Duncantech

Sculptures are 3 dimensional artworks created by combining or shaping hard materials. There are many materials that have been used for garden sculpture over the years. Metal, however, has always been the most popular option because it is very durable. There are many metals that are used for garden sculptures. Common techniques in sculpturing metals are carving, welding, molding/casting, and hardening by firing. You should go for a metal that is aesthetically pleasing, but more important is going for one that does not degrade when exposed to the elements. The choice of metal for the metal garden sculpture should be based on your particular preferences, what the sculpture is to be used for (such as a birdbath, a sculpture bench, or an abstract or real-life statue), your circumstances such as the size and theme of your garden, and your budget.

Consider the recommendations of a sculptor to determine the best metal for your particular requirements. The metal garden sculpture could be made of bronze. European bronzes of years past were made from ‘red brass’, which has a composition of 85% copper, 5% lead, 5% tin, and 5% zinc. This composition was advantageous in that it made pouring, patination, and finishing processes easy. Copper, tin, and lead are used in today’s bronze statues. A corroded bronze sculpture has great aesthetic value. It has a light greenish cast and some patchwork of irregular green and black areas. Another popular metal for sculptures is zinc. Zinc is advantageous in that it is not too expensive and it has great aesthetic value. The casting requires less heat than you would use with other materials. Zinc has a gray silver color and corroded zinc is white. The plating and the patina disappears with time.

If you have the money, your metal garden sculpture could be made of gold. Gold is however used as a coating for bronze sculptures because it is too expensive. Gold is advantageous over other metals in that it does not tarnish as time passes and it does not look discolored from grime and dust. Other metals that are used in metal garden sculptures, although not very commonly are cast iron, lead, and silver.