Metalworking is as much an art as it is a science. Of course, your design needs to be structurally sound and yes, it will last for years to come — but it also has to look good!
If all you want is something that’s purely functional, you can go to a former Soviet engineer and get a piece that looks like it belongs in front of an Eastern Bloc apartment building on the set of Chernobyl. But if you want jaw-dropping art that’s constantly being serenaded with a chorus of oohs and ahhs to the point that you think someone must’ve installed a soundtrack in the bottom of the piece, look no further than the expert craftsmen at Latest Metalworks!
Not only do we have the tools and expertise and help make your dreams a reality, we can also offer artistic advice on key considerations, like material design. From corten steel towers to bronze sculptures and beyond, we’ve done it all — which is why we created this blog to walk you through the basic considerations of material design. Below we discuss the pros and cons of different metals, outlining the applications for each. Let’s get started!
So Many Metals to Choose From
When it comes to design choices, there’s a seemingly endless supply of different metals, alloys, and mixtures to choose from. So we decided to stick with a few of the most common:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel gives your design a sleek, modern look. Its reflective finish and natural resistance to corrosion makes it a popular choice for large outdoor installations. For even greater customizability, you can apply polished, brushed, or matte finishes to unlock a variety of different textures.
Bronze
Throughout the art world bronze is celebrated for its timeless appeal. Its classic color adds an aura of antiquity to even the most modern designs. Outdoor bronze sculptures develop a natural patina over time for added character. And like steel, bronze’s heavy make up adds greater structural stability.
Corten Steel
Corten steel is prized for its rust-like appearance that’s well suited for both rustic and industrial-style designs. Its weathered look isn’t purely ornamental either, the rust also acts as a protective layer to guard the underlying steel against damage.
Brass
Valued for its rich, golden appearance, you can easily add a sense of elegance to any artwork by incorporating brass accents and fixtures into your overall design. Brass is also relatively easy to work with, making it ideal for designing smaller, more intricate elements.
Copper
Copper gives your artwork a warm, reddish hue which becomes naturally coated with a green patina over time. Its workability makes it ideal for more intricate designs. Copper can be polished for greater shine and added elegance, or aged for a more natural look.
Aluminum
Lightweight and flexible, aluminum is perfect for detailed designs! Its ease of fabrication allows for complex 3D shapes and custom designs. It’s also corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor pieces.
How to Know Which Metal is Right For You
If you’re still unsure which metal to choose, you can talk with an expert at Latest Metalworks. Our engineers will walk you through the design process step by step, helping you turn your dream into a real life masterpiece. Call (951) 696-5900 to get started!