Listen to this articleJust like any other type of material or product seen in the market, sheet metal can also be available in different textures, thicknesses, grades, and colors. All of these things play a vital role in the decision process in what materials, especially sheet metal, are best to use in your project at hand.
While there are a lot of sheet metal options to choose from, most artists and craftsmen prefer aluminum sheets to other types of metal. However, it is not the only type of metal that everyone can use in their project. There are also sheets made out of copper, bronze, brass, and stainless steel that are available for usage. All you have to do is make sure that the type of sheet metal you’re using complements the artwork that you’re doing.
For those who are planning to create a work of art that’s traditional or more classical, copper and bronze are your best bet. However, if you’re into modern art, you opt for laser cut aluminum sheets. On the other hand, if you’re into rustic or western art, rusted or patina-ed sheet metal is a friendly choice.
Will the quality of the finished product depend on the type of metal sheet used?
The reason why it is important for you to know which type of metal sheet to use in your artwork is that different types of metal have their own quality levels. Most experienced craftsmen know that the type of metal to use is a crucial deciding factor. These types have various kinds of grades too. For sheets made out of aluminum, it can be a pop can grade, aerospace-grade, automotive grade, and industrial grade. On the flip side, steel sheets can also be found in stainless steel grade, mild steel, and cold-roll steel. With that in mind, it is safe to say that art made out of metal can be created from literally any type of metal. All you have to do is find the right one for your work.
1. Iron Metal Art
Iron has been a very popular type of metal since ancient history. Hand tools, garden sculptures, cooking pots, boats, weapons, and some other item that is usable during that time are mostly made out of this material. There are a plethora of iron types that anyone can use but for most artworks, they are made out of one of the following:
- Cast Iron – cast iron is not as flexible as other metal types. It cannot be bent or stretched and it has the right amount of carbon that gives off its quality.
- Wrought Iron – this type of iron is naturally softer in general. Wrought iron can be easily rolled into plates, drawn into wires, and hammered into bars.
- Steel – steel has the characteristics of both cast and wrought iron. It has a finer grader than most of its counterparts. Also, it becomes lighter when the material is exposed to warmer temperatures.
- Stainless steel – With the use of steel, chromium can be alloyed to help the art made out of metal from free from rust. Good thing stainless steel is alloyed of around 20% of chromium.
2. Tin Metal Art
Tin is one of the most popular metal art ingredients in the previous years and is mostly found in tin foil art, wall signs, wall artworks, figural sculptures, plaques, and many more. While tin-made metal arts have been less known today, the first one was produced in Mexico during the 16th century.
3. Copper Metal Art
Just like gold, tin, and silver, copper is a type of metal that can be used in its purest state. The same as tin, it has been widely known through history, but can still look good if you’re eyeing industrial and stylish decorative metal arts such as wall arts.
The reason behind this is because this metal kind can be easily bent and molded no matter how you want it. That is also why this material is the main player when it comes to metal artworks.
4. Bronze Metal Art
Bronze is the first-ever metal alloy made by the ancient people. The most popular characteristic of bronze is its sturdiness. In fact, bronze is harder and stronger than iron. It has been the go-to metal component when creating metal statues and sculptures in the past. The Romans have also made this the main component for their weapons.
Aside from its strength and durability, bronze can also be cast in a wide variety of hues, styles, and shapes, which makes it one of the most sought after metals for art.
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