Bronze Frames

Architectural bronze in glazing is used as a staple finish for traditional designs and as a modern pop of colour for contemporary projects. Depending on a design's needs, bronze frames can be achieved in a variety of ways to best suit both performance and aesthetic requirements.

True Bronze

Authentic architectural bronze frames possess an innate resistance to corrosion, primarily due to its copper components. Additionally, the presence of zinc in the alloy guarantees a remarkable tensile strength to bronze glazing profiles, resulting in a robust material that enhances their durability.

To ensure this, the bronze frames go through an acid treatment to speed up the oxidisation process, providing a more antique appearance to the patinated bronze frames, as the characteristic greenish blue patina is what naturally protects the inner layers from deterioration.

Bronze Frames in Marine Environments

Consequently, especially when utilised in poolside and coastal projects, exposure to elements such as chlorine and saltwater will also naturally weather bronze frames over time.

This results in stunning sets of glass doors and window systems with a timeless colouration that will evolve with time, perfect for restoration projects or luxury architectural designs.

Considerations need to be made if the project requires a uniform design, as the natural weathering of bronze frames can vary in both intensity and hues based on the build’s orientation in relation to the sun and other high impact environmental elements, thus resulting in inconsistent patterns.

If a uniform finish is required, a bronze effect finish would be the more suitable solution.

Bronze Effect Finishes

Bronze Effect Aluminium Frames

Aluminium frames can achieve a smooth, elegant bronze finish when anodised.

Anodization is achieved through the creation of an oxygen build-up on the surface of the aluminium surface, which then chemically reacts and bonds to the metal forming a layer of aluminium oxide on the frame.

The resulting visual effect is a sleek bronze finish free of any weathering patterns or patina textures.

To achieve a long-lasting finish that fully protects the base aluminium frame from corrosion in a poolside or coastal environment, it is strongly recommended that all aluminium frames be pre-anodised with an additional marine-grade PPC layer on the external surface. All aluminium framing from IQ has a PPC of 60 microns thick as standard.

However, while an anodised finish provides excellent protection against coastal environment elements such as sea salt sediments, if the anodised finish is scratched or damaged with frequent with use, fixing any scratches or marks is unfortunately near impossible, therefore, considerations need to be made if low maintenance is essential to the design.

Bronze Effect Stainless Steel Frames

Stainless steel is inherently a stronger material, but may be harder to work with for a polished look in its raw form.

For this reason, an anti-corrosion powder coated finish is always recommended, as it prevents the formation of iron oxide or rust on the steel surface in both marine and chlorinated environments.

This results in a rich, textured metallic bronze finish that is interesting to the touch, without a weathered appearance.

Unlike anodised aluminium, any wear and tear signs on stainless steel PPC coatings can be mended, however, bronze effect stainless steel frames still require some ongoing cleaning maintenance.

Bronze Frames at the Showroom

Our true bronze and bronze effect frames can be seen in person at the IQ Glass showroom, where our courtyard features a bronze framed elevation as well as bronze finish samples for you to experience first-hand.

Simply contact the IQ team to discuss bronze framed glazing for your next project or book a visit.