If you have seen a lot of ancient sculptures, you might have noticed that bronze is the most commonly used metal in making them. The reason for this is quite obvious. It is not just because it is cheap and easy to work with but also because there are many advantages of using it as well. Statues made of copper are ideal for exterior locations due to their resistance to corrosion and oxidation. They also do not need any maintenance other than cleaning them from time to time.
However, there are some disadvantages as well. Copper does not last long especially if exposed to moisture or acidic compounds such as urine or urine-based products like cleaners, soaps and paints. These can compromise the integrity of the copper surface which can lead to pitting or flaking over time. The problem gets worse if the copper object is kept under outdoor conditions without any kind of protection such as a roof or enclosure.
For these reasons, many people prefer using bronze as their main material when building statues outdoors as they are less likely to suffer from similar issues in the long run compared unrefined metals than those processed by human hands like copper.
What Is Bronze?
Bronze is a copper alloy that has been treated with tin and other elements to change its appearance and strength. There are different types of bronze, such as copper-tin, copper-zinc, copper-nickel and others. Bronze was first discovered by the ancient Egyptians who used it to make tools, weapons and jewelry.
Advantages of Having Statues Made of Bronze
Bronze statues are less likely to corrode or oxidize in outdoor conditions owing to their resistance to water and chemicals. They also have a longer lifespan than those made of unrefined metals like copper as they do not bend or fold easily. Bronze is also more cost effective than copper when it comes to durability and maintenance costs.
Bronze statues are also easy to make which means they can be quickly assembled and put up in locations that need an instantly available piece of art. Bronze statues are lighter than their counterparts made from copper, so they are easier to carry around and install if the location is not ideal for installing the usual sculptures made of this material such as on the ground or at a high altitude.
Disadvantages of Having Statues Made of Bronze
Bronze does have its disadvantages though. For one, it is not as durable as copper and can degrade over time if exposed to moisture, acids or oxygen. Furthermore, it needs more maintenance than copper. Bronze statues are more likely to develop an oxidized discoloration with age and even turn green in the presence of acid.
Another disadvantage of bronze statuary is that it isn’t as light as copper making them difficult to transport. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing since many sculptures are meant for outdoor use and may be too heavy for transportation. However, this could limit their accessibility when you want to place them in various locations such as on the lawn or next to your house.
So what’s really the best metal? It depends on your budget and aesthetic preference but either way one can be used with success in creating a beautiful sculpture that will last a long time.
Why Is Copper Preferred Over Bronze For Making Statues?
Bronze is preferred over copper for making statues because of its long lifespan and the fact that it does not need to be maintained. However, copper is more easily corroded or oxidized, which causes the surface to deteriorate over time.
There are also other factors that influence whether or not bronze is used for statues like the cost of the metal and fabrication methods. A statue made of bronze will cost a lot more than one made from copper since it requires a higher quantity of metal and it is harder to fabricate such large items using hydraulic casting.
Examples of Statues Made Out of Copper
The following are some famous statues that were made using copper. These statues are still standing today and there has been no sign of corrosion or degradation in them.
– The Statue of Liberty was built using a copper alloy called Cipolin.
– The Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
– The Statue of the Liberator in Lisbon, Portugal
– The Winged Victory of Samothrace
– The Neptune Fountain in Paris, France
Conclusion
Statues made of copper are more common because copper is less expensive than bronze and is easier to work with.
FAQ’s
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using different metals for statues?
In general, bronze statues are the most durable types as they are often made of copper. However, copper also tends to be the most expensive type as well. Aside from durability and longevity, there are other factors that can affect your decision when choosing the best metal for statues. The cost of the material, available resources, and your own budget can all play a role in determining which metal is ideal for your project.
The important thing to keep in mind is that it is always best to start with a less expensive material and work your way up to the more expensive one if needed. Additionally, it is important to make sure that you research the best bronze statue manufacturing process as well as the materials that are used when creating your project.
How does copper compare to other metals in terms of durability?
There are several advantages of using copper when making sculptures:
1. It is very durable, this means that the statue will last long even if exposed to natural elements.
2. It is lightweight, this makes it easy to transport.
3. It is easy to work with, this also means that you will not have a difficult time creating the statue.
4. It is affordable, most artisans prefer using this metal because of its price.
What are the best ways to preserve bronze statues?
The best way to protect and preserve a bronze statue is by protecting it from the elements. Enclosed spaces such as a garage or shed are the best places to store bronze statues. If you are unable to protect the statue from exposure to the elements, put it in a safe place such as a locked cabinet or box to protect it from being stolen or damaged.
Another way to preserve and protect bronze statues is by using a protective coating on them. This will prevent the statues from being damaged by rubbing or abrasion, as well as chemicals or impurities in the air. You can also buy bronze statue kits which come with all the necessary materials for preserving your statue and giving it a new coat of finish.
