Architectural Bronze

Also called 385 or C385 brass, architectural bronze is a copper alloy in a similar vein as naval brass and Muntz metal. As it contains a high proportion of copper, architectural bronze is characterized by a somewhat reddish color (copper alloys are sometimes called “red metals”). Due to a combination of its appearance, relative durability, and affordability compared to other red metals, architectural bronze is, fittingly, highly favored in architectural projects.

At Polished Metals, we’re a proud supplier of high-quality metal finishing on a wide range of 385 architectural bronze products, including sheets and plates, bars, pipes, and more.

a sculpture made from 385 architectural bronze

What Is Architectural Bronze?

Architectural bronze, also called 385 bronze or 385 brass, is an alloy composed primarily of copper, zinc, lead, and often trace amounts of iron or other metals. With a rich, dark grayish brown color, this metal provides a very unique appearance that is highly sought after. In addition, its composition and manufacture make it more affordable than many other red metals, making it a prime choice for high-volume projects.

Industries and Use Cases

As the name suggests, architectural bronze is highly favored in architectural projects, particularly in the form of exterior sheets and plates for buildings, entrances, facades, and more. This metal also sees plenty of use in smaller-scale projects where designers hope to add a more rustic appearance to the building they’re working on.

In addition to plates and sheets, 385 bronze is also commonly seen in other shapes and forms, including bars, tubes, channels, and more. It may be used for door and window frames, ornamentation on gates, and other decorative elements. Finally, this elegant metal can also be seen in interior features as well, such as building lobbies and elevator interiors, doors, rails, and more.

Is Architectural Bronze Brass?

Strictly speaking, while both bronze and brass are copper alloys, bronze traditionally contains tin while brass is alloyed with zinc. This means that, despite its name, architectural bronze is technically a form of brass. However, due to its appearance, which is somewhat dissimilar to traditional brass (or Muntz, also a form of brass) and more similar to bronze, this metal is generally referred to as architectural bronze.

Your Leading Supplier for Finished Architectural Bronze

At Polished Metals, we’re known throughout the world for our best-in-class metal finishing services. Our expansive inventory includes a broad selection of metal types, including copper alloys such as 385 architectural bronze. We strive for quality, consistency, and timeliness in all projects, big or small—and our 50,000 square foot in-house metal polishing facility equips us to provide the best products each and every time.

You know you’re working with the best when you work with the Polished Metals team. If you have questions about our architectural bronze offerings or any other metal type, product, or finish, please reach out to us.

Testimonials

“Plain and simple, we could not do what we do nearly as well without the consistent quality and support that we get from the entire team at Polished Metals Ltd. Your metal is top-notch, and the service that we get from David and Mary is even better! Our team has always enjoyed working with you guys, and we look forward to continuing our relationship for years to come.”
Architecture and Design

“I have worked with Polished Metals periodically throughout my 18 year carrier in the custom metal fabrication industry. They have been a consistent, reliable vendor for me both in regards to informational needs and as a product supplier. Quotes are often required to be turned around by me very quickly and Bob Gunther at Polished Metals sends me pricing and lead-times extremely fast. Our product arrives when we are told it will and if there are any delays (which does not happen often) we are informed ahead of time, which is appreciated. Product arrives undamaged and is of good quality 99% of the time and when there is an issue with damage or defects Polished Metals responds quickly and makes things right quickly. I highly suggest using Polished Metals for your quality metal needs.”
Architecture and Design

“Mary, It has been a pleasure working with you over several years. A fabricator is only as good as his suppliers, that is why we worked with you. You are one of the best in the industry.”
Architecture and Design

“When it comes to metal companies there are loads of companies that talk a good game, but Jay Isherwood from Polished Metals helps you make it happen. Polished Metals has offered us a great service with unparalleled consistency and amazing quality control. He has given us the confidence we needed to make an accurate timetable with our clients and each time, delivered as promised. Looking forward to the next project and working together again, thank you.”
Architecture and Design

“Our company produces and installs complex high-end projects in New York City. Procuring the materials for projects like the Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards can be extremely involved. Polished Metals exceeded our requirements for all our architectural metal needs on this and many other demanding NYC projects. Over the years they have provided everything from raw material to complex fabricated components for our installations. The key to our relationship has been outstanding communication and trust. As anyone in the construction industry knows things can change in an instant, how a company responds to those changes is critical. Mary and the whole team at Polished Metals have shown that they not only respond but have come through for us time and again.”
Architecture and Design

“Working with Polished Metals is always a pleasurable and exceptionally professional experience. Their range of capability is nearly limitless and in the fabrication industry they are extremely helpful in making sure a top quality product is delivered every single time. The sales team is nothing short of professional, they are very knowledgeable of the industry and they deliver top shelf service every time. Material range is everything we could need and they are surely a top choice when it comes to purchasing material for a project, large or small. If you want a top quality product and an enjoyable experience in receiving it, choose Polished Metals!”
Architecture and Design

“Polished Metals has been a Preferred Vendor of ours for over a decade. Our corporate philosophy dictates that we have Alternate or Secondary Supplier for all product, with the exception of #8 Mirror Polished Stainless Steel. We’ve tried to qualify other suppliers to no avail, as none of them can compete in any of the critical categories. The Customer Support provided by Bob Gunther cannot be replicated, pricing is fair, delivery is always on-time and quality is fantastic. As the Corporate Purchasing Manager for the last 7 years, not once have I had a negative experience with Polished Metals. I can’t say enough good things about them.”
Architecture and Design