Bronzing involves coating a base metal with a layer of bronze, either through electroplating, chemical deposition, or applying a metallic lacquer. In foundries and finishing shops, it is used to protect cheaper substrates from corrosion or to give iron and steel the aesthetic appearance of solid cast bronze. The chemical variants often involve treating copper alloys with sulfide solutions to artificially age or darken the surface.
The client wants the handrails finished with a dark bronzing to match the historic fixtures in the lobby.
True electroplated bronzing adds a physical layer of copper-tin alloy, whereas chemical bronzing often just oxidizes an existing brass or copper surface.
Related terms
Electrofinish
To treat a metal surface using an electrical current in a chemical bath to alter its properties or appearance.
Aluminium bronze
A family of copper-based alloys containing a significant percentage of aluminium.
Niello
A black metallic alloy of sulfur, copper, silver, or lead used for surface decoration.