails and other installations, our clients may prefer to install a custom plaque project underfoot and inset into the ground, rather than installing on a wall.  Can this be done? Absolutely, however special requirements will apply if you choose to install a plaque in this way.

The plaque material is very important.  Some metals (such as aluminum) are too soft to be installed underfoot.  Aluminum is less dense than other metals and can chip away and corrode too easily when exposed to the constant wear and tear of foot traffic.  Stainless steel is a strong and non-corrosive metal, however because stainless steel can only be created as an etched plaque, the relief depth is too shallow and the painted areas will not last if installed in the ground.  Cast bronze plaques are stronger and more durable than most other metal types. This makes cast bronze ideal for projects inset into cement, pavers, terrazzo, sidewalks, etc.  Cast bronze plaques hold up very well against heavy foot traffic, as they share many of stainless steels durable qualities.  In fact, inset custom bronze plaques installed in cities and busy areas will enhance the luster and quality of the design over time - keeping raised areas buffed and looking good.

In addition to the metal choice for inset plaques, it is important to color and finish these projects in a particular way.  Masterwork Plaques uses a real chemical patina to color all of our studio's inset bronze plaque projects. This is a more expensive process than what most plaque makers would like to use.  Many other companies use products with names like chem-col, polychrome patinas, and graphite sprays which are really just fancy words for "paint".  If the bronze work is set in a horizontal position, i.e. in the pavement, these other products will start to peel in a few years.  Sometimes getting a “great deal” with a painted plaque seems more appealing upfront, but the cost and hassle of refinishing the painted plaque changes minds quickly!

Real patina finishes chemically change the surface color of the bronze.  This technique ensures that no coloration will peel away when the plaques are set in the paving.  Under heavy foot traffic, the patina will stay bright and buffed, so that the bronze work looks highlighted and burnished, as opposed to looking peeled and badly maintained.  

Determining the Proper Metal for your Plaque Project

After browsing through various plaques online and in your neighborhood, you have very likely come across both bronze and aluminum plaques.  Both plaque types are very popular and are used for both indoor and outdoor use, for traditional and unique purposes.  Masterwork Plaques creates both cast aluminum and cast bronze plaques at our studio, and each plaque is custom-made to your liking.  After working with each metal type over the years, we would recommend aluminum and bronze plaques for different applications. 

CAST BRONZE PLAQUES

The benefit of a cast bronze plaque is its exceptional durability.  Bronze is an alloy made primarily of copper and tin.  It is stronger and harder than any other common metal alloy, with the exception of stainless steel.  This makes a cast bronze plaque an ideal choice for exterior plaques used as standard signage, commemorative plaques, memorials and plaques that are inset into the ground. Cast bronze will hold up well against a variety of weather conditions and is finished with a clear lacquer for extra protection.  If you are looking for a plaque installed under foot, bronze plaques hold up well under heavy foot traffic. Bronze is also the most traditional material used for plaques, so this metal type will give your project a look of class, distinction and strength.  Bronze plaques have a recognizable luster created by the application of a true chemical patina, which holds up better than a paint or stain.

Benefits of Cast Bronze:

• Durability and strength
• Classic, traditional look
• Ability to hold fine detail
• Rich luster and chemical patina
• Wall installation and in-ground installation

CAST ALUMINUM PLAQUES

Cast aluminum plaques have unique benefits of their own.  Although aluminum is a much softer metal, it is significantly lighter in weight than cast bronze, while still retaining the ability to hold up well against a variety of weather conditions. The silver coloring of aluminum plaques also has a sleek, contemporary look, perfect for modern buildings with a materials palette of glass and steel. Aluminum is durable enough for both interior and exterior plaque installations, and can be mounted to just about any type of wall, stone or platform, as can bronze. However, because of the softness of the metal, aluminum plaques are not recommended for plaques that are inset into the ground or installed in very high-usage areas.  At our studio, cast aluminum is a great alternative to a bronze plaque if you are looking to create a large durable plaque on a smaller budget.  The background of an aluminum plaque can be painted virtually any color, making it a nice choice for corporate logo plaques or other graphic signs where the company’s colors are integral to the overall design.

Benefits of Cast Aluminum:

• Lightweight metal
• Budget friendly
• Contemporary, silver coloring
• Colored backgrounds
• Wall-only installation

For more information on the metal types we offer at our studio, check out our material options on our website.