Memorial Plaques: Timeless Tributes to Cherished Memories

Cast Plaques: Imagine creating a metal plaque as if you were making a sculpture. That's how cast plaques are made. Molten metal, usually bronze or aluminum, is poured into molds to form the plaque's shape and design. These plaques are built to last – they can handle the elements and are perfect for outdoor use.

Cast plaques are distinctive with their raised elements. For e.g. the text on cast plaques is about 1/16” raised. Similarly, using photo-relief or bas-relief artistic details, shapes, and sculpted models can be added on top of the flat metal background which gives these plaques a very 3D look. Detail-wise, cast plaques can capture a decent amount of detail, from fine lettering to complex designs.

Etched Plaques: Now, think of etched plaques as engraving into a thin sheet of metal. Instead of casting, these plaques are created by chemically or mechanically removing material from the metal surface to form designs and text. They're suitable for both indoor and outdoor use but aren’t as tough as cast plaques.

When it comes to detail, etched plaques are super-impressive. They can reproduce complex designs, text, and images with precision. However, they have only a two-dimensional appearance because it’s a flat piece of metal and the engraving on them is usually not very deep (1/32” or less).

At the end of the day, the choice between cast and etched plaques depends on your project's specific needs. If you're looking for a 3D designs with a classic touch, cast plaques are the way to go. But if you want precision and detail in a two-dimensional form, etched plaques are perfect, plus they are usually more cost-effective.

Bronze, Brass and Aluminum are three of the most commonly used metals in US Foundries. Out of these three, Bronze is a popular choice for cast memorial plaques due to its excellent balance of the following factors:

• Durability: Bronze is highly durable and corrosion-resistant. It can withstand various weather conditions and environmental factors without deteriorating quickly. This durability ensures the long-lasting quality of the plaque, which is essential for memorials

• Aesthetics: Bronze has a warm, earthy tone. Brass has almost a yellow-gold tone. In comparison, Aluminum has a cold, silver-tone

• Aging: Over the years, Bronze Plaques develop a natural patina. The ability to patina over time adds character and depth to the plaque's design that is absent from other metals, especially Aluminum

• Detail: Bronze is a hard metal, much harder than either Brass or Aluminum. It is, therefore, an excellent material for capturing details in cast plaques. Whether you need fine lettering, intricate designs, or bas-relief images, Bronze can reproduce these details accurately

Due to these reasons, Bronze has a long history of use in memorial plaques and is associated with tradition and heritage, often making it a preferred choice for honoring individuals or commemorating events.

While Bronze is the material of choice for many cast memorial plaques, it's important to note that Brass or Aluminum can also be suitable depending on the specific requirements and budget. Regardless of the material chosen, it's essential to work with an experienced manufacturer to ensure the quality and craftsmanship of the final product.

The Art of Bas-Relief

At Saifee Signs, we translate imagery, graphics, and portraits into exquisite cast plaques. One of the ways we achieve this is "bas-reliefs," a technique in which our sculptors create a shallow relief that separates it from the cast plaque background, creating a three-dimensional effect.

The term "bas-relief" comes from the French words "basse" (low) and "relief" (raised), indicating that the images are raised slightly from the background but not fully detached like in high-relief sculptures. In a bas-relief sculpture, the designs appear almost flush with the surface and typically do not project very far from it. This artistic technique has been used for centuries and can be found in various cultures and historical periods. Bas-reliefs were used for decorative purposes on architectural elements, memorials, plaques, and art objects, adding a sense of depth and dimension to what would otherwise be a flat surface. The level of projection can vary from very subtle to more pronounced, depending on the artist's intent and the style of the artwork.

Today, this traditional method of low relief sculpture is used to add authenticity and distinctive touch to cast plaques commemorating the history of great people, their achievements, memories, logos, architectural renderings, and even depictions of nature and humanity.

The process of crafting bas-relief plaques begins with the selection of an image. Customers provide a high-quality image of the subject. Our skilled sculptors then take over, meticulously studying the portrait and capturing the person's features, smile, and unique qualities in clay. We then submit this clay model to the client for approval. The hand-carved models are an artist's rendition of the subject's image and, therefore, can take a couple of revisions to get the person's features and smile right. Our collaborative approach ensures that the final carving bears a true likeness to the subject, creating a lifelike piece that is emotionally resonant with the family members.

Once the clay carving is perfected, the sculptors create a two-part rubber mold to capture the intricate details of the sculpture. This mold is used to cast a more durable plastic relief pattern, suitable for the bronze casting process. After the portrait plaque is cast in bronze (most bas-reliefs are made out of bronze, but we can also use aluminum), we apply a chemical patina to ensure its longevity. This finishing touch adds beauty and safeguards the plaque from the risk of peeling or chipping, guaranteeing that it stands the test of time.

Some Considerations for Bas-Relief Plaques

• The subject's face should have a minimum height of 4 inches from chin to crown. Typical bas-reliefs portraits are between 10-24”

• The subject’s image must be high resolution (preferably around 300 dpi), free from pixelation, blurriness, and shadowing

• We offer up to three rounds of revisions (without any additional cost) to ensure an accurate likeness to the subject.

• Manufacturing time for plaques with bas-reliefs typically varies between 8 to 10 weeks from the time the order is placed. The actual time frame depends on the current workload our foundry is going through

Saifee Signs has a rich history of creating portrait plaques, historical markers, and architectural renderings, all featuring bronze and aluminum bas-reliefs. With our dedication to artistic excellence, attention to detail, and commitment to individuality, Saifee Signs brings the beauty and timelessness of bas-relief portraiture to your projects, ensuring that they stand out and leave a lasting impression for years to come.

Check out these examples of Bas-Reliefs