Distributors of Fine Metal & Acrylic Letters
and Cast & Etched Metal Plaques

Once the background of the plaque has been painted, the surface areas are highlighted by sanding (flat areas) or buffing (sculpted areas). To inhibit natural oxidization, a clear, protective coating is then applied.

Highlighting Finishes

	Satin Bronze The Natural metal color with subtle horizontal grain lines meets NAAMM finish designation M33-C11-060.
	Satin Aluminum The natural metal color with subtle horizontal grain lines. Meets NAAMM finish designation AA-M33-C11-R10.
	Polished Bronze The natural metal color buffed to a high gloss, obtained by polishing with successively finer abrasives, then buffing with fine buffing compound. Meets NAAMM finish designation M42-M22-C10-060.
	Chrome Plated Bronze The raised surface of the bronze plaque is polished to meet the polished bronze specifications. The background of the plaque remains in its "natural sandblast" state, providing contrast with the polished raised surface. The entire plaque is then electro-plated using a standard commercial copper/nickel/chrome plating process.

Protective Finishes
In order to protect the natural, highlighted finish of a cast bronze or a aluminum plaque, two options are available:

Matthews Clear Protective Lacquer
Providing a low gloss appearance, this clear coating was developed to help ensure many years of carefree maintenance. This option should be selected when matching older plaques or when a lower gloss look is desired (particularly for interior applications.)

Diamond Shield® Protective Coating
Exclusively available, our chemists developed this 2-part coating for protection in the harshest environments. Diamond Shield® can be factory-applied only and provides maximum protection. This coating is applied with a heavier thickness than our clear protective lacquer and is available in a high gloss version only. Diamond Shield® is particularly effective in harsh, exterior environments, where plaques are exposed to salt, pollution and weather.

Helpful Hints

• The maximum size available for polished bronze plaques is 72" x 32". A polished finish is not recommended when there are large raised areas due to normal surface inconsistencies inherent in the casting process.
  
  
• The casting alloy of aluminum used does not lend itself to polishing. Polished aluminum plaques are not available.
  
  
• Diamond Shield® is our standard clear, protective coating. Unless otherwise specified, all plaques will receive Diamond Shield® clear protective coating.

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